Caren

One of the main questions the Oncologist asked before agreeing to my dad having Chemo is 'How active are you?' We told the him that my dad walks almost half a mile each morning to our Village store and sometimes does the same in the afternoon. We said that he's fine with the stairs in the house too. The Oncologist never explained why it's important to be active in order to have Chemo and I never asked. But, for the past week my dad's activity levels have dropped to almost zero. His energy levels are so low that he has only left the house twice in the past 7 days and he seems to hold his bladder for longer, so that he doesn't need to use the stairs so often. I'm worried now that this could have an effect on how well the Chemo will work. I don't know if any of you will be able to answer this question, but I thought I would ask. Oh and I have also requested that his GP prescribe some kind of nutritional drinks because my dad's appetite has dropped quite low and I don't want him losing weight if that can be avoided.

It's lovely to see how you all do your part, whether it be small or large, it all helps! We actually live with my dad and while I'm his Primary Caregiver and I have no other siblings, I have a wonderful husband who is on hand to take my dad for his blood tests and cook meals when I feel too worn to do it. That might not seem a lot, but to me it's the small things that make the huge differences. My parents separated many years ago and live quite a way away from each other. My dad has requested that I don't tell my mum. I'm not sure why he doesn't want her to know and obviously it makes it hard for me when talking with her, not to mention any of this, but I have to respect his wishes.

Hi Amy. I'm so sorry that your dad has been given this diagnosis. I'm afraid that I'm of little help with trying to understand the notes that you have posted, as all of this is still new to me too. You said that your dad is very positive and that's wonderful!!!! It will help him to stay strong in the times ahead. Although my dad was told by his Oncologist that he's Cancer is advanced and terminal, the Onc still had the most wonderfully positive attitude towards beating the beast down with a stick!!!! Keep us updated Amy. This is a wonderful site, full of wonderful people, who have knowledge and experience....and big broad shoulders to carry each other on!!! (((HUGS)))

Diet

Good for you!! I hope you enjoyed your day of 'nothingness'

Crunchy leaves.

Drink

Well my dad only got his diagnosis a few weeks ago and as a caregiver I think about it all the time!!! I think it's unhealthy for me to be thinking about it as much as I do, but I just can't help it. Even when I'm really busy it's still there, nagging away in the back of my mind. For the first week of knowing I would literally wake up in the morning with Cancer on my mind. But now, I manage to actually get myself out of the bed before any thoughts come to mind. I think the thing with me is that I'm thinking '1 step ahead'. So, this time last week I was thinking how my dad is almost through his first Cycle and today I am thinking ahead to next week when he will start his 2nd cycle. Then I think of the bad of all of this and remind myself to be positive and think about the good, although as you all know, sometimes that's easier said than done. I don't know how much my dad actively thinks about the Cancer, although it will be mentioned by him at least once or twice a day and quite often I catch him drifting off into his thoughts. This is such an awful thing for anything to go through or be witness to but we have to keep on fighting and take each day as it comes!!

Beautiful children!!! Gosh it seems so long ago now since my eldest daughter started Pre-school and I still remember leaving there in tears. I done it will all three of them!!!

Well the first indication of my dad being ill was that he coughed up quite a large amount of blood. That was at the end of July. Since then he hasn't coughed up anymore. Until this morning, he said that it wasn't a lot and it was more like phlegm with trace of blood in there. I don't know if this is an indication of infection or anything, so I don't know if I should call up the Keyworker....or to leave it and see how he is later? He hasn't been ill (actually today has been his best day physically, as over the weekend the Chemo seemed to kick his butt a little) today, just the coughing of that.

I'm so sorry to hear that your dad isn't doing too good right now (((HUGS)))

More great photo's!

Great photo's! Jayla is a beautiful little girl

I'm sorry that I'm of little help with advice, but would like to say that your father is in my thoughts.

Oh, those are great!!

I don't know what to make of this thread actually. I'll also be honest in saying that I haven't read the whole thread. My dad has been drinking more than a glass of red wine a day for years and years and yet he has a 6-7cm tumour..........

My thoughts are with everyone who will be caught in this!! Keep safe xx

Very interesting reading!

I'm glad that your dad is feeling a little relief now, but sorry to hear that it wasn't a very nice ordeal for him. With two daughter's bringing him such nice food, what more could a man want!

Excellent!

Oh dear!!! I must say that after my dad's diagnosis I visited and posted on a couple of other sites. When I found this one I was so pleased at the response I got!!!!