Help with my dad's cancer

Well today was a tough day for me and my family as the doctors confirmed my dad has terminal cancer.  I've known this was the case when about 7 weeks ago he told us he had tumours in his bowel and liver which obviously meant stage 4 but to hear it confirmed today and that its aggressive made it really hit home. The last 6 or so weeks have been hell. He was in pain for quite a while and in bed most days due to it. He got taken in an ambulance and more scans and they needed to put a stent in his bile duct as the liver tumours were blocking it and causing the pain. As a result of that pain he wasn't eating much and has dropped so much weight that its sad to see him like this so quickly (8 weeks ago he was cycling 30 miles and now he can barely get upstairs). I'm just wondering if there's any tips on maybe getting some kind of weight back on him to maybe make him stronger to try chemo? He was due to start it today but only got back from hospital 2 days ago and is still worn out. I've never seen this happen so fast to someone so I'm hoping the weight loss is mainly down to the pain and bile duct blockage making him not eat much rather than the cancer itself. He's been given some protein milkshakes today to try but any other tips? P. S he also had a bowel stent put in also. Thanks for any advice

  • Hi Kev sorry to read about your dad . Had goosebumps reading as so similar to my dad. He was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer last March and received chemo which seem to slow the cancer down and reduce it but in April we found out it had spread to his brain . My dad has went from an overweight man to so thin and frail so quickly how steroid treatment has helped increase his appetite at times . 

  • Sorry to hear that about your dad. It really is horrible isn't it. The hardest part is me and my girlfriend are due our first baby in around 8 weeks time and my dad was so happy about becoming a first time grandad and now I'm scared he won't make it to the birth. I just wish we could build some strength back up and he could be strong enough for chemo and seeing how that goes. 

  • sorry to hear Kevin. Hopefully once ur dads pain is managed then he will be able to eat without it causing discomfort . It's such a difficult thing to see men who were recently fit and healthy suffering so much . 

  • Thankfully the pain is under control now and the stents will start helping. So fingers crossed he eats alot better now and gains some weight. He seems in good spirits considering. Its the rest of us that are blubbering wrecks haha

  • Hi Kev it is hard reading your story as so similar to my own and my dad. Weight loss has been fast and unexpected. The milkshakes help - my dad has also received some high calorie shot sized drinks on prescription so you could enquire about that. Lots of snacks and milky drinks to try and maintain weight. We have been told that gains are unlikely but keeping more loss at bay is deemed positive. 
    I am sure thoughts of his grandchild will keep him strong and focused. Wishing you all the best.