How to you accept a terminal diagnosis?

My grandad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer back in November. There's been a lot of ups and downs since, but I am honestly really struggling to accept his diagnosis. He's always been the apple of my eye. The heartbeat of our family, the one who's always there and the one who does everything for everyone. He raised me, and even to this day I see / speak to him on a daily basis. He's awaiting a scan to see what the cancer is currently doing - however due to a few recent issues, we've been told tonight the doctor suspects his cancer is spreading (severe pain in back, radiating into stomach). I just thought by now I'd accept what is happening, but honestly I really can't. I must have cried every day since the diagnosis and I just seriously can't imagine a life without him in it. I already feel like I'm grieving. I'm so sad all the time. I can't help but cry for all of the things he's going to miss out on. He's always been an extremely fit and healthy man - and at 70 is still very fit for his age. 
I cherish every single minute we spend together and I make the most of every day with him. I am truly thankful that he is still here and that I am the one who calls him Grandad. I have truly had the best life and most amazing upbringing because of him. Everything I am is because of him. I seriously couldn't wish for a better grandad. 
 

my heart aches when he's hurting or in pain, and I seriously can't process what's to come. 
i know people go through this and similar every day, but I honestly feel like I'm the only person in the world to feel this deep sadness. He's my world and I can't imagine my world without him in it. 
 

Can anyone offer any advice? 
 

Many thanks x

  • I know it feels so lonely so i had to message. Everyone on here knows the way youre feeling so you have come to the right place. I thought noone can feel the way im feeling. Noone knows the connection you have with your grandad or with my brother. You need to speak to someone, you just have to. Im so happy that you are blessed with a man like your grandad. Sending strength and love

  • I know how you feel. Only a couple of days ago my grandma who had been having successful treatment for lung cancer was told she had secondary liver cancer and we'll be lucky if we get 3-4 months with her. 
     

    I'm really struggling with this too and to be honest you're probably braver than I am because I'm struggling to even pick up the phone to give her a call for fear of not knowing what to say or getting upset. 
     

    I wish I could share some advice because I could do with some myself right now but felt I wanted to reply to say you're not alone, it's definitely the worst thing I've ever experienced in my life. I'm just trying to think about the positives from the time we've had together and forget about the things that could have been, as hard as it is because I feel that's going to be the only way forward and I want to make the last few months I have with her worthwhile.