Therapist rec for my dad with terminal cancer

[Anonymous]

My dad is 77 and his cancer, which had been in remission for the past 7 years, is outpacing his treatment. It's in his bones and he's in a lot of pain. Up until about 3 months ago he had been super active, living the carefree retiree life. He is struggling mightily with all of these changes and I think therapy will help. Any recommendations welcome, thanks.

[Anonymous]

His doctor should be able to recommend someone. Also ministers, rabbis, etc., are trained to counsel for this stuff.

[Anonymous]

I think he probably would prefer morphine to therapy at this point, TBH.

[Anonymous]

My friend took medical marijuana to help with the pain. It helped and he didn't get high off of it. I'm sorry your dad is suffering. A grief counselor working with hospice may be a source of comfort for him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think he probably would prefer morphine to therapy at this point, TBH.

This op come on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think he probably would prefer morphine to therapy at this point, TBH.

This op come on.

He likely is getting pain management, but it isn't as if you take morphine and everything is fine. The pain of cancer in the bones goes beyond what morphine can do, btw. He is still alive, ffs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think he probably would prefer morphine to therapy at this point, TBH.

This op come on.

Are you realizing chastising OP for caring about her father’s emotional well-being? What an unkind, insensitive response.

Hospices provide counseling and emotional support for patients for a reason. You figure that once a person is terminal, their mental health is irrelevant? The life they have left has no meaning? I’m certain that OP’s father’s treatment team is focusing on pain management but there’s still quality of life to consider. And regardless, people can live with terminal cancer for quite a while.

OP, you can call Palliative Medicine Consultants to see if they can offer a referral, or at least guide you in the right direction. And Palliative Care itself might be beneficial - it’s not hospice, but focused on pain management and quality of life. I can’t imagine that they don’t have mental health resources.

https://www.palliativeconsultants.org/what-is-palliative-care/

[Anonymous]

Most oncology departments have a social worker. This would be free/covered.

Some SW are outstanding at this, for patient and caregivers and family. Some will have private practice even if you are not at their hospital.

MSKCC even has psychiatrists, etc. especially attuned to cancer, end of life. Also covered/ free. Even for Medicare.

[Anonymous]

Inova’s Life with Cancer has support groups monthly for various types of cancer and living with advanced disease. The last time I took classes (they also have a variety of art, exercise, etc groups for people living with cancer) you did not have to be an Inova patient.
If you are in active treatment with Inova you can also take advantage of their psychiatrists, massage, and acupuncture professionals.

[Anonymous]

I would be very cautious about suggesting this to your dad. Of course he isn’t in the best mental state, he’s suffering horrible pain. Chronic pain of that magnitude is not something you therapy away. Advocate for pain management with his medical professionals. Addiction is the least of his worries at this point.