dad has lung cancer spread to his liver

Hi,

my dad (59) has been ill for the past 12 weeks with no diagnosis. last week an ambulance was called as he was struggling to breathe. turns out he has a 7cm growth on his lung which has spread through his blood to his liver. i'm 22 and had been caring for my dad until he went into hospital. i'm finding this all incredibly hard and stressful

  • Hi 

    I'm sorry to hear this, my mum has just been diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer spread to lungs and liver, she's been ill since may and till this day we still haven't had anything done about it all. 
    i am an only child a little older than you as I'm 28. Caring for a parent is difficult and I only realised I was actually caring yesterday! Just always talk about it, to friends, family. Be open and honest about your feelings.  It will get worse before it gets easier I imagine but there is definitely support out here  :( 

  • Hi 19003417 -

     

    I'm so sorry to hear you're going through this. I am in a similar position with my dad, though I am a little older than you, and have other family members helping. But I understand the fear and pain you are going through.

    Do you have anybody around you to talk to and ask for help? Seemingly small things, like somebody helping you with some cooking and cleaning, or just to vent to with a cup of tea, can be immensely comforting when you're going through a big and scary thing like an ill parent. You could maybe ask the NHS staff to for some recommendations for professional help. Try to take each day as it comes: googling, and thinking about all the ifs-buts-maybes can be overwhelming. Try and take care of yourself and ask for help from wherever you can: you will be surprised at people's capacity to help and care. You are very young and this is a lot for someone of any age to handle. Sending you lots of love and strength. xx