Hi my ex partner has had a glioblastoma confirmed and is choosing no further treatment. Our children are 5 and 9 and with his life expectancy now at around 4 months we need to tell them the news. They were aware he had a lump in his brain, that made him fall asleep and he can no longer drive or be alone with them. They also know that he had a craniotomy and have seen some of his recovery from that. They spent 2-3 nights a week with him before his diagnosis and so are already experiencing quite a change. Our eldest has extreme anxiety as it is and I don't know where to start with breaking the news to them. There is no good way of doing it. Does anyone have any advice or support recommendations please? I have contacted a local charity called Ormiston Stars so am waiting for them to get in touch. Thank you
Hi and welcome to the Online Community although I am sorry to see you joining us and to hear about the challenges you are facing. A cancer diagnosis like this can be such a stressful and challenging time but I do hope you will find the community a safe place to get support and ask your questions.
I have no answers as my children are mum’s now but when it comes to connecting with others who are dealing with the practical and emotional challenges of supporting someone you may also benefit from joining our general Family and friends and Supporting someone with incurable cancer groups where you will connect with others navigating the same challenges.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) link(s) I have created above. Once the group 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.
Macmillan have many support services so do check out the Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. These services provide cancer information, practical information, emotional support or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing supporting all the family especially children.
Please do get back to me if you need further help.
All the very best.
