I'm looking for advice on whether to take some time off work to spend with my dad. He has stage 4 lung cancer and was given 6 months at diagnosis which was a month ago. I'm not coping. I'm an only child in a small family so it's down to me to look after mum and dad. We are very close.  I have a young family and a brilliant husband who has been so supportive. But I'm struggling to manage everything plus my job. I work 3 days a week in a stressful job. My manager gave me 2 days of compassionate leave which I used when my dad was admitted to hospital. Everyone I speak to tells me to get signed off from my GP. I don't feel fit to work at the moment. I cry every day. The time off would also give me time with dad. Even dads Macmillan nurse has suggested I go off sick. Even my HR manager said it's the only way I will have paid leave now and said it wouldn't go against me.  It just doesn't feel right to have time off like that. I'm also worried that I'll need more time when the end comes and I feel guilty leaving my teammates to have to take over my workload.  All my friends have said I will regret it if I don't. And I'll never get that time back with him again. Has anyone else had experience of this and what did you do? Is it best to take time off now whilst he's well or when he needs caring for at the end.