Shocking test results on Xmas Eve :-( It's cancer

[hb1976]

My 86 year old granddad went to get his biopsy results this afternoon on a large lump in his leg. We were told it was soft tissue sarcoma which was shock number 1. The initial chest x-ray didn't suggest it had spread to his lungs which was a relief so, all being well, if it is contained in the leg he will need to have a below knee amputation - shock number 2.

My granddad is very active, still drives and generally looks after my nan who is quite helpless without him. We will not know more about the operation until after Xmas so until then we are trying to make practical plans. At the moment they survive on their pension and live in a house rent free, owned by my mom and dad. I am going to apply for Attendance Allowance for both of them as we help look after them every day and this will only increase after the operation. I imagine that my granddad will get the higher rate and my nan the lower rate. I will also get my mom to apply for carers allowance as she does the bulk of it.

Is there anything else I should be helping them apply for or should know about? We are hoping that my granddad would still be able to drive eventually although he would need to change his car from a manual to an automatic. Would they be able to get any help with that?

Has anyone got any experience with amputations in the elderly? How did their recovery go? Were they eventually able to use an artificial limb?

Any help/advice/links to websites etc. would be much appreciated as we are completely shell shocked and are only coping at the moment by trying to be positive and practical.

[cestlesautres]

Ring Macmillan Cancer Care.

Hugs for you.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/sponsored_discussions/a1687177-Macmillan-would-like-to-know-if-you-your-family-friend-have-been-affected-by-cancer-what-helped-you-to-cope-Please-join-the-conversation-and-share-your-experience

[blahe]

Practical help like employing a cleaner or meals on wheels?

Help the Aged might be able to offer support.

[Hangingoninthere]

Sorry to hear about your grandad.Has he been told they are definitely looking at amputation? They may be able to remove the sarcoma without amputation. Is he seeing a sarcoma specialist? What area of the country are you? Sarcomas are fairly rare so it is important he sees a specialist.
Macmillan has info about sarcomas as does sarcoma uk. If he does have a below the knee amputation he should be able to have a prosthesis which would help with mobility.
In terms of practical help - he can apply for a blue badge. He should also get some aids & adaptations from the community OTs if needed - bath lift, grab rails etc. also you can hire a wheelchair from the Red Cross for a small donation. You grandma might be entitled to home care if you speak to your local social services.
Wishing you and your grandad all the best.

[Purplespottylegs]

So sorry to hear your sad news i wish you and your family all the best x

[Theas18]

Coming to this late. Thinking if you all that's a horrid thing especially at Xmas.

Ask any doc is he eligible for a DS1500 form? That allow you access to benefits under the special rules ie faster and at high rates if there a possibility that his prognosis may only be 6 months. It only has to be a worst case scenario not the most likely one iykwim.

Best wishes to you all.