My husband, has stage 3 Gallbladder cancer and hasn't had any treatment since August. His first lot of chemo didn't work and the second gave him heart problems. He is having tests and hoping to start on a trial. He was recently discharged from hospital following an infection which turned to sepsis. Tonight he broke down in tears and said whilst he was sick in hospital he realised he didn't want to die and leave us and was scared? I just don't know what to say to him, I feel totally helpless. I've been getting through the last 8 months by trying to carry on as normal as much as possible but listening to him tonight, I wonder if that is the wrong way of supporting him. I find talking about it with him almost impossible and feel I can only try and distract us both from the reality of the situation and try and enjoy life as much as possible. Can anyone can help or advise me on how I can better support him and get through this nightmare?
Hi Summer68
Lots of people find things really difficult, I know I ended up doing a living with less stress course that among other things helped me cope with my emotions.
Lots of good tips in What to say to someone who has cancer.
It is easy to slip in to "I am helpless" - but really the most important part of the whole thing is to recognize we just do our best in impossible circumstances and accept that is enough.
<<hugs>>
Steve
