I'm new and drowning

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I'm struggling and feeling guilty about it.

My partner has just been told that there is a very high probability that she has bowel cancer (awaiting histology confirmation). This follows breast cancer, endometrial cancer and a heart attack, all within the last 6 years. Add in the death of both her parents in that time and I'm feeling overwhelmed by it all. But I can't show that at the moment. I've moved back into coping mode (don't think I've ever left it really), writing lists of questions, planning the next few days, moving back into the house we shared together so that she isn't on her own (we live separately). It's complicated and I'm finding it difficult to manage my conflicting emotions.

  • That’s the thing, isn’t it? Feeling overwhelmed but unable to show it! This is a good place to offload - people are very understanding and helpful.

    Keep writing your lists and planning ahead - it’s so easy to forget things and then think ‘I wish I’d asked that.’ When it comes to accessing support, I’m putting things in writing - emails - as much as possible to ensure I have a record as every day seems to merge into another and I always seem to have to start from scratch again on the phones. 

    It sounds like your partner is really lucky to have you. Take care.