support for relatives of terminal cancer patients

[Chloris33]

I wondered if anyone would be able to point me to any specific sources of support. As many will know, a lot of the grieving process for a loved one who is terminally ill can take place during the illness, as well as after the death. My Dad is currently terminally ill with brain cancer and very unwell now. I am pregnant, likely to face bereavement at a similar time to new baby arriving, and I feel I am really struggling with my emotions. Do any cancer charities offer support, or what else could I maybe access? Thanks. x

Hi Chloris, sorry to hear about things. I can't do linkas i'm on my phone but if yougo to the healthsection in talk, there is a life limiting illness section and within there a long running thread for people to drop in to when tjey wish specifically for relatives and carers of people with terminal illness. Please have a look and pop a post on, you hopefully will find it useful x

Thank you, that's really helpful x

I have had counseling from st johns cancer support centre, I believe MacMillan offer counseling and have a phone support line. Maybe if you check out the website it will point you in the right direction for your area?
My gp referred me after my dad passed away from lung cancer, I'm also pregnant so understand your mixture of emotions xx

Chloris33 sorry to read this x

When my DH was first diagnosed I went to the drop in at our local Maggies Wallace centre and then saw one of their professionals a few times.

Worth seeing if your area has similar.

If your dad has a clinical nurse specialist or macmillan Nurse they can offer support to families.
Also if your local hospice has any involvement with your dad's care then they may have a counselling service.
Macmillan telephone line can offer support also.
There may also be local initiatives/ support groups. If the Oncology unit at your nearest hospital has a cancer information centre then they could advise on this.

I joined this facebook group and found it very useful in terms of support and also information.

www.facebook.com/groups/114009085471466/

Sending hugs x

Hi chloris sorry to hear this. We just found out recently that my dad only has about 6 months to live, he has lung cancer. He was diagnosed with throat cancer just after my son was born (9 months ago) but they said they'd be able to treat it, it's been a massive shock. He lives about 350 miles from us, we just visited at the weekend and he looks so ill. I go back to work at the end of July and just not sure what I will do about visiting him with work / baby etc. my dh is starting as a contractor in a couple of weeks so won't really be able to take time off. All these thoughts going round my head and no one that understands to speak to about it.
I feel like I'm already grieving but that I shouldn't be.

Grief when someone is terminally ill is normal and valid, and totally expected. It might also be worth googling 'anticipatory grief' for additional resources/information about this - there's lots out there. You could also contact your GP - there's likely to be a wait, but they can refer you for mental health support (they did this for me, and it was massively helpful).