Dad has terminal cancer - shock diagnosis

Hi, my dad has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. He has tumours in oesophagus and bowel with spread to lungs. It's been a massive shock as he was so well and it was only diagnosed because he was a little anemic. He had no symptoms. He is cure belt in hospital as after his second cycle of chemo he developed serious diarrhoea - 12 days on and it's not stopped. Mum and I have spent the last 6 days at the hospital every day - I have been signed off work for a month as struggling to cope with this emotionally. 

  • Hello Sharona74,

    Welcome to our forum Sharona74. I am sorry to hear about your dad's terminal diagnosis. What a shock it must have been for you especially as he had no symptoms except for the anemia.

    I hope they are looking after him well in hospital and that they can alleviate the diarrhoea. Your dad must be finding a lot of comfort in having both you and your mum by his side at the moment. You sound like a very supportive family.

    Coming to this forum will help I am sure while you are off work. It is normal that you are struggling emotionally as you are going through so much at the moment. I am sure you will meet others here who are looking after a terminally ill loved one and it does help to feel less alone with all this to talk to others who can truly understand because they are going through the same thing themselves.

    If you have any questions about cancer, we also have a nurse service - you can get in touch with them on this free number 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

    Best wishes,

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator