u/Brave_Car6052

I’ve had to become the caretaker for both of my parents. They both have been diagnosed with cancer at the same time. My mom just had to have surgery (it was successful and she is cured but is now in incredible pain), and my dad just started chemoradiation and it’s been brutal. This is the hardest season of my life trying to take care of them, cook, clean, manage meds, appointments, grocery shop, etc, etc. My friends seemed to have disappeared. They all know what’s going on and I even reminded a couple of them while I was in the hospital with my mom…but they still haven’t responded or reached out. A few weeks ago I got one vague “let me know if you need anything” text but then silence since. One friend has reached out multiple times a day asking how things are going but she lives 1,000 miles away and can’t be here. I really need their support but I’m also not going to beg for it or chase them down. I feel like it should be pretty common sense to at least ask how the surgery went. I’m not even getting the bare minimum and some of these friends I’ve had for years. I’m really hurt and sad about this. I feel so freaking alone. I’m always the one to help everyone else, but they’re not even there for me right now when I need them the most. I’m literally running on pure adrenaline and one of sleep every night. I don’t know what to do. Do I cut these friends off? I really don’t feel like I should have to ask them to check in or chase them down to beg for bare minimum. Am I overreacting?

Hi! I’m going to the Bob Dylan show tomorrow night but was wondering how parking is? Is it worth reserving a spot? My mom will be with and doesn’t want to walk too far. I think it’s $50 to reserve…anyone been there yet or know anything about it? Thanks!!

Ok, Prozac has literally saved my life from anxiety and severe OCD so I don’t want to stop taking it. But, omg, I’ve gained 25 pounds since starting two years ago. I’ve tried dieting, fasting, working out , but nothing is helping. Does this stuff mess with your metabolism or something?? I’m a 44F so it could be perimenopause too? I don’t know. My doctor just tells me to eat more healthy foods and I do but it still doesn’t work. Has anyone lost weight while taking this…like, after you’ve gained? I need any, and all, advice. I’m so discouraged and embarrassed to have people see me like this. I do t even recognize myself anymore. TIA!

I’m Catholic and go to church with my parents on Sunday’s. I noticed there’s a guy that’s been coming recently alone and we’ve exchanged a few smiles but nothing else. I usually don’t talk to people in church but I really want to talk to him. I don’t like being the one to initiate conversations but maybe that’s why I’m single haha.
How can I talk to him without being awkward? He’s so cute. I’m also self conscious right now because I’ve gained weight due to medical reasons. I don’t want to put myself out there, get rejected and then have to see him every Sunday and be embarrassed. Help! Also, I’m 40F.

My dad was just diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He’s lost a lot of weight and we’re just waiting on an appointment for the ultrasound and resection procedure. I have had a 4 day trip planned to meet with a friend I haven’t seen in years this week but now I’m feeling like I should cancel. Would it be a nice distraction? Probably. But if something happened to him or he had his appointments while I was gone, would make me feel so much regret. I just don’t know what to do. If I should go or cancel. I feel like it would look bad on my part if I went. He is so scared and I’m trying to be strong in front of him and going on as normal as I can but I also don’t want him to think I don’t care. I’m terrified for him and for all of us. I feel so helpless and lost. He’s my best friend.

I’m starting to get really bad anxiety about a road trip I have planned next week to visit a friend. Her and I are meeting at a cute little town for a few days. It’s a five hour drive each way for me and while I know that’s really not that bad, I’m spiraling. I was so excited until tonight…it’s like it all hit me and now I’m feeling so anxious. Like I want to cancel it altogether. There will be places to stop along the way but I’m just scared I’ll feel lonely and wish I had someone with me (like my mom). I know that sounds ridiculous since I’m in my 30s, but it’s been SO long since I’ve gone on a trip alone (I get bad separation anxiety). Plus she’s making me question if I should go because she thinks I’m going to have a car accident…which I know is just her worrying about me because she cares. But I’m already stressed about going without her. I want to see my friend so bad (haven’t seen her in years). I just don’t know what to do.

My dad is 79 and has lost about 35-40 pounds in the last 7 months. He still eats normally, with a little bit of appetite loss. He had a colonoscopy and it was fine. Nothing found there. Bloodwork was normal. He just had a CT scan yesterday and they called today saying his upper stomach was thicker than normal. He needs to have an endoscopy and I’m freaking out. He said he doesn’t have any other symptoms at all. Just weight loss. He did gain eight pounds last week. Is it possible for it to be cancer without any other symptoms? I’m hoping they can get him in for an endoscopy so we don’t have to wait.