This is going to be cancer isn't it?!

[Olderkidsaremine]

My Dad has had a rough time of it over the last few years - servere mental health issues and approx 10 years ago a big operation to remove lymph nodes in his neck due to skin cancer and weeks of radiothearpy afterwards.

Last Tuesday he had a chest xray after complaining about a pain in his chest - long story about doctors dismissing his concerns because his heart sounded fine and he didn't seem to have a problem with breathing, mum insisted on xray! Anyway on Thursday he had a call arranging for a consultants appointment on the 5th December and then over the weekend a letter came through booking him in for a 'scan' on Saturday 1st at 1.30pm.

We are all trying to stay positive - better knowing sooner rather than later etc etc. But this isn't going to end well is it? Any ideas what it could be? Should mention that he has been a smoker for over 50 years.

[Meganlillymai]

Test was clear. How's ur father today. X

[Olderkidsaremine]

Glad everything was clear Megan Dads still in hospital - they don't seem to be sure what is wrong with him, supposed to have chemo next week but we don't know if that will go ahead. He was with 2 other men who's cancer seemed more advanced than his and I think it has dawned on him what's going to happen if the chemo doesn't work as he said he felt a bit down yesterday - he never says anything like that he is always 'fine' if asked!

Crap week and my aunt died on Wednesday - mum's sister - so I'm trying to support her but she said she isn't thinking about it Dad is her concern at the moment!

[digerd]

OP my mum died aged 83 when my DH was in hospital for tests with recurring cancer and we knew this time it was much worse than before. I cried over mum once, but my real concern was for DH who was only 57 and in awful pain. That's how it is.

[Meganlillymai]

Sorry to hear about ur loss. Ur dads coping well. Does he get counceling or anyone to talk to. Fingers still crossed x

[Meganlillymai]

Anymore news Hun x

[Olderkidsaremine]

Just an update, its now 7 months since the non removal operation and Dad has had 2 rounds of chemo - couldn't complete the course as his blood count was too low - but was able to have all the radiotherapy sessions. Was pretty unwell at times but got through it all. We are now waiting for a new scan and a meeting with the oncologist on the 8th August. He seems to be doing well, eating well and fairly happy in himself which in turn helps everyone else to carry on - except my brother who is still with his head in the sand but I can't control how he thinks about things and he has his wife to help him out as he been next to useless in supporting me!

Now its my Mum having problems - stroke type symptoms and only a couple of days ago went blind in one eye for a few hours!!

Writing things down at the time helped so much and made me realise that I wasn't alone and that mumsnetters had been in the same position and got through it so so could I.

[digerd]

You and your mum have had a long period of traumatic worry, since November. Sorry your DM is now unwell. Your dad has done really well, considering all the set backs he has had. "eating well and happy in himself* is a really good sign.
Good luck for the scan results.

[Meganlillymai]

Great news that you're dad if feeling happy in himself.

Sorry about your mum though, good luck with the scan results your father is a trooper

[Olderkidsaremine]

Hi All

Well the 8th has come and gone with the good news that the cancer has shrunk!!! Not gone but definitely smaller.

Dad will have a follow uup scan or x ray in two months time and we will see what will happen from then.

It certainly wasn't the result I was expecting but so glad it exceeded it, I don't think it has really sunk in yet but I'm certainly happier than I have been for a while.

[digerd]

Great news . What a relief for you all. to celebrate.

[Meganlillymai]

WOW That's fabulous news!! I'm really pleased for you and your family and especially your father.

[Olderkidsaremine]

Hello everyone

Its been over a year since I started this thread and I'm pleased to say that Dad is still around. There is a big but though, in that at the last scan it showed some thickening on the bad lung which they couldn't say for sure wasn't the lung cancer becoming more active.

We were also told that regardless dad wouldn't be offered any further treatment, neither radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

We know that the cancer is becoming more active, dad has lost his voice - either the cancer has wrapped itself around the nerve controlling the vocal chord or the radiotherapy has affected it. He has lost his appetite and finding it more of a struggle to get up and down the stairs and in and out of bed. He's had two lots of antibiotics in the last 6 weeks and generally he is getting weaker, also he seems to have given up - Mum threatened him with going into hospital if he didn't eat and drink and he just shrugged his shoulders.

I think that this is now the beginning of the end and are hoping that he makes it through to Christmas.

[helzapoppin2]

Glad Dad is still with you, but sorry to hear he is not so well.
My best wishes for a peaceful Christmas for all of you.
Love and hugs x

[Saminthemiddle]

Happy for you that you have had another year with your dad but it isn't easy is it, I had the same with my mum. Lets hope he has Christmas with you all, lots of love and hugs too xxx

[Meganlillymai]

Hope you all enjoyed a peaceful Xmas and new year. Good to see you got to spend it with dad