My dad was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer a few days ago, after a couple of months of being ill.
I feel extremely guilty that I didn't go with him for the results (his friend went with him) because we were led to believe it wasn't going to be too serious, and I'd just started a new job after a year unemployed and couldn't risk taking time off so soon.
In the few days since the diagnosis he's deteriorated rapidly and can't really look after himself. He has a carer in the evenings to help out, and a district nurse 3 times a week, but I don't think it's enough. He won't eat, won't get up from the sofa, isn't interested in doing anything to occupy his time. Me and my brother visit as often as we can and take food round, try to find things to entertain him, but I don't know what more we can do.
All I know is what my dad has told me - it's lung cancer caused by asbestos and there's no treatment - but I really need to know more, like what kind of palliative care can he receive, how long is he expected to live etc. No one has contacted my dad or my family since the diagnosis. Can the hospital give me information, or his GP?
My family has been lucky and this is the first time we've had to deal with any serious illness. It's all so sudden and new.
I just want him to have some comfort and dignity but don't know who to contact for advice or how to provide it.
