Need help processing

Hello,

My Dad (56, non smoker) was diagnosed with lung cancer a few days before Christmas and after continuing tests and long wait times we were told yesterday that he actually has stage 4 melonoma cancer that has spread to his organs. I’m in complete shock especially as the DRs and people alike keep saying but he’s young fit and healthy... then why did this happen to him?! They want to do immunotherapy but say that could give him 10 months to 2 years, I’m trying to research how/where I can get this time frame extended or if there is anyone outside of the UK who has advanced treatment for this but the internet is a mind field and I’m an emotional wreck and this is the first time I’m reading many of these medical words so I’m not sure I’m understanding. I’m 25 and am in a long term relationship - should I get married now or rush to have kids so my dad can be there? Frustratingling I’m studying an MA up North but home is in the South so I can’t get home as much as I want, should I drop out and be with him at home? I feel like I will wake up soon and the nightmare will end... 

Sorry for the word splat x

  • Hello L.Sarg and welcome. So sorry to read of your dad's diagnosis and prognosis.  I don't pretend to know anything of treatments overseas but this website being about cancer research it might interest you to read the section on "Our research" .  I am attaching the link to get you to find a clinical trial.  When you follow the link you just type in the type of cancer and it gives you the information.  Let me say at the outset that I am no expert at this and it is in fact the first time I have looked this up; there is a lot of information about lung cancer trials.  If you want to go down this route then the first person to whom you should speak about this is your dad's doctor - this is what the website says.  (I realise you may have looked at this already.)

    Obviously the personal matters you raise are for your decision but I can imagine you are confused and worried about what to for the best.  I would say take your time even though it may seem a matter of urgency.  Would your dad not want you to plan your life on the basis of what is best for you?  It might make him very unhappy if he felt his illness was disrupting your own life.  Until you have a child of your own you cannot imagine the lengths parents will go to to do what is the best for their child.  Speak to your teachers (?tutors - not sure what you call them) so they understand your situation and will hopefully be a bit understanding of your wish to spend time with your dad.  I guess what I am saying is "don't go crazy" - pardon me for putting it like this.  Just take things as they come along and remember your dad is not just a cancer patient but the same loving parent he has always been.  I don't know if any of this helps but I hope so.  Best wishes.  Annie

    www.cancerresearchuk.org/.../find-a-clinical-trial