Anyone caring and parenting?

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Hi

I'm looking for anyone in a similar situation. My husband has been having treatment for stage 4 bowel cancer for 5 years now and we are starting to run out of options.

We have an 8 year old and an 11 year old and I'm struggling to find anyone that can relate to the situation we are in, and have been in for so long. 

The demands of financially, emotionally and physically supporting everyone are really tough at times and although it's become almost "normal" there are moments when I really struggle. It would be great to speak to someone with similar experience? 

Thanks

Liz 

  • Hi Liz, I hope you don’t mind me chipping in even though I’m not in the same situation as you. Our children are all adults now but I just wanted to say I take my hat off to you for enduring the joint challenges of caring and parenting for so long.  My husband was only diagnosed a few weeks ago and I’m already emotionally and physically exhausted without the additional energy needed to parent children! I can only just begin to imagine how hard it is for you and hope you find some others in your situation to chat to soon. In the meantime, know that I think you deserve a medal for keeping everything going for so long and you will be in my thoughts.

  • Thank you so much for your kind reply. I'm sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis. Those first few weeks are the hardest, when you are dealing with all the shock and uncertainty. I could barely function at that time but it got easier once you get a treatment plan and you adjust to the new lifestyle.

    Strangely there have actually been some great times over the past 5 years because we realise how precious life is. But I've also being in survival mode for so long, it is really taking its toll on me and it's quite a lonely place to be.

    I really appreciate your message and sending all my best wishes to you and your husband Heart️ 

  • Hiya 

    I am sorry to hear what you are going through :( 

    my husband also has stage 4 cancer, we have a 6 year old and now my mum has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. It’s incredibly tough and just lately I have been looking for someone to talk to who may have a similar situation. Although it’s an awful place to be, it is nice to be able to support one another at this really shit time :( 

    feel free to add/message me if you want a chat xx