Hello Marrianne, 

How sad that both your mother and your stepfather have had exactly the same diagnosis within two weeks of each other. It's deeply moving that they both wanted to be together and that they are going through this together at the very same time - it must be hard for you to have to separate them but as one cancer is more advanced than the other it's totally understandable that you can't really have them both with you. It's already so caring of you to be looking after your mum and it will certainly be demanding too so I thought I would share with you some useful information on our website for Friends, family and caregivers. It has really insightful information on how best to support someone with cancer (and in your case two people with the same cancer) without forgetting to take time too to take care of yourself. 

Other members of our community will have been in a similar situation before and will be able to offer good tips for you as you are preparing for what is to come and the difficult juggling of being there for your mother and also for your stepfather making sure he is ok in his care home. 

We're thinking of you Marrianne during this difficult time and wanted you to know we are there for you - the forum never sleeps and if you wanted to talk to one of our lovely cancer nurses about anything, you can also reach them on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator