Trying to cope…

[Shanice1997]

In October 2021, my dad was diagnosed with a terminal Glioblastoma. In the same week, we also found out my mum had bowel cancer. Both underwent a operation. Mum is now hopefully all clear and hasn’t needed any chemo. Dad hasn’t been as lucky and now lives in a care home, receiving palliative care. I’m 24 and I haven’t got a clue how to deal with this.

[Something_blue]

Morning, oh I’m so so sorry to read about your Dads diagnosis & then to be going through that with your Mum. That’s really really tough. My heart goes out to you. My mum was diagnosed with GBM May 2021 it’s so hard to come to terms with.

In regards to coping it’s so early days after your dads diagnosis to still be coming to terms with what is happening. Take it a day at a time and be kind to yourself, surround yourself with loving people who can support you & take time out for you and make sure you get lots of support and time to talk about what is happening.

Is your Dad in a care home local to you? Are you able to visit and spend time with him?

The brain tumour charity offer great support which I have found very comforting and helpful. They have support professionals that you can be put in touch with if you ring their support line 01454 422701 we have a lovely one called Lucy. I would 100% recommend ringing them & having a chat about what support they can give you. Also they run online sessions on Zoom on a variety of different topics such as coping with uncertainty, high grade tumours like the ones our parents have and lots of other ones. I found these helped me talk to other family members and individuals going through similar.

Do you have any siblings or extended family that are supportive?

We are all here for you & sending you best wishes & lots of support x

[Shanice1997 in reply to Something_blue]

Hi. Thank you for your reply. I am also so sorry for what you are going through. I am glad though that you are receiving some help through your struggle which I know can be hugely beneficial. It’s about knowing that there are people around you that are going through the same thing. Yes, he’s very local so it’s a relief to know that we can just jump in the car and go if we need to. We visit him every day. I have an older sister who’s a lot more outgoing than me and holds us together.

[Hidden]

Hi Shanice,I'm so sorry to hear about what your family is going through - I appreciate that this must be an incredibly difficult time right now. I can see that Something_blue has already given you some lovely support and information about the charity Brain Tumour Support.

In addition, I want you to know that we are here for you and your family. If you ever want to have a chat over the phone, please do not hesitate to get in touch on 0808 800 0004 (Mon - Fri, 9-5) or by emailing [e-mail].

We also have a dedicated Young Adults team, who support people aged 16-30 whose family have been affected by a brain tumour. You may wish to have a little look at the support available here: thebraintumourcharity.org/l...

Please just let us know if there's anything we can do to help - you're not alone.

Sending my very best wishes,

Katie

The Brain Tumour Charity Support Team

[Shanice1997 in reply to Hidden]

Hi. Thank you for your message. At the moment, I have a counsellor once a week but still struggle with the moments in between. All of this came so suddenly. I just wish I could take it all away for them

[Hidden in reply to Shanice1997]

It sounds like all of this has been such a shock and it's understandable that it is taking time to process it all.

I'm glad to hear you are supported by a counsellor, but in those difficult times in between please know you can give us a call. Or, if you'd like us to ring and check in on you, please just email [e-mail] with the best number and we can get in touch.Best wishes,

Katie

[Salsann1e in reply to Hidden]

im so sorry for all those goibg through this terrible journey. i had surgery in june this year but not all the cancer was removed and i have had 30 sessions of radiotherapy and chemo. i had mri scan a few weeks ago and waiting for resukts. i have managed to keep well apart from recently when i have been feeling tired i live alone so worry about what’s going to happen to me and i don’t like to discuss this with my family. i keep reading about the end symptoms and it’s very scary as i won’t have anyone with me apart from my dog. is anyone else in this position?