A worrying time and it's natural to not know what to do - if you already had plans to have him for a meal at Xmas, then inviting him wouldn't look like a response to his diagnosis/situation which he may struggle with... talk to him and ask him how he's feeling, listen, give him space - many lung cancer patients appear fit and well despite what's going on inside their bodies and he may still be processing the news himself. I found a book 'what can I do to help? by Deborah Hutton immensely helpful for such situations. just being there for him is important so let him know that and if he's ready to talk, let him and if he's not, accept that too and treat him as you would have done previously - normality is what many crave at such times... good luck.
Helping him clean his flat and doing some shopping are two of the most helpful things I can think of. If you have an auto you could offer to take him to an appointment.
I am a bit confused because I offered to go to the hospital and he said his friend (who he was always complaining about) was going with him.
I was supposed to cook Christmas Dinner but had to cancel and he left a message calling me 'useless'.
He kept apologising.
I made Kevin 4 pints of Whey protein shakes and took them to the door. He wouldn't let me in his flat saying it was a state. He has also told me that his friend has been sending nasty texts calling him a smelly ....... and that he is an idiot.
I have said more than once before the cancer why do you bother with him?
Anyway, I feel OK today and hopefully will cook Sunday dinner.
I will call him in 2 hours and fingers crossed I can do this.
The hospital is near so no problem for Kevin to get the bus.
I am going to try today.
He qualifies for help from social services but he said no.
Anyway, thank you for replying Denzie. Love and hugs
Sometimes survivors just don't want others to know or to care and will say or do things to scare us off. Check back with him in a week or two, just ask if there's anything he needs done.
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