Dad is terminally ill and don't know how to help him

Hi. This is the first time I've posted anything like this before, so please bear with me! My dad has been unwell for about 18 months.  He was taken into ICU last June and we were told to expect the worse. The following day we were told he had multiple myeloma and a heart condition he had been born with (but had laid dormant for the first 60 years of his life). He made it out of ICU (thankfully ) however we were told he had 6-12months to live. He's endured 8 rounds of chemo and remained positive throughout that he wanted to enjoy the time left he had left and spend as much time as possible with my mum, me and my sister and his 2 grandchildren.  He's been back in hospital recently for a further 3 weeks (obviously due to covid, he was alone again). Since he has come out again his attitude and outlook has changed. He's miserable most of the time. Due to the heart condition he has very restricted mobility so is unable to go out without support. He doesn't want to go out or see anyone. I suggested counselling but he doesn't want it. I feel absolutely helpless and pretty useless. I don't know what to do to help him. Does anyone have any suggestions please? Thank you 

  • Hello Lottielou28,

                                 l am sorry to read of your fathers condition and of your personal concerns.We all tend to take on a fighting spirit attitude when first faced with adversity,but setbacks can dent our resolve and it can be difficult to pick up again when our private hopes have been punctured,and l suspect this is where your dad is now,with his foundations rocking and doubting his own ability to come back to the normality he will crave.

                        l think the best thing you can do is to seek to retain the normality that existed previously albeit with a few imposed modifications,but downplayed as far as possible.Remember he does not wish to go anywhere different,just to return home within his former life.Its easy to write ,but difficult to achieve since ones natural tendency is to overcompensate with fuss and attention which only serves to continure to highlight his changed circumstances within his troubled mind.

                                                         Finally never doubt the importance of of what you feel inside,he will be aware of this without the need of enforced physical demonstration,your love and concern is paramount.l truly hope things will improve for you in the future,

                                                                                                        David