Feeling Overwhelmed at my dad's cancer.

My dad has recently been diagnosed with a very rare tumour sitting in his bowel. In the few weeks since diagnosis we have found out it can't be cured and are completely devestated. It's spread to his liver, his blood and they have said they can now see something on his lungs. Within 5 weeks my dad has lost a substantial amount of weight, his muscles are thining, he's just so poorly so fast. He's sleeping most of the time and doesn't have an appetite ag all. He got his first round of chemo yesterday to try and kill the cancer cells in his blood and I know this makes you sick but today he is extremely ill and tired, he's even struggling to sip water. I just feel so frightened I'm not sure if this is what's to be expected? Any information from anyone who has experienced this would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks x

  • Hello A_Cee

    I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad's diagnosis. It's obviously an incredibly difficult time for you all. 

    I just wanted to post a reply to suggest that if your Dad is really struggling with the post-chemo side effects today and is unable to keep anything down, don't be afraid to give the team responsible for his care a call for some advice and support. Better to call them now than to struggle on. 

    Alternatively, you're welcome to give our nurses a call for some support. They're available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Keep in touch and let us know how he gets on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hi,

    My Dad was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer a month ago and was told he has about 2 months to live. The doctors said chemo and surgery wouldn't help him and, if anything, rob him of what little quality time he has left. 

    There are strong similarities to what you say your Dad was like pre-chemo to what my Dad was like a couple of weeks ago. I wonder if anyone has had conversations about the benefits of treatment versus the costs on his quality of life with you all. I wonder if this a conversation to have. We had a chat within the first week of Dad's diagnosis about what his goals were. It was a blessing really that all options were not on the table as we've had a lovely month with him. We're probably in the final days now. 

    Anyway, just sending you lots of love, it's soooo hard, isn't it xxx