Hi, I haven’t posted on the forum since Aug 24 not long after my dad was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). He was having pain in his shoulder and that was the reason for me making contact to get some advice. At my dads second appointment with his consultant on the 4th September we were told that his injections were not working but that they would increase the dose and continue with his blood transfusions he was currently getting one unit of blood every 2 weeks but this increased to 2 units just prior to this appointment. Fast forward to Friday 20th September I contacted his cancer nurses as my sister and I felt he was deteriorating, he wasn’t eating, had no energy and was in pain. I cannot fault the support that was put in place. Unfortunately, dad was admitted to hospital on Monday 24th September and we were told the following day all treatment would cease as there was nothing else they could do. Dad was given the option of staying in hospital, going into a hospice or returning home. He returned home the day after the day before his 79th birthday. Following the call days before with his cancer nurses a plan was already in place, we had support from the district nurses, his GP, carers up to 4 times a day if needed and also nurses from a local hospice. Without this support we would of been lost. Dad died the following week, Wednesday 2nd October 24. I’m still trying to come to terms with how quick it was from the original diagnosis but to have the opportunity to spend that last week with him in his own home was invaluable. I would only say to anyone else going through this horrible process do what’s best for you and your loved ones, it was my dads decision to be a home and even though it was hard for us he was at peace.
I have told everyone about this forum as for us it was a great support x
Oh @jm1970 I really do appreciate you taking the time to re-post on here.
How unbelievably sad that you lost your dad so quickly, but what a gift for you all having having that brief time when he was at home with you all.
You certainly did not have time to process everything.
There is no right or wrong way to grieve and it is a process. and perhaps you might all go through it differently.
Thanks again so much for posting
Please really be so kind to and look after yourselves, we are all here for you to process what it is like for you. xx
Hello @jm1970
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad.
We can only imagine how difficult this time is for you and your family. If you would like to talk things through at any point, or feel that you need signposting for any further help, please do get in touch with our support line staff on 0808 2080 888.
Be kind to yourself & take care,
Emma (support services nurse)
Hi @jm1970.
Wow, I’m not surprised it has, or still is taking time to process things. It all happened so quickly.
It sounds like you have a lively family around you and how wonderful that your dad was at home which is what he wanted.
Thank you for posting. It will support a lot of people X
Thank you all so much for your kind words. The support from you all has always been invaluable. I would say to anyone who is or has a family member going through the process of diagnosis and treatment is to research and ask plenty of questions. I didn’t even know that my dad was entitled to unpaid carers, we found this out less than a week before he was told there was no further treatment they could offer.
Be kind to yourself, your not alone 
xx