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Living with colorectal cancer - Meet others & come say hi
Colorectal Cancer | Last Active: Oct 23, 2023 | Replies (152)Comment receiving replies
My dad was diagnosed with Stage III colorectal cancer last December. On top of this, he also has Non-Specific Interstial Pneumonia (lung disease). He went thru about half of the recommended chemo as the side effects were awful. He is going in for a PET scan on the 27th of December as his CEA levels were about 150. He is on supplemental oxygen and feels tethered to his machine. I was able to get a machine delivered to my house over Thanksgiving and he was able to come out for a night. Hoping he feels well enough to come out at Christmas. I feel so lost. I live an hour away and try to help him as best I can and keep it together. He knows its terminal and we don't talk much about it. I just kind of follow his lead. I've been trying to encourage him to get his groceries delivered (He fell trying to carry everything in to the house from the car). He's very stubborn. It's the little things we take for granted. I guess I am just trying to keep from falling apart. My brother helps when he can but has 7 kids. Ok, I'm done. Just needed a place to unload.
Replies to "My dad was diagnosed with Stage III colorectal cancer last December. On top of this, he..."
@lkissinger So sorry to hear about your Dad. It is really hard to watch a loved one go through any medical crisis. It is a horrible helpless feeling one experiences when you can't fix what they are going through. I experienced this with my Mom who passed away from cancer 16 years ago.
Your Dad most likely doesn't want the help cause he has spent his whole life as a caretaker. It is difficult for someone to seek out help when they are used to being the one giving it. His stubborn ways is what keeps him going. Even if he falls doing things we believe he should not be doing. In his mind if he quits doing his normal routine he probably figures it all over. Being self sufficient the best he can gives him hope.
Remember something without Hope there is no cure. Stage III colon cancer is not always a terminal illness. Many people live for many years with stage III and stage IV.
Hang in their and do your best to be part of his life. Do you go with him to his medical appointments? If so let us know how he is doing after his pet scan. Maybe ask the Dr if he can adjust the chemo to a lighter dose. (now I'm not a Dr or is this my specialty so I am only suggesting you ask this this to see if it even is possible?) Hopefully that is an option and may help him.
I wish you and your Dad the Best. I know is it very stressful and painful to have to go through this.
You are welcome to unload on here anytime you need too.
Jackie
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Hi @lkissinger,
I’m truly sorry to hear about your father; managing a chronic condition is a tough journey, especially for loved ones, but you don’t have to do it alone. I’m so glad that you’ve joined the Connect community – you’ve come to the right place to unload, to talk with people who have or had similar experiences, and to get support from members who understand what you are going through.
I’m tagging fellow members @sandrabee @soul @ilene1 @sallyg @azcyclist2018 @travelgirl @starrlight @nannytart @minabird @brenz @sportsmom9433 @martid @sue_in_delaware @nananet @bbams @bush to bring them into this conversation so that they may share their insights with you.
Although it’s not you who has cancer, watching a beloved one, your dad, go through it must be very, very hard. The emotions you are experiencing may be different, but those emotions are very valid and need to be talked about. Here, you will find stories of hope – there is always hope, and a diagnosis doesn’t have to be the end; let the Connect community be your sounding board.
@lkissinger, do you feel that you and your dad might be able to talk frankly about the “tough stuff” at some point?