Hi everybody. I am hoping somebody out there who has been in a similar situation to me might be able to help with some ideas. My husband has just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes and lungs. We find out tomorrow what treatment will be offered, and I hope to have a little more idea of what the future might look like. I think I have just about come to terms with the diagnosis and the knowledge that he will not recover, but I am really struggling to think how I can care for him and continue in my job as a full time primary school teacher. At the best of times my job is all consuming and exhausting. I can't really afford to take a pay cut to work part-time. Is there any body out there who has negotiated a similar situation?
Hi Mrst23 and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your husbands diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis like this in the family can be such a challenging and 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) so can I recommend you join and post in our supportive Pancreatic cancer, Lung, secondary cancer and Lymph nodes, secondary cancer support groups. These are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis and treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from family members who are navigating the same journey.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the (Bold) Group 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
When it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting family you may also benefit from joining our general Carers only (I see you have joined and our Supporting someone with incurable cancer support groups where you will connect with others navigating the same support challenges.
The Macmillan Support Line is open from 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 where you can talk with someone about specific cancer and practical information, get emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just connect with 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.
