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Mum refusing to care for dad after surgery

204 replies

Ginnymweasley · 26/11/2020 17:00

My dad recently got diagnosed with prostate cancer. He is going to have surgery followed by radiotherapy sometime in the next 5 weeks (hopefully). We were discussing what would happen when he leaves hospital after the surgery. The dr has told him he will have a catheter for a couple of weeks and will probably feel tired and in pain as well (obviously). He is fairly fit but he has epilepsy as well and obviously no one knows how fast he will recover from surgery.
My mum has now said that she won't be bringing him food upstairs as she won't be able to manage. She won't be helping him out with his catheter or anything. My parents are only in their 60s so not old. And she is quite capable of carrying him a plate of food upstairs. She has said she won't be able to look after the cats, do the shopping etc.
I'm really angry with her cause now my dad is more stressed. Everyday he makes her breakfast in bed, makes all her drinks and cooks 5 days out of 7. He looks after their pets, is in charge of all the finances and does a lot of the household jobs. And she is refusing to do it for a week after he has cancer surgery.
I would offer to go help but I live 300 miles away and would have to arrange childcare etc. I will do it if it's possible but it might not be if we get short notice for the surgery.
Is there anyone that could help provide general help for him in regards to food etc. I just don't know how to help him.

OP posts:
MyMajesty · 28/11/2020 11:58

PandemicAtTheDisco what a terrible and sad situation.

PandemicAtTheDisco · 29/11/2020 16:26

@MyMajesty

Yes, the situations with families of those drink and drug dependent are also hard to witness. The spouse will enable the behaviour and yet when they are in need - they get nothing back.

Umbongoumbongo999 · 29/11/2020 16:37

I would organise a food shop with some good quality ready meals. Its likely your dad will be off his feet for 2-3 days with the pain and the anaesthetic after effects. If she really wont take him meals ( which is entirely heartless) can he have a mini fridge/microwave/kettle in hobbling distance to keep his food and drink intake up? I would consider looking at a short term care package. Are there any friends locally who could call in and help with practical tasks? If nothing else, it may shame your mum into shaping up.

My mum is also entirely incapable of putting others first even when push comes to shove. She wouldn't even visit her own mother following a terminal diagnosis because she wasn't prepared to help out, and can't manage her own emotions.

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bringbacksideburns · 29/11/2020 16:58

The dynamics of their relationship sound very like my mum and dad.

Only they are now in their 80s and my mum is in poor health / would never look after my dad, who is devoted to her.

60 long years they have been married . I also begged him to divorce her when i was 14. I'm now 52.

It terrifies me what would happen if he became ill. I wouldnt hesitate for him to move in with me, hes been a wonderful dad - but my mum is so self obsessed I could never look after her fulltime. And that in turn makes me feel guilty. The future looks like a nightmare. I'll face it when I have to.

I think your uncle sounds like your best bet if he can move in with him for a couple of weeks. And yes organize a shop for him with his favourite treats. Shame on your mum. I'd be ignoring her completely. What a selfish woman. It's very sad.

The Stately Homes thread is very good on here - lots of us in similar situatons OP x

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