Hello Zac My name is Robyn I am one of the team here at Riprap and I have been a cancer nurse for many years.

I am glad you got in touch with Riprap. It sounds a really tough time for you and your family.

I don’t know how long ago you were told, but guess when you first heard about your Dad’s brain tumour you were shocked… you may have felt sort of numb this is normal – it is the way our brain protects us when we hear something upsetting and it can take a while for things to sink in and feel more real and then many different emotions can appear…..

I don’t know what treatment your dad is having - you said things were getting worse this may be from the brain tumour or your dad may be having side effects form the treatment.

You say you have only just found out what is going on so I am wondering if your dad has recently had some test results or perhaps has new symptoms or side effects from his treatment or perhaps your dad/other family members delayed telling you as they didn’t want to upset you…...

It sounds as if you have perhaps been given a lot of information in one go and I imagine you have lots of different feelings and questions whirling round your head . Everyone has their own way of relaxing /letting emotions out and I guess playing on your Xbox is yours It sounds as if it helps you get away from everything for a while . You sound very aware of how helpful it is to get your feelings out and although you find your Xbox helps you to do this it I guess you know it cant help you with the questions ….

I am sure others who may be in a similar situation will read your message and understand how you are feeling and I hope they will also post a comment to let you know you are not alone.You may also find it helpful to read through the other stories and forum posts on riprap.

You have said that you find it hard to talk to people - many people ( of all ages ) find it difficult to ask for help, or to tell others how they are feeling, but find it much easier to manage how they are feeling when they have.

Have you been able to talk with your dad or another family member? If you don’t know how to start the conversation you could perhaps write a note. I think it is important that you let someone around you – a family member, a teacher perhaps, know how you are feeling. If you would like to you can also message me and the other members of the team here at Riprap privately using the “get in touch” form. We can help you to find information about brain tumours and their treatment or just talk things over and ,if you let us know the area you live in, we can help you to find some support locally. Robyn

Same here !