Eating when you are in emotional shock

FormerMember
FormerMember
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My partner has a incurable brain tumour grade 4 GBM

The aggression in which it has grown since diagnosis two months ago is alarming. The man I love is slowly slipping away. They can only surgically remove 90% and treat what is left, even that is only a method of slowing the growth.

He is being practical. Getting all the necessary things sorted for end off life.

I am in emotional shock. Can not eat much. Sleep. Even breathe deeply. I fear I can’t cope. He is already having speech and hearing and memory loss. We are in our fifties. Last night I felt myself fainting and quickly laid down and raised my legs until it subsided. My Gp put me on Prozac and a sleeping pill last week. The sleeping pill just relaxes me, still insomniac. Those are hours of googling horror stories. Searching clinical trials. 
some times it’s as if I’m in a dream. Snatches of normality. His tumour is being removed on Monday and he will be in hospital a couple of days, I am scared about how I will take care of him post op and during radiation and chemo. It terrifies me when people vomit for example.

I feel utterly guilty for being scared and unable to cope.

how can I eat if I find it had to swallow food?

I am using meditation to breathe. Clearly my health is also being effected and I can not have this happen. He needs me

  • Hi and a warm welcome to carers, although I'm sorry to hear what you're both going through. It's amazing how some cancer sufferers are, as you say, 'being practical', while some of us, like you and me, go to pieces in the early days. I fell apart at the seems until I got help from Macmillan. I wonder if there are any Maggie's Centres near you? They run courses to help with the stress and people speak very highly of them; also you could try for local cancer support groups. You're right, he needs you, and you will find that deep within you is the strength that you need and the right support will help you find it. That said, please don't feel bad; your reaction is no different from most of us facing what you've been hit with. 

    Avoid Google like the plague if you can; while it's too late in one way, you've seen the 'horror stories', I wonder if you could imagine an alarm bell and close a page you're reading if it causes distress? It might be a good idea to call the helpline 0808 808 0000 for a chat with one of our experts. They're open 8-8 every day and chatting about your fears could help so much. I can feel your fear in your words, 'It terrifies me when people vomit'. There is a genuine phobia of vomiting, called emetophobia, perhaps you could talk to your doctor for some help. One last thing, check out this page which provides help with emotions.

    Love and hugs,

    LoobyLou
    If you find dust in my house, write your name in it. When the signatures overlap I'll get the polish. 

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  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to LoobyLou49

    Thank you so much this is hugely helpful. I do have Maggie’s at the hospital. It is a hour from my home. But I expect we will be the daily for 6 weeks. My appetite is gone and I am forcing food . My husband however is sleeping and eating normally bless him 

    I thank you for your support