My wife has had two sessions of the three week treatment. She has one more to go then 8 of the one week treatment. She feels unwell all of the time and exhausted and does not want to continue as she is bed ridden . Where can I get support to talk to her to help her get to her next treatment .
Hi Mick Cheets,
Thanks very much for getting in touch with us at what sounds like a difficult time.
I’m sorry to read about your wife and how her treatment is affecting her. Considering stopping treatment is understandable so you have done the right thing reaching out for support.
It’s difficult to know from the information you have given the details of your wife’s cancer diagnosis and the treatment she is currently on. In general terms, there is a list of possible side effects of cancer drugs. Unfortunately it’s impossible to know which side effects each person will have and to what extent.
Initially we would encourage you to get in touch with the chemotherapy unit today to let them know how she is, you should have been given a 24-hr number. They will be able to assess your wife’s symptoms over the telephone and advise on what the next best step is.
If you’re having any difficulties getting through you can call your wife’s GP or 111 if needed.
In terms of helping your wife with her next treatment or stopping it, the best placed people to talk to is her hospital team. She may have details of her clinical nurse specialist, sometimes known as a key worker. If not you can contact her hospital consultant to let them know your concerns about your wife’s symptoms, how she is feeling and that she is considering stopping treatment.
When a loved one has cancer it can affect the whole family too. It sounds like you’re doing great caring for her, but it’s really important you remember to look after yourself too.
We have a family and friends and carers only forum here on our Online Community that you might find helpful. Getting the support from people who might be in a similar situation can be invaluable.
If you feel you need more support to care for your wife at home, I’d encourage you to get in touch with her GP. They have a duty of care for her in terms of her health while she is at home and may be able to refer her to other health professionals.
If you ever want to talk with one of the nurses on the support line, we’d be more than happy to talk things through. We aren’t part of the NHS so don’t have access to your wife’s medical records, but we can certainly offer a listening ear.
I hope this gives you a starting point, but if there’s anything else we can help you with please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.
Best wishes and take care
Sarah (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
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