Dad has just been diagnosed: feel empty, scared & confused

My dad (61) has just been diagnosed with cancer in the bowel, liver, lungs & gallbladder. Hes been suffering with pains for about 6 months and was told it was a hernia so just put it down to that. This last couple of weeks hes been in agony and screaming in pain. He went to a&e last week and they said it was just his hernia and he was constipated. Mum made him a doctors appointment for Wednesday and the doctor sent him straight to hospital for tests. 

7:30pm on Wednesday it was confirmed he had cancer. Hes having a camera to see how big the tumour is in his bowel and they are having a meeting about him to discuss his options. 

We are obviously in lockdown so hes alone in hospital, mums alone at home and im 60 miles away. 

I am going to drop some supplies off when hes home as I said they musnt leave the house unless its for the hospital. 

I feel so empty, hurt & confused. I cant stop crying.

  • Hello Harn87, 

    I am so sorry to hear about your dad's diagnosis. It's normal to feel shocked and hurt, empty and confused. Poor him it sounds like he was in a lot of pain and that it took a while for him to finally get a proper diagnosis. I hope he doesn't have to wait too long to find out what his options are. 

    It's so nice of you despite living 60 miles away to go and drop some supplies off for him for when he's back home. It must be so hard at the moment for him to be alone in hospital. 

    You have come to the right place though to talk to others who have also looked after a loved one who has had a similar diagnosis and I hope others will be along shortly to share their story with you. 

    Keep strong - we are all here for you anytime you need to talk!

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator