Hi Amy, I'm sorry to hear your dad has that timescale hanging over his head as well as your family. It's only a guide, your dad could exceed the time and plenty of people on here have. It's hard when you have that bomb ticking away. I would do the things you normally do. Spend time together and make more memories, take LOADS of photos, you'll need these more than ever and videos to watch. Is there anything your dad actually wants to do? x

Hello Amy, 

So sorry to hear about your father. 

All I can say to you is that despite his prognosis there is a very high chance he may exceed that time limit as Michelle already said many people do. Nobody can actually say for sure how long anyone has got left and usually their guesses are down to statistics but your father isn't a statistic and there's nothing to say he won't go well over due. But of course being given a time limit you'll feel like you are on a countdown. Discuss with your father what he would like to do with his time, realistic of course. It's his time and he needs to be honest and open how he'd like to spend it, any places he'd like to go or things he'd like to do. Don't spend the time being on a downer and thinking to yourselves 4 months left, 3 months, 2 weeks...etc because you'll drive yourself insane. Listen to music, dance, watch films, have days out, enjoy good food, talk about the past, laugh, smile, hug, take pictures and videos and give your father some normality too. We all waste too much time and need to live for today rather than focusing on the future because the future isn't necessarily promised to any one of us. 

My father has incurable bowel cancer which has spread to his lungs and liver. He was diagnosed a year ago. We don't know time limits all we do know is that he won't be cured and it will get him eventually. But the way we look at it is we must make the most of time, enjoy one another's company. Keep my dad positive and not to share our worries or concerns with him so he doesn't become on a downer. All you can do is just sit down and ask your dad to make a list of things he'd like to do. It's good to set goals which will make him determined to reach them. And as time goes on and goals are completed then add some more and so on. Chin up, I know it's hard but we just have to try and do what we can for our Dad's whilst they are here :-). Big hugs x 

Hi Amy, I am new here and in a strange place away from my normal computer so writing with this tablet is not normal so sorry if I mess up.

I tried to introduce myself elsewhere here but it didnt work.

I am probably in a similar position to your Dad so maybe I understand.  The biggest thig you can do is be there for him.

Listen to what he says and try and understand what is going on in his head.

Maybe look tthrough photo albums where memories are that could bring a smile.

Is he able to get about ? If so or maybeb if not , take him to a pleasant pace - a park or beach which he may fid relaxing.

Give him HUGS.

I hope you find something in this post because I am also dying and suggesting what I woud like.

sorry for typos - it is the Tablet's fault  :)

Hi there. I am in a very similar situation. Been given devastating news that my step dad only has a few months left to live. Cannot comprehend this and do not know what to do. I keep thinking that there is hope and that something miraculous will happen. I really hope you are ok and although I can't offer any advice, I just want you to know that I feel your pain and you are not going through this alone.

Hi Amy,

Sorry to hear this, my mam was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, they gave her 3 months and she lasted 3 years, my mam just wanted to see us happy, we sat, talked, cried, got angry but we were there for her and thats all that mattered in the end, mam wanted to know that we would be ok when she passed, she was 46 and i was 19, my sister 21. It was a shock, took 2 years to sink in really, it still hurts as much today as when it first happened and i still cry, but u learn to live with it. I keep talking about mum all the time, remembering the good times. Sad she never got to see me married or have grandchildren, but there are people who don't get to have children or get married. Think of here and now and enjoy every moment, thinking of you and your family xxxx

Thank you for your reply, we have a family holiday booked in June and he said all he wants to be able to do is make the holiday, I pray he can. It's abroad and he's sooo tired now that it concerns me. 

My dad had a get together at our local social club a few weeks ago, he wanted to see friends and family and have a pint, soooo many people came. He makes me so proud X 

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply, I'm so sorry to read that you are in the same position as my dad, I really am. 

Dad had a farewell get together a few weekends ago, he wanted to see family and friend for a pint and a chat whilst he still can. Was an oddly lovely afternoon 

Thank you my thoughts are also with you and your family. It's such a devastating time hey? 

I also keep thinking that there will be a miracle and that maybe someone has got it wrong. 

Passing you virtual strength and hugs X 

Wow, 3 years... We can only dream of that happening for dad. 

My dad says he's not scared of dieing but it really really upsets and makes him angry at what he is going to miss out on. His grandchildren are his works, my son is only 20 weeks and it breaks my heart he won't get to know him.

thank you so much for taking the time to reply X X 

Thinking of you and your family xx I'm waiting for a mammogram as we speak, had one a few years ago and it picked up calcification, which can be an early warning sign of breast cancer but i was never asked back for a follow up. Im now in a lot of pain have been for a few months so went to see the dr and he said he could feel some lumps and saw i was in alot of pain - its the waiting game now. With my mams history i can't just ignore it really. Trying to keep it from my kids, its hard. My love to your dad xxx