My dad got diagnosed with brain cancer in June at the age of 52. By October he passed. It was a quick a wild ride. During the process I learned a lot. My biggest complaint was that no one would help care for my dad not because of the cancer, it was because of his age. He was too young for a nursing home, and not qualified for hospice.
There becomes a point where the disease takes over, things become difficult, safety is a concern, and yet your just left to figure it out. I would like to advocate for my help in the gray area. Thanks for your time.
It changed dramatically. My dad was the life of the party, sole provider for my mother and brother, business owner of not one not two but 3 companies. I had to take my dad’s car keys away from him, his money, anything that he could harm himself or anyone else. He couldn’t be trusted. He couldn’t walk, talk, control his bladder. This wasn’t my dad, this was the cancer eating him.
Therapist, doctors, nurses all sharing their stories of experiences helped me feel not alone. Knowledge is power. I researched like crazy so I could know what symptoms I could expect next to help adjust when needed.
I’m going gray in May for my dad. You don’t realize how much of a big presence someone is in your life until they are gone and the world is a quiet place. I want to spread awareness to get early detection, help pass along information to families, and create a place where people can get help and care regardless of their age.
That you have to prepare for everything and compartmentalize that this isn’t the same person you loved. They are gone and can’t help the way the feel or act. You can’t be in denial and take things personal.
I would like to be more active, or share my story more often. I would like to help spread awareness.
