I have to say that I am completely new to this and have never felt the need to have Facebook or anything else like it. However,  I am now in new terrority as my Dad (aged 74) has been diagnosed with Stage 1 Stomach Cancer. This sounds, from what I have read and heard to be extremely treatable. However, he has complications and, a week after diagnosis (12th September 2018) was back in hospital with blood clots on his lungs. We thought we were going to lose him at this stage but after a very tricky night, he was up in bed the next day eating tuna sandwiches!

He had no previous symptoms and it was only due to bleeding and ulcers in his stomach that they found the cancer - something that is a huge positive.

They are currently looking at all options but it is likely that he will not be able to go through surgery due to heart issues and his general fitness. We seem to be going around in circles at the moment. He is due to go for more tests on Monday and hopefully then someone will be a able to give us an idea of a way forward. The teatment, we have been told can depend greatly on his fitness and this is why we don’t currently have an idea. They wanted to wait another four weeks to let him recover from the clots before they look at next steps. He is injecting blood thinning medication twice a day to stop further clotting.

I am someone that likes to be in control and feel at this stage that I have no control over anything that happens. I understand that the surgery to remove or partially remove the stomach is challenging but I also don’t understand what will happen if they decide not to operate. I know that Chemo is likely to be the next step but they have also said that this may something that can affect heart conditions.

We have had brilliant support from the NHS up to know but the emotional side of it is the tricky part. My Mum is being very positive and we have an amazing supportive family but it doesn’t stop this from being a really difficult time. 

I’m not even sure at this stage what I am looking for - I have been reading peoples stories and just wondered if anyone had any advice / words of wisdom.

Thank you