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All,
The last weeks have been a bit of a roller coaster.
My brother in law has lung cancer which was diagnosed Jan 2018. Since then he has been on targetted treatment which has resulted in tumour sites decreasing from both lungs and liver to one lung only. However, some bumps along the way, including about a month ago where we thought we had lost him.
However, after having fluid drained from around his heart, he picked up and was home again - eating, drinking and trying to walk to get some fitness back.
Unfortunately, just over a week ago, he appeared to get a chest infection resulting in him being back in oncology ward. He has had more scans and oncologist advises that nothing has got worse, things are stable and that the targetted treatment is still working.However if he walks or tries stairs, he gets breathless.
He appears to be depressed and in his own words "I want to be able to walk without gasping for air and be useful".
Anyone any ideas on how to try and get him to a more positive mindset?
Thanks.
I would try MacMillan Cancer Nurses, they specialise in supporting people with cancer and how he feels will be quite common.
Been going through this with my dad, he's really struggling with nor being able to go to the shop to get the paper, mow the lawn or even get up the stairs without getting out of breath. He was getting better after the first few chemo sessions but a heart attack has knocked him for six. All we've been able to do is just be there for him and not blame him for anything he cannot do. Help-wise we've had a volunteer from one of the cancer charities visit him on a regular basis and put his mind at rest that what he is going through is normal, has made a big difference.
Just being there for him is the best thing you can do, support from your family is the greatest thing.
Sorry to hear this. My friend who lived for the outdoors is v ill and can only get out on a scooter now. None of us can understand how she kept her sanity but she has, never complained about anything despite being in constant pain.
Another friend was given a low probability of success in chemo, survived but is now showing symptoms of survivor guilt.
The only +'ve I can offer is focus on what you can do, not what you can't. And live day to day.
And access professional help, people who deal with this every day.
