Losing my dad

My dad recovered from cancer in 2011 and went into remission from a jaw cancer. However last week an MRI caught a large tumor in the trigeminal nerve, its inoperable and aggressive, and radiotherapy is out of the question since he already had it for the first bout of cancer. The doctors didnt give us a specific time, we were just told "months". I feel like I've lost him already. I can't see him without bursting into tears and hugging him. I know he probably wants to spend time with me normally with the time he has left, but I just can't stop thinking that I'm never going to get to hug my dad again. I'm only 22, I'm crippled by the thought my dad will never hold my kids, or see me finish medical school, I feel so robbed. The worst part is I know it's only going to be worse when he goes, this is relatively a great time by comparison and I'm dreading it. I feel awful and selfish, reading stories on here, people have it so much worse than me, and my dad of course has it worst of all of anyone in the family and i should be there for him. I'm trying to be strong for him, but I don't feel like I can handle this. I dont see how its ever going to be ok again. 

  • Hi, I lost my mum in 1999 after her battling with two types of Breast cancer for 5 years. No it's certainly not easy but I wish I'd spent more time talking to mum and finding out about her life instead of, like you, worrying about the end! Since she passed it's been hard but I always feel that she is with me guiding me to make the right decision especially now that I have breast cancer myself. I thought that I'd never pick up when I lost mum and then her sister was diagnosed with a very aggressive form and died within 4 months  She was like my sister. This happening has strengthened me as a person and is helping me deal with my situation at the moment. Look on your time with your dad as being special not sad, he will always be there in your head and your heart and things do get better! Lots of love Shaz

  • It is very hard, but I know youre right. My dad is an amazing person, my hero, and I need to use this time with him as best i can. He's telling so many stories about his life that I never heard before. I'd like to arrange a day out with him if he can manage it as well. I hope I feel like my dad is helping me after he goes, he taught me everything I know and made me the man I am today.

    Thank you so much for your kind words.

  • Hi, i am so sorry that you are going through this an i completely understand how you feel an wish there is something i could say that would make you hurt less.My dad died of cancer when i was 7 an to be honest i barely remember anything about him, so please through you pain make the most of every second you have left with your dad an make as many new memories as you can. I know you can't bare to imagine life without him but like was said before he won't be gone you just wont be able to see him, but you will know he is there watching over you. Cant explain the feeling you'll just know :) so i know it is harder than anything you have ever done before but for your dads sake you need to be strong an i know he'll be so proud of you.