Hello
My husband was diagnosed with metastatic bowel cancer a couple of years ago. He was 46 at the time and the shock was immense, somehow we managed to get through the initial shock and started to deal with our new very much changed life. He has had two full courses of treatment. he is now back on his 1st line treatment for as long as it lasts because maintenance didn't work. Up until this point, I was full of hope and optimistic that he would last longer than the average person in his position. The cancer albeit still quite small has started to grow much quicker now so we really don't know what is going to happen going forward. Along with that, the treatment is taking its toll a lot more this time, which is understandably making him struggle. I'm find it really hard to live in the hear and now and continue to enjoy our time together, my anxiety is present most days with the fear of what is to come when I just want to be happy and positive for his sake.
How does anybody keep moving forward knowing what seems like the impossible might be just around the corner?
Many thanks, sorry if this post makes anyone uncomfortable.
Karen
Hi Karen KarenR and welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about the journey your husband and yourself are on. A cancer journey like this can be a very stressful and challenging time for everyone involved but I do hope you find the community a safe place to get support and ask your questions.
The New to Community is like our reception desk where you can be signpost to our various cancer support groups and other services so can I recommend that you consider joining our supportive Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer group. This will be a safe place to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and talk with others who are supporting family and friends on their journey.
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].
When it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting someone on their cancer journey you may benefit from joining our supportive Carers only groups where you will connect with others supporting family and friends
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 Cancer Nurse Team in our Ask an Expert section helpful but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face when on a cancer journey (patient or family) 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 and provide support for all the family.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
All the very best ((hugs))
