Hi, my husband had cancer of the oesophagus and had an oesophagectomy in November 2019. Unfortunately, we were informed yesterday that the cancer has spread to his liver, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes and chest area. His pain has been very bad, he has lost a lot of weight and we both feel a cross between terrified, scared and unable to think too clearly.
The light at the end of the tunnel is that if he is strong enough in 2 weeks time, upon an oncology appointment, he may be eligible to have further chemotherapy. This also depends on the suitability of the type of tumour he had (the hospital have retained the original biopsy). We could not want a better team of specialist nurses, and we are soon to be delegated to a, community palliative care support team. The kindness and support, also, of friends, family and lovely group of gps is warming. I wondered if someone else has similiar experience; as his wife I want to be strong but find I swing from thinking I'm coping to absolutely not.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your husbands diagnosis and ongoing challenges.
A cancer diagnosis like this in the family can be such a stressful time but I do hope you will find the Community a safe place to get support and to ask your questions.
The Community is divided into support groups (discussion rooms) and when it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting family you may also benefit from joining our general Carers only and Supporting someone with incurable cancer support groups where you will connect with others navigating the same support challenges.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) links 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, benefits/financial guidance 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 and aim to give support to all the family.
Please do get back to me if you need further help.
All the very best.
