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. 

 

  • Hello Y'all,

    I hope you are doing well, considering the circumstances.
    [@Amz0403]‍ I imagine it is very difficult to deal with all the news, and considering that you are going through a pregnancy that is already a very emotional process. However, I hope you can find some comfort with the fact of you becoming a mother, and with your family and friends. You also have us, here in the forum, to talk and go through this.

    [@mrsvern]‍ I'm so sorry for your lost, that is quite recent, you must be still in shock, and it looks like it was very quick deterioration. And you are also so young! It's striking how we that are on our 20s have to go through stuff like this! The possibility of having some pain free time with our loved ones is really important.

    When it comes to me, today is valentine's day and I cannot be with my boyfriend. As always I will visit him during the weekend (I work in a different city Monday-Friday), but I think he is very tired to celebrate whatever... life is completely different now. I have no idea how long is he gonna make it, and I'm sad that we cannot do "couple things" like we used to (travelling, going out, whatever)... He is just so different and sick.

    Oh well, take care everybody** 

  • Hiya, 

    I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad and what him, you and your family went through. It's so horrible and life's so cruel.

    The last couple of my days, my Dad has deteriorated a lot, struggling to talk and breathe and still bringing up a lot of black blood. They've finally been able to manage his pain relief and he can request it every hour, it's all about making his last days comfortable for him now. 

    Unfortunately he won't make it to see his Grandson but he has put on the biggest fight and he's been so brave. His grandson will know exactly what an amazing Man his grandad is. 

    Good luck with your pregnancy and I again am very sorry to hear about the loss of your father.

    Sending love xxx

  • Hi,

    I am so sorry. It is very hard to stay positive, remember its ok to feel all the emotions, we are human and can't always be strong. 

    I too looked in to cannabis oil, the one that's supposed to help cancer patients is illegal and hard to get hold of in the UK. I got some advice and unfortunately because my Dads cancer had spread so quickly and hes deteriorating to quickly it wouldn't have worked for him. 

    I hope that you can make more memories with your Dad. Although it's hard try to stay as normal as possible around him. I've still had my dad laughing, hes not lost his sense of humour. 

    Take care  xxx

  • Hiya, 

    Yes it is extremely difficult, being pregnant with hormones doesn't help the fact of trying to be strong, I am ecstatic to become a mum to my 2nd child but I am also heartbroken that my son wont get to meet his grandad who he would of idolized just like i do and my daughter. 

    I hope that you get to make memories with your boyfriend however more recently I have realised it's not about the big things or holidays etc, it's about the little things.

  • 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