Hi - new to this group.
my wife has recently been told that stage 4 breast cancer has now spread to liver as well as spine.
feeling so helpless, trying to support but deal with own feelings and anxiety as well.
we haven't had a great experience wirh NHS so far, and she is now exploring alternative options ( protocols with 100s of tablets ) overseas treatments etc. the whole internet is a minefield of forums and groups it's difficult to determine what is genuine. all options seem incredibly expensive too.
I feel selfish for asking for support when its her wirh the cancer but this is all getting on top of me.
Hi BruceM
Welcome to our community I hope you find it both informative and supportive.
I am Steve one of our community champions and my experience of cancer is through my wife who has Leiomyosarcoma.
Many on here describe a cancer diagnosis as a tsunami that washes over everyone, that feeling of selfishness for wanting some help ourselves is very common but in reality most carers will come to realise that we need help too and looking after ourselves is important if we are to be the best we can for those we love.
You are so right about the internet being something of a minefield, generally we would recommend staying of a few trusted sites like this one, cancer research uk and similar who will generally provide information for free.
For me I found some help in Your feelings when someone has cancer, being able to recognise these emotions and realise they are normal - in whatever normal is for us now - can help them feel a little less overwhelming. I ended up doing a living with less stress course that helped me focus on the here and now rather than a future I could neither control nor predict. The conscious breathing techniques are also very useful when life throws us a curveball.
Do post whenever and remember if it helps you are welcome to ring the helpline too.
<<hugs>>
Steve
