ironbark

We feel your pain. I know how much it devistates me when Dad is taken back into hospital, and just how hard it is to cope with the roller coaster of hope and dispair that seems to follow this dreadful scurge.

None of us want to be on this journey, and our dream would be to rid the world of cc, starting with our loved ones.

Just know that we are here to support you, and listen when you are upset. We will share in your grief and cheer with you on every small success.

I’m sending a huge cyber hug your way. OOxxOO

Nick,
You are going through hell right now, and many of the people on this forum would be able to empathise with you.
If Dad was only diagnosed seven weeks ago you would still be in considerable shock. Unfortunatel because this terrible disease is often not diagnosed until it is very advanced then your story would not be an unusual one i’m afraid.
You are grieving, I’m still there for my Dad so I recognise the urgent grasp for a cure when sometimes that isn’t possible. Sometimes asking to resucitate isn’t the kindest thing to do either – Dad may be a fighter, but if the only alternative to passing was to keep going like this, would he want to live connected to a machine?
Getting hospice involved sounds like an excellent idea, they will be able to help Dad, yourself and your Mum come to terms with all of this, as well as working your way around what is best for everyone.

I would also suggest getting a Social Worker on board too, he/she would be able to assist Mum with managing the mortgage and housing issues that she faces. This needs to be done as a priority, as becoming homeless on top of all this would only add to the problems. At least then you would be able to concentrate on Dad and whatever needs to happen there.

My heart goes out to you, but as others have said come back here often. we are all somewhere in the CC journey so we really do understand, and will be here for you.
Take care of yourself, and give yourself permission to grieve.

Hi Peggy,

I’m also newish here, my Dad was diagnosed in late August of this year. I am also a Registered Nurse, and so have a bit of an idea where you are coming from.
One thing that I will say from my own experience is that while being an RN can be extremely useful at times, it can also get in the way of what should be our first priority – being a daughter.
I found myself trying to diagnose, treat and plan for my Dad so much that I wasn’t spending quality father-daughter time with him.

I still do all the RN things, but they aren’t the only things I do with him.

I was also being really hard on myself for not being more of an expert, after all I am the health professional and the rest of the family was looking toward me for answers. The pressure was enormous, and I have never felt so helpless.

I have learnt several things. One step at a time. Everyone’s journey is different. Quality is definately better than quantity – Dad’s words. Ask lots of questions. Don’t believe everything on Google. And use this forum HEAPS, the people here are really great.

I’m not a huge fan of morphine for myself because of vomiting issues, but it may be a really suitable analgesic for others.
This is a fairly painless cancer I’m told, but I don’t know if that is forever, so pain relief might not be needed for a while.

I know what you mean about cannibus, they’ve been talking about putting it into a tablet form for a while for terminal cancer patients. It apparently works well for pain relief, keeping people calm, and increasing the appetite.
I think the legislation that goes with approving a medication like that is a ways off yet, but it could be really valuable.

You and your sister already have such a lot on your plate, just remember to look after yourselves too. Make sure you get plenty of breaks just to be YOU.
As I said, take one day at a time. It’s alll we can do with this dreadful cancer. Take care.

Congrats on finding another path in the thorny forest Kris,

We’re all thinking of you and your family, and look forward to hearing a positive outcome from you after a successful surgical journey. No more vomiting here we come.

Prayers and hugs

Hi Valarie,

I’m really sorry to hear about your partner. I’m only new to this site too, my Dad was diagnosed with cc in late August.

This forum is full of wonderful supportive people, some are those with cc, some are current carers or relatives or friends. Some have people that have already passed, while others are survivors that have beaten the odds. But we are all bound together by this horrible disease, and we are joined in a supportive way that only those touched by cc can be.

Welcome to our group, feel free to post questions, feelings, experiences or in fact anything you like. Answer posts from others, but just share in whatever way you feel most comfortable. We’d love to hear from you.

The people on this forum, and their various journeys are a great source of comfort and support, and sometimes even the humourous responses can make a cloudy day seem a little sunnier.

Cheers and hugs to you

Hi Tina,
Welcome to our club. Or as Gavin put it when I joined – welcome to the club that no-one wants to join, but is glad they found.

My Dad has just been diagnosed, and we are starting the roller coaster ride of good news, bad news, worse news, optomism and poor prognosis. This is an almost daily emotional ride, and we’re hanging on for dear life.

This forum, and the wonderful people who are part of it, are an extremely important part of my coping. Sometimes you just need to know that others have experienced the same as you. It helps you to not feel so alone.

I’d never heard of cc before Dad’s diagnosis, now I feel as though I am almost an expert in everything cc. I’d rather not know, and hopefully if this horrible disease can be identified earlier for people, then someday it WILL have a better prognosis. Maybe we need a bile green day – just like the pink they use for breast cancer awareness. Clashes with my eyes, but I’d do it if it helped.

We’ll look forward to your posts Tina. I know how hard being a supportive daughter is in this situation, so see you and your sister as an inspiration to still be willing to provide support after the loss of your georgeous Mother.