My dad has skin cancer and I am too wired to sleep. So many 'What-ifs'

[Gingerbear]

2 years ago DH had a mole removed, had a dreadful 2 week wait over Christmas to find out if it was cancerous or not - it all turned out OK, was benign.

Now have just found out that my dad had a melanoma on his head - it is bigger than a 50p and he will have to have a CT scan to see if it has spread to lymph nodes and he needs a skin graft when they remove it.

He is waiting for a CT appointment - don't know when he will be going back to the hospital.

I am so scared for him.

Oh gingerbear, the waiting is awful. Of course you are worried. I wish I could say something to comfort you but I know that you will continue to worry until you know more.

How does he feel about it all?

There are lots of positive stories on MN, if it helps.

thanks for your message underRated.

We are still waiting. He saw another consultant on Tuesday, and they did lots more tests. He has lots of little cancers all over his head and neck. Very aggressive type. Only issue is, he is 78 and has angina, so a General anesthetic is much more complicated than it would be in a younger, fitter man. Still waiting for a CAT scan. He has a date for the operation - 15 May.
He is outwardly very calm and philosophical about it. Lots of 'Well, I have had a good life' , 'You can't expect to live to my age without something happening' etc.
I just wish he could be more positive about things.
I don't know what to say to my mum. She too is being upbeat, but she always puts on a brave face.

So sorry to hear this. You must feel so worried and upset. All you can do is be ther for them - people always handle illness in their own way, I think.

So sorry to hear this .

So sorry to hear this Gingerbear. It is really hard isn't it, I think the best thing you can do is let both your parents know you are there for them, whether it is just to spend time together or to talk and lend your support if needed.

It must be a worrying time, waiting for results and not really knowing what's going to happen.

There is lots of support here though, sometimes it helps just to write down your feelings and get them out.

Dad now has a date for the CAT scan - next Friday. We are just wishing the days away at the moment. I really hope for good news - any tiny bit would be good at the moment.

Aw, it is going to be long week for you and your family