Hi all,
so my dad died of Bowel cancer in 2011, when I was 9 which was a very traumatic experience which I still am struggling to come to terms with. However last Christmas my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer (stage 2) and although she’s had operations and chemotherapy to treat such, I feel completely lost. I was obviously so young when my dad died, so my mum contracting cancer was very triggering and since I am currently a uni Student I feel completely helpless. Even though my mums cancer was caught very early on, the loss of her hair and her boobs has made her feel less of a woman and I have not been able to support her the way o should have because of uni and I feel useless. Is there anyone who’s been in the same or similar position?
Hi Katie 2001
Sorry to hear about both your dad and your mum. Totally get how the new cancer triggers these memories even though as you note the two cancers are really very different.
I bet your mum is proud of you though going to uni, a positive there is of course the student support services and I hope you have been in contact with them. Does your mum have support in place? If you feel there are people caring for her it may well be the best she might hope for is for you to stay in uni.
When my wife started to lose her hair due to chemotherapy she decided to take charge and had a head shave. One thing we did find our about though was a charity https://lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk/ that some people have found very helpful.
If you find it helpful to there is another charity https://www.cruse.org.uk/ who might be able to help you with your feelings around your dad.
<<hugs>>
Steve
