My dad (76) was diagnosed with Plural Mesothelioma about 6 weeks ago after talking to a nurse about a cough and minor chest pain about 6 weeks prior. After loads of tests, scans and biopsy we got the terrible news.
First I would like to say the speed of all the test and scans was impressive. Well done NHS.
A week before all this started he was in his garden smashing concrete up with no issues. He potters in the garden does DIY all the time. I (Son) did not even know he had any chest pains.
Since he got the diagnosis, chats with medical people and Google research. He literally has got every symptom he's read about or told may happen and dose not move from his chair in the front room. Hardly eats either, says he has no appetite which we know can happen. So I got him supplement shakes he only has now and again. We try to take him out for a walk or somewhere but he always says he's in pain. My Mum is getting so worried. My sister came back form Australia for a few months but went home 3 days ago. I work offshore for 2 weeks at a time. We have no other family.
I'm not in denial or don't believe its real but he seems to have given up. if we cant get him to move and eat. He will have a lot less than the 12 months the doctor said as a guide. In a way I wish he never found out. I feel abou 60/70% of his symptoms at the moment are psychosomatic.
My friends Dad died of this a few years ago and he was not like this till near the end, I understand we are all different.
He starts immunotherapy this Tuesday 9th Jan. I told him a few weeks ago after reading all about treatments If you loss to much wait your be worse. When he see's the doctors or nurse he is a different person. Tells them he's very active everyday and eats ok. Complete lie.
He is ok when I chat to him says as he is 76 he is not worried. He says he has had a good innings.
Maybe he is only getting treatment for us. I don't know.
Just want to help him and Mum.
