Hi all, 

My step dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer in August of 2018 and was initially given 2 months to live. It's with great hot that he is still with us today, over 15 months on from his initial diagnosis. He had about 6 months of chemo last year, and they have just commenced his 2nd and batch of 6 months worth of chemo, after about a 6 months break.

I don't have a huge amount of knowledge of his diagnosis and his medication, however, the cancer has continued to spread over the year, it started in his prostate and spread first to his spine, now I believe it is in his blood, kidneys and liver. 

During his first round of chemo he experienced some hallucinations and low mood, he lost his hair and a lot of weight, but during the 6 month break he regained his hair, the weight and generally experienced a more consistent mood. 

This time however, we are three treatments in and his moods swings have become vile. He is nasty and vicious, he is at times completely irrational and my sisters describe him as being almost possessed at times. It's not constant, but he has outbursts every few weeks. 

Im fortunate as I live away, and don't need to experience this all first hand, but my younger sisters, 21 and 11 and my mum are having to deal with this hostile environment all the time. I've encouraged them all to see counselling, however my step dad attended one session and hated his therapist, he now refuses to go back. My mum unfortunately has the outlook of 'I'll speak to someone once he's gone'. No matter how much I try and encourage it, they refuse. I can't force them. 

I'm trying to help as much as I can, visiting often and having my sisters come to my house as much as possible, but this also makes him angry, as he feels we are planning things against him or just trying to avoid him. 

Today he's having a particularly bad outburst, refusing to take his medication and saying that he wants everyone out of the house. In the past he has made comments about just wanting to be left alone to die. Understandably, my mum is at breaking point, my sisters are scared to leave their rooms and I feel completely helpless. 

Is there more or alternative options/services that can support with this? I just don't know what else I can do anymore to try help. 

Thank you, 

Lauren