My brave Dad

I am beyond devastated to even be typing this, it's the most heartbreaking thing seeing your loved ones dying from such an awful disease.

In August 2017 my Dad was diagnosed with oesophagel cancer after a couple of months of struggling to swallow and food getting stuck. He endured chemo for a few months to which the pick line caused him to have sepsis, he was admitted to hospital until the infection had cleared. He then underwent a massive operation in January 2018 which consisted of removing 2 thirds of his oesophagus and 1 third of his stomach. Although in a lot of pain dad was very positive and we had hope that he'd be coming out the other side. 

April 2018 dad had a routine eye test, they found something suspicious so he was referred to ophthalmology, another devastating blow and we found out he had a tumour behind his eye. Dad was offered radiotherapy, it shrunk the Tumour and again as a family we had hope that Dad would come out the other side. 

January 2019, a few days after his 60th birthday dad was rushed to hospital with what they believed was pneumonia, 3 litres of fluid was drained and he was sent home after 5 days. The oncologist called following a CT scan and we were given the worst news, the cancer had spread to his lung and liver. By this time Dad has lost so much weight, struggling to eat and drink and having trouble breathing. 

He was rushed back to hospital after vomiting up black blood to which he is still there now. Eating and drinking a lot less because he's too scared, struggling to talk due to his breathing and sleeping a lot. He's also in a lot of pain with his back and shoulder, oxycodone and paracetamol is not helping at all.

As a family we are all absolutely devastated. I am 26 weeks pregnant expecting a baby boy on 22nd May and I hope and pray to God my Dad gets to meet him. I've always idolised my Dad and we've always been so close I'm so so scared of losing him but also don't want him to be suffering. 

I just wanted to write this post to show what a true warrior my Dad is. He's been through so much in such a short space of time and hes still fighting. 

 

Parents
  • Hi .I've looked on here a few times but not been brave enough to post before However your message seemed to pull me in at last. A few months ago my  57 year old husband had the same symptoms your dear dad had with swallowing for only a few weeks before we were told he had inoperable oesphageal cancer which had already spread to a lot of lymph nodes. My poor husband doesn't really take in the enormity of it all.  He doesn't know any time scale  As dont most of my children (grown up )   I can't tell them as he doesn't know details at his own request as he can't comprehend any of it.  Watching him struggle and suffer is heartbreaking. As is watching my children who are in total disbelief and fear  My thoughts are with you and your dad and family.  I can't say much more on this first post as I'm totally lost for words most of the time.  I just read your story and suddenly realised that it's not just me and my family that this is happening to xxxxxxxx  I just don't know what I'm going to do. Xxxx 

  • I am so very sorry to hear your husband has oesophagel cancer, it really is the worst thing imaginable having to watch the person you love the most go through what they do.

    My Mum was very much indenial and Dad has been for the last year, it's now that we've been told he has days that it's really hit home. 

    Stay as strong as you possibly can for your children and your husband but also know it's ok for you to cry, communicate your feelings and get angry, you're going through the tough time too. 

    I hope you and your family get to create as many lovely memories as possible however big or small. 

    Take care xxx 

Reply
  • I am so very sorry to hear your husband has oesophagel cancer, it really is the worst thing imaginable having to watch the person you love the most go through what they do.

    My Mum was very much indenial and Dad has been for the last year, it's now that we've been told he has days that it's really hit home. 

    Stay as strong as you possibly can for your children and your husband but also know it's ok for you to cry, communicate your feelings and get angry, you're going through the tough time too. 

    I hope you and your family get to create as many lovely memories as possible however big or small. 

    Take care xxx 

Children
  • Hi Amz,

    Just to say I'm thinking of you and what you are going through, it's been a month since I was in your totally devastating position myself with my Dad and understand your saddness and despair. My Dad was just a couple of years older than yours. 

    Sending love and strength to you. 

    xxx

     

  • Thank you for your message. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad, it really is such a heartbreaking time. 

    I hope you find some comfort in knowing your dad is at peace now and is no longer suffering.

    Take care xxx 

     

  • Thank you for your lovely kind words of encouragement and support .It really helps to know that people who really understand what you are going through are genuinely sending their love and calming peaceful thoughts to you . I hope your dear dad isn't suffering any pain or discomfort.  I know he will be happy just  to have his loving family with him  and that this will enable him to draw the strength he needs to fight on    I'm thinking of you and the love you sent me for the similar situation I'm in  Stay as strong  as you can xxxxxxx