Dad given six months.

Hi to everyone reading this. I'm 27 and have come on here because I know it can't just be me going through this. 

My amazing dad fell ill in November 21. Stomach pains, throwing up, we took him to a and e and they thought it was Gallstones. They kept him in and called me telling me it was bowel cancer and they're operating immediately. He was fitted with a stoma and I was told that they couldn't remove all the cancer. My dad had previously had a stroke so it can sometimes take him a little longer to process things. Considering it has all happened over night he dealt with having the stoma better than I imagined. But I could see he wasn't himself. They sent him home 2nd of this month and I've been there everyday. He's usually asleep in the chair and tells me he's tired when I ask. We had his first oncology appointment today 23/12/21 to discuss chemo options. They asked questions to see how my dad was getting on. He said he's tired/can't walk far. So they explained the aggressive chemo option probably isn't best for him and that a "kinder" one would be recommended. They explained that this would manage the cancer and would pro long life for an extra three months. Dad said he's scared and isn't ready to leave me or my seven year old little girl. . They asked him if he wanted to know how much time he has left and at first he said yes. But I interrupted and explained maybe he should reconsider. In which he decided he didn't want to know. I said this purely because I know my dad. He would just take himself off to bed and that would be that. The oncologist saw in my face that I needed to know for myself. So whilst my dad was in conversation with another consultant she asked if she could borrow me. I asked her how long he has left. And she said six months. I absolutely sobbed my heart out as I was expecting years. My dad doesn't know. And it's best he doesn't know. I stay strong around him because I have too. But I'm absolutely heartbroken and right before Christmas too is not what I expected. Has any one else gone through this? Now knowing what I know I wish I hadn't asked.. but I don't think it's the asking that's hurt me. I think it's getting the answer I didn't want. And expecting more. I'm struggling to get my head around it. I look at my dad who has lost so much weight. Once the person who could spin me around and he just looks lost. He's not ready. And neither am I. 
 

from a heart broken daughter. 

Parents
  • Hi Lauamelia, 

    My dad has been fighting cancer for the past two years, full of hopes and promises given to him that he would survive but ultimately treatment pushed back by covid really caused his prognosis to progress. 

    He was taken ill early December and was taken to hospital where he was informed by another doctor the cancer had progressed and he had 6 months to live. I feel for the past two years I've stopped my life to support my mum and him and its now all amounted to nothing. My mum I feel so sorry for her she will be a widow for a second time. My dad seems to be denying the truth and if I'm honest I'm okay to play along if it means he is happier. 

    He grows more and more tired every day. There are more naps every day and less walks. With covid circulating we've missed so much time together even with a sniffle or cough we can't take any chance of him catching anything. 

     

    I just wanted to write to let you know others are feeling the same. Although different you aren't alone with your thoughts and feelings. 

  • Thank you for your reply. But it's so sad others are going through the same thing. Your poor mum too. You need to be strong for them both. I'm trying to do the same with my dad. He doesn't get dressed anymore he's always in his pyjamas. He's eating less, and sleeping more. I know the feeling of missed time. I'm the same especially if I feel like I'm getting a cold I won't risk it. I'm trying to be there as much as I can. I suppose that's all we can do now. 
     

    sending love to you and your family. 

Reply
  • Thank you for your reply. But it's so sad others are going through the same thing. Your poor mum too. You need to be strong for them both. I'm trying to do the same with my dad. He doesn't get dressed anymore he's always in his pyjamas. He's eating less, and sleeping more. I know the feeling of missed time. I'm the same especially if I feel like I'm getting a cold I won't risk it. I'm trying to be there as much as I can. I suppose that's all we can do now. 
     

    sending love to you and your family. 

Children
  • Thank you for your reply. 

    It's difficult and I totally agree to be there as much as possible. I got covid on Christmas day so it's been terrible missing this last week. I think on focusing on what we can control like doing the little things that make them happy are the parts we have to focus on. 

     

    Sending so much love to you and yours x