Update

[crystalcazzie]

A lady from the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice came round this morning to talk to us. She was very nice and told us what services they offer, both for Dad and for us. She mentioned counselling and I'm sort of tempted but I'm so bad at talking to people I'd have no idea what to say. Still, it's good to know that it's an option.

Then this afternoon Dad went to his private appointment with the Hepatology professor. And from the sounds of it it went better than the other appointments have gone. There was talk about getting Dad into a trial, but apparently it's a bit too early yet (I'm not entirely sure what that means.) And he took some blood cos he wants to run his own tests and wants to see Dad again next week. I'm just so relieved that someone is actually doing something, that there's the possibility of hope, rather than just giving up like the other doctors did.

Comments

[anarchist-nomad.livejournal.com]

One other thought: What if you tried the counselling option and started by explaining what you just told us -- that talking isn't your strongest skill and you don't know what to say.

An experienced counsellor has probably heard this before and will be able to help you get started.

If you don't want to go with this option, that's also fine, of course. But if you think it would help, I'd hate to see you give it up just because you think you wouldn't be 'good at it'.

Virtual hugs in solidarity on this journey. I'm calling Dad shortly to see how his final treatment went.

[rachg82.livejournal.com]

I was gonna say the same thing. Also, just from my own experience? I regularly go into my sessions wondering what in the world I'm going to talk about, then the minute I open my mouth a flood of words suddenly appears. Sometimes you just have to get in there before the emotions bubble to the surface.

[crystalcazzie.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that makes sense. I'm just worried that it won't work like that with me. And there's the fact that getting in there in the first place is an issue that fills me with anxiety.

[rachg82.livejournal.com]

I guess you just have to weigh the cost/benefit. Which is worse: temporarily feeling anxiety, but maybe getting help going forward? Or avoiding that temporary anxiety and for sure not getting help?

[crystalcazzie.livejournal.com]

That's a good point. I don't know, I just worry. I don't want to waste their time and end up feeling worse.

How did your dad's treatment go? I hope he's doing well.