Cancer in the family

Hi there,
I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice?
Im currently in my 3rd year of University and one of my parents have just been diagnosed with cancer. I’m the eldest sibling so I feel the pressure of needing to be there for my family right now. But I never expected anything like this would happen at this stage of my life, all my friends are looking forward to graduating and being finished at University, now I’m feeling like I can’t look forward to any of that.
I was wondering if anyone had been in a similar shoe with family illness and university, what did you do to help balance things? Because at the moment i feel like im hanging on by a thread

Hi there,
I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice?
Im currently in my 3rd year of University and one of my parents have just been diagnosed with cancer. I’m the eldest sibling so I feel the pressure of needing to be there for my family right now. But I never expected anything like this would happen at this stage of my life, all my friends are looking forward to graduating and being finished at University, now I’m feeling like I can’t look forward to any of that.
I was wondering if anyone had been in a similar shoe with family illness and university, what did you do to help balance things? Because at the moment i feel like im hanging on by a thread

i'm sorry, that's a very difficult position to be in. The first thing to do is to tell your university - this will not be a new situation for them and they can offer help and support only if they know. Then you need to have a family discussion about where you are best fitted to be. Depending on the nature of your parent's treatment, it might be better for you to stay working for your degree (usually what the parent wants) or it might be more useful for you to be at home, helping with siblings etc. The main thing is to make an informed decision, with family and university involved. Don't drift through and end up not doing your best in your degree, but also feeling you didn't support your family. Take care of yourself and start talking to people about all your options.

My mum was diagnosed with cancer during my PGCE year so I do know what you are feeling. You are welcome to PM me

As above, if you feel like you are struggling (and who would not!), then get in touch with the University as soon as feasible. Everything should reopen on the 2nd - speak to your academic advisor and/or support people and see what they can do for you.

I cared for my terminally nan during my undergrad degree and through to the first year of my PhD and it can be very, very tough. People can help if you let them, I swear. TPDs advice is really good.