Diagnosis for Dad

Hi, My dad has just had the results of a CT scan which discorved a 7.4cm mass at his stomach where the oesophagus joins and also in lymph nodes.  

He has lost a lot of weight recently but I had put it down to my mother passing away last month and the stress he was under leading up to that.  Only after she passed away and I realised the he had some bad mental health issues did I take him to the doctor where I found out that the scan had been referred.

He is currently in a psychiatry for old age hospital being assessed and they gave him the scan result fully knowing that his short term memory is very poor just now.  I am needing to tell him daily where he is and why and now about the scan and the need to get more tests done.  I honestly think that the junior doctor who gave him the results didn’t it badly as I should have at least been there to support him.

Because of what has been happening the past couple of months (dog died, mum dies and now this diagnosis) I am starting to worry about my mental health as I am an only child and also have a young family to care for while trying to push for tests to be  done ASAP.

does anyone have any advice on ways to speed up processes so that he can get to treatment before it spreads?

  • Hi Stuart

    I am so sorry to read your post. I was in a very similar position with my husbands condition.

    The only thing I can suggest is to speak with dads GP. They should be able to access what is happening to date with your dad. They can also arrange that he be seen by specialists,that is the job of primary care.

    Try to deal with things in a way that you dont get yourself in a state,as you said you have a young family to care for.

    My husband used to forget his diagnosis and every day telling him was like the first time he was told.It upset me so much and a nurse asked me if I was ok.When I explained to her she said perhaps its better that he forgets.

    Take care and keep strong. xx