On Friday 30th December my wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer, with an life expectancy of only weeks . She is now in a hospice, very weak, but still compos mentis . I find it difficult to communicate with her as she is heavily medicated, and has a mouth infection which affects her speech. I feel totally helpless sitting beside her, holding her hand. We have been in this journey since Christmas 2019, she has had several operations, that last in September 2022 in Basingstoke when they reversed her stoma. She had the all clear from them but sadly it went to her liver and is inoperable.
I am being as strong as possible but just hate not being able to understand her or be able to do anything.
Hi March Man and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your wife’s diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis 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 from family members who are navigating the same journey.
The Community is divided into support groups (discussion rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our general Carers only and Supporting someone with incurable cancer support groups where you will connect with others dealing with the same challenges while supporting family.
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.
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.
Hi to you as well julie ann and I am so sorry to hear about your husbands diagnosis.
This is such a difficult time for you but do follow the links I have given in my reply above as there is lots of support available on the community.
Do get back to me if you need further help ((hugs))
