Any advice please? It's my Dad, not sure I am strong enough to deal with anything

[Mummy2TandF]

It's a long story with my Dad, 8 years ago he had part of a lung removed for suspected lung cancer, no problems since then except for the fact that he has not really been himself for the last 2 years, has been quite lethargic which isn't him at all, about 18 months ago we made him go to the dr's because he was going to the loo ever such a lot sorry tmi, he had blood tests and was told that his PSA level was very high which is a sign of prostrate cancer he had reapeat tests where his levels increased and I remember that the last test result came back just before my DH passed away in August but he didn't have the biopsy (I don't think) because it is not very pleasant and carries a high risk of infection which in itself can be quite dangerous. I am a bit sketchy on this bit because of the death of my DH and I was really compus mentus!! ..... Anyway, he went to the hospital on Monday because his leg really hurt him and had to go back today for a scan - he has just been round and has told me that he has a DVT + because there is no reason for him to hae one e.g - he is not sedentry, he hasn't flown recently and he hasn't knocked his leg, they are concerned about what has caused it ... they again have suggested cancer - he also has a lot of nose bleeds which apparently is also significant? He has now been given 2 weeks worth of injections that he has to give himself and will need to go back for more tests and in the meantime he mustn't knock his leg at all .... I am petrified, has anybody got any experience of this? I only lost my DH 9 months ago, I can't possibly cope with anything happening to my Dad ... please can somebody help me look on the bright side, my "rock" has gone and he would have made me feel better and let me talk "at" him about my worries but now I only have MN

Mummy2TandF - your poor dad and you for that matter. Talk away and we'll try our best to help you through this. {hug} for now.

Thanks for your message, it all seems to be a waiting game now! he has the medicine that he has to inject himself with every day and he has to go back to the hospital on Sunday to get wolferine (sp?) tablets to thin his blood ... but I am not sure how that will affect his nose bleeds? Sorry for waffling, I am in a bit of a flap atm

Mummy2tandf - aww bless you, i have no experience of this so cant really be of any help, but just wanted to say that you can tell us anything you want and someone will try to help, im sure.

Willl be thinking about you, make sure you keep us updated.

Take care
x

I'm not surprised you are flapping. Sounds like they have got you all terrified over something that may be nothing. Doesn't stop your brain from going into overdrive tho, does it.

The warfarin may make his nosebleeds worse - but I am sure he will have told them about this - and hopefully his GP or an ENT dr could do something about those.

Waiting is the hardest - can you plan some nice stuff to do, what does he like doing with your DC, do you have friends who would be happy to listen to you in RL (not that we aren't listening, just that it helps sometimes).

Thank you again for posts and letting me rant/panic!
Mylittlepudding - Doing something with my dc's is out really as he has to avoid knocking his leg and that is inevitable with my 2!! Apparently he has to inject himself until his blood levels are at a certain level, then he will just need to take the warfarin and he is going to have to go back to the hospital and be fitted with leg stockings which he will have to wear for 3 years They have said that he was very lucky that the clot didn't break up and cause a pulmonary embolism .... however, he is not a classic high risk for DVT, which is what they are quite concerned about, he is not overweight, doesn't smoke, hasn't travelled recently and has not suffered any trauma to the leg, so therefore the only other "common" reason for a DVT is if he has cancer I think now it is just a matter of getting a full body check and waiting with fingers crossed .... I called my sister abd she has booked him in for a private full health check and has told them about the DVT and his increased PSA I couldn't bear to lose somebody else ever!! Let alone so soon after DH

You poor love, I can only imagine how you must feel

I think yo'ure right re wait-and-see, its all you can do - that, and keep talking here and anywhere else you can. Sounds like the best plan of action has already been put in place.

My Dad is being treated for prostate cancer atm, with great success - and he's 81 - so if it does turn out to be pc, remember that cancer doesn't necessarily mean death, by any means. I know how I felt though, when he was diagnosed, and that was without any close loss so recently...so huge great hugs going out to you, its an awful lot to cope with so soon.

You have been through the mill, haven't you?

"Watchful waiting" is one of the responses to potential cancers. It can be very stressful but sometimes it is the best course of action.

I hope you get some answers soon.