Hi I'm not sure what I am doing really but I suppose I am looking for support for myself and my husband. He was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma 2 years ago. Last year just before lock down he had his lymph glands removed from his right arm. He then started immunotherapy. Then last month he started with headaches and 3 weeks ago was diagnosed with secondary brain cancer. We find out this week if he can have whole brain radiotherapy. We have 2 children aged 23 and one soon to be 29. My husbands mum passed away in November from the same thing and we were lucky enough to spend the last week of her life with her on our local macmillian unit. I'm a nurse so I feel like I should be able to keep myself together but I'm scared I'm not going to be able to do this. Any support would be gratefully received xoxo
Hi ManthaP and a warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community but sorry that you needed to find us and I am especially sorry to hear about your husbands diagnosis and ongoing treatments.
I am also so sorry to hear about our mother in laws passing, please accept my sincere condolences. I also lost my 91 year old mum in November but due to me being in the COVID Extremely Vulnerable Group and the COVID situation in the hospital my family advised me not to be with her, hard at the time but a very wise decision,
A cancer diagnosis in the family brings many questions, lots of confusion and stress but talking with other people who are on the same type of journey will help you navigate this rollercoaster.
The Community is organised into dedicated support groups and I see you have joined our supportive Melanoma group, you may also want to have a look at our Brain, secondary tumours group, these are good place to connect with others navigating the support of a family member on the same type of cancer journey.
To join a group just click on the link above then choose 'click to join' or 'join' (depending on the device you're using) on the page that opens. Then you can introduce yourself by putting up a ‘New Thread’ or hit the box with the X on the top right (phones) you could just copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'.
Talking with others caring for family and friends will help a lot so do check out our Family and friends and Carers only Groups as you will connect with others walking the same journey supporting family and friends through their cancer journey.
It’s always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
((hugs))
