Caring for my father with advanced colorectal cancer

After my father having covid and him being in hospital for 3 months he survived it but only to be told he has advanced colorectal cancer which has spread to his abdomen and now has a build up of fluid in his stomach. An 48 hour referral has been done for the hospice. Everything is moving so quick I have dived in to the caring role and do everything for him. I know it final stages.  Today was the only day I was stuck for words and I couldn't give him the answers I began to understand what "burnout" means just numb , angry and tired I have been on auto pilot for weeks having a can do attitude trying to keep all our heads above water ... I mean how do u have a break or time for your self when You get an intense week of phone calls , appointments, poor health , side effects of covid jab ... pass the wine ‍♂️

  • Hi Marley83,

    Firstly welcome to Cancer Chat and I'm so sorry to hear of what your father is going through - I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you with everything going on.

    It sounds like you're doing a great job in caring for him but it is of course important to try to look after yourself among everything else. Take any pockets of time you can to focus on things you enjoy and that can help to take your mind off things for a little while.

    If you feel you'd like more professional support, do reach out to organisations such as Macmillan or Maggie's.

    I'm sure there will be others on this forum too who are going through or have been through something similar. Hopefully you'll receive further replies and I do hope the forum can offer some small support to you.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator