Hi, new to the group.
I needed to find somewhere to let my feelings out and im hoping this will help. My brother has late stage kidney cancer that is now secondary in his lungs. He is 43, married and is Dad to 3 young lads. My heart is broke.
He has been dealing with this diagnosis for two and a half years and we are now getting close to the time when he will have to have a break from his chemo, when that happens he will go into the hospice and he will have about 10 days left, at most.
I keep breaking down at work, I have just been signed off for 2 weeks because im not dealing with it very well at all. I'm an emotional wreck. I can't even look my mum n dad in the eyes because it hurts so much to see them.
I started drinking, too much, and I've knocked that on the head because I realised it made me feel worse. I can't think about anything else and ive lost myself in a wave of sorrow that I can't shake off.
I don't let my brother know how bad it's affecting me because that wouldn't be fair and I feel like no one understands.
Just to know that how I'm feeling is normal and that I'm not going barmy would help.
Hi llully and welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about your brothers diagnosis, this must have come as a shock to all of the family. This is such a stressful and challenging time for you all but I do hope you find the community a safe place to get support and ask your questions.
The New to Community area is like our reception desk where we can signpost you on to our various cancer support groups and other services
When it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting someone on a cancer journey like this you may benefit from joining our supportive Supporting someone with incurable cancer group where you will connect with others supporting family and friends
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green link I have created above. Then once the page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go.
You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post and as always you can reply to existing ‘Discussions’ by click [reply].
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. You may also find our Ask an Expert section helpful but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful but during these strange times it’s not that available but do check to see if any Local Macmillan Support in your area has opened up. Do also check out for a local Maggie's Centre in your area as these folks are amazing.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
All the very best ((hugs))
