I'm 16 and my father has cancer..

Hi, my name is Alison and my dad has a brain tumour which is classed as cancer and it is terminal. He was diagnosed 5 years ago, well it will be 5 years ago in August, getting told this devastating news is not something a young girl would like to be told. The main reason I am writing this is because I want to know does it get easier and how do I cope? Because these past 5 years I seriously do not know how I have coped, maybe it's because I always think positive and try and stay strong but some days are harder than others and sometimes I feel so alone and that I can't talk to anyone, I mean I can talk to my mum about it sometimes and my little brother I guess but I could never speak to my dad about it because I don't want him knowing I am upset and that I constantly worry about him. I mean he's getting there and he's been okay for a while but I am just so scared in case something does happen, I don't want to think anything like that will happen but I will never know and that's why I continue to worry, I leave school within a couple of weeks and as you could imagine I am under a lot of pressure as it is with exams and what not, I just wanted to know if anyone out there knows the situation I am in and that could help because at the moment I am struggling.

  • Welcome to the forum Alison.

    I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's diagnosis and the impact it has had on you over the last few years. Although you may feel like you're struggling at the moment I just want to say that based on what I've read I think you're coping really well. 

    Maintain your positive outlook and stay strong if you can. It will be tough but take comfort and strength from your family and friends and remember that our members are here for you as well if you need them. Many of them have been in a similar position with their loved ones and will understand what you're feeling and going through. I'm sure they will pop by soon to offer their support and share their advice and experiences with you.

    There is another website which I thought might be of interest to you called riprap. As well as coming to our website you can chat to others there who are the same age as you who also have a parent that has been affected by cancer.

    I hope this helps.

    Kind Regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Thankyou ever so much, this has really helped! I appreciate it!

    Thanks again!

    Alison