Hi everyone
I'm sitting here thinking who can I ring to say how I'm feeling then realised all those I would normally share things with will not understand or get upset with me. So I'm going to tell you instead and hopefully putting on paper will spur me on.
Tomorrow we head south for a few days in a static caravan in Wales. Normally I would be excited to be going away (anywhere) but this time I'm not sure. In November my husband had a spinal compression (due to his stage 4 advanced prostate cancer being in his bones and lymph nodes), leaving him using sticks. He's been great and worked really hard to improve his mobility then a few weeks ago he was doing his 'I'm the man' bit and built most of an Ikea unit, something I could have done. Since then he has got worse again and is now on 2 crutches. His leg is so bad he can't drive. So basically this next week is going to be hard work as we live in Scotland. I will have all the driving to do, the dog to walk more than usual in a strange place and alone. That's the key word I think, 'alone' , because the last 2 breaks we've had that is how I've felt. He's still his cheery self when he's awake but he does sleep a lot these days. Pushing the wheelchair, which he needs when we are out, can be hard too.
To top it all my brother is having an operation to remove a tumour from his lung on Wednesday so we have to come home via Yorkshire to spend a few days taking my sister in law to visit my brother as she is ill too. Basically I want to find a hole and hide for a wee while but instead I am heading to see my grandchildren (1 and 3) to put a smile back on my face.
Moan over, thank you anyone who has taken time in your busy life to read this. I feel better for just writing this.
Oh and a stairlift was fitted yesterday which is great for hubby but a constant reminder now that he is terminally ill.
So sorry for your loss .Take care of yourself lots of hugs x
Granny Sue
I was genuinely pained to wake up and read your news, hms1956. So much so that I shed a few tears.
You can probably already feel it, but there'll be times of the day when you have distinct 'vacuums'. It will be the times when you'd normally be caring for and spending time with your husband. You'll need to fill them with something.
You seem to have your head well screwed on, so I hope I'm not being too forward or presumptuous here...but the best advice I can give is pretty much the same advice I gave my Mum after Dad died earlier this year: Give yourself plenty of time to heal...as best you can. Rest and recuperate. Treat yourself from time to time. Stay active. Spend as much time with family and friends as you can. Perhaps most importantly, allow yourself to be happy when you can and don't ever feel guilty for experiencing joy, beauty and laughter wherever you may find it.
Wishing you the very very best with everything.
((big hug))
Dom
x
Well said Dom Good advice and very kind words .We carers are a lovely lot proud to be on this forum it really helps so much xx
Granny Sue
Like others I too had taken a step back for the forum for a while so only recently catching on threads so I get to your latest and wham!!. My heart goes out to you, my own grief resurfaces and then I think oh no! another person feeling loss and grief. We're still here for you and I absolutely salute Doms words - revisit them often to remind you to give yourself permission to heal in whatever way is right for you. Love and virtual hugs xx
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