My husband has lung cancer. He’s on a targeted drug so has a chance of living for a few years. He’s also had chemotherapy which made him very sick. It’s almost a month since he had the chemotherapy. He says he is exhausted and sits in a chair all day with his head hung. It makes me very depressed. I am trying to look after him but also feel I want to get out of the house and do things but so many things have to be cancelled because of his appointments or because he is unwell. I read about people fighting cancer but there is no fight in my husband. I feel such a bitch in wishing he would man up and I’m ashamed to say I get cross with him. Are my expectations unrealistic? I can take criticism, I just need to find out if my reactions are normal. I was very sympathetic early on and never left his side but 6 months down the line I am totally fed up.
I feel for you. Both my husband and I have cancer : him myeloma for 10 years, me breast, going on 6 months. Both currently on fairly gruelling chemo. Believe me, it is totally normal to feel fed up with always having to be the Tower of Strength, seeing your life contracted and diminished. Of course it distresses you to see them shambling about, moping.
I don't have answers. I keep up, as best I can, the practical framework - ensure groceries are delivered, food/meals available, laundry turned over. I follow my own interests - reading, painting, gardening - insofar as I have the energy.
I'm afraid it comes down to the old song - 'you gotta walk that lonesome valley, you gotta walk it by yourself. Ain't nobody gonna walk it for you'.
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