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My Dad is alone

Dorset26
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I'm so worried about my Dad, who has started chemo for prostate cancer.

Dad lives alone and although I am able to pop in and see him at the weekends, I feel I can't stay long enough due to having to get back for my children.

What can I do to support my Dad going though chemo when I am not there on a daily basis. I worry he must feel so lonely, he puts a brave face on it, but to be at home with no one there for day to day support must be very hard.

 

Had anyone else faced a similar situation? How did you support your parent when you can't be with them each day?

 

  • Hello Dorset26

    I'm sorry to hear that your Dadi is going through treatment for prostate cancer at the moment. I know that [@Billygoatt]‍ has had chemotherapy for prostate cancer and it may be that he's able to offer some tips about particular things that your Dad may appreciate whilst he's going through treatment. 

    I'm sure that your Dad values the time that you are able to spend with him. I'm guessing that you maybe call or video call him on a regular basis during the week which would help. 
    I don't know how feasible it is for you to help Dad by maybe cooking some meals during the week which you can freeze and take over when you go to visit. Sometimes help with the small practical daily tasks can make life much easier if someone is feeling unwell from their treatment. 

    If you'd like to speak to one of our nurses for some advice then you're welcome to call them for a chat. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Offline

    Hi Dorset. 

    As jenn said i had chemotherapy for prostate Cancer it was in 2016. Also put on hormone therapy before chemo.

    Luckily for me in some ways my wife is at home but she's got Alzheimers and parkinsons I'm her official carer so I'm not alone. 

    If you get in touch with your father's Dr they should be able to arrange someone to come see him maybe macmillan or Marie curie, just part time just to check on him or even just talk as you say company is always a good thing when someone is having treatment.

    Hope things are going well with your father's treatment and remember to look after yourself properly as well. 

    Best wishes for the future for you and your family. 

    Billy 

    P.s my cancer went to lymph nodes, spine, ribs, pelvis and a lung. 

    Just keep positive for you and your father. 

  • Offline in reply to Billygoatt

    Hi Billy,

     

    Thank you for your reply and suggestions. A great idea to speak to the GP to see if anyone can check in on Dad, or put us in touch with an organisation who might be able to help. I'm definitely going to look into it ! 

     

    Best wishes to you x

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