Hello peoples.
I am new to all this. My wife got diagnosed with bowel cancer about a week and a half ago.
She's just had surgery to have the lump removed. It has been hard on my kids. Telling them was difficult.
But it sounds like they got all the problem area.
She might have to have a stoma permanently though ... I mostly feel ok and can be there for my kids, but sometimes it feels so depressing.
I got angry when we got the diagnosis. I just hit the weights.
I have been positive for her and the kids, to keep her concentrated on getting well.
People have been so kind and supportive around us... even going as far to cook up a pie for me and the kids! (I cook but this was nice).
It's hard to shake the feeling of isolation sometimes though. I don't know what to do with it.
Love to all my fellow spouses of cancer patients. And strength to you all.
Matt
Hi Another Matt 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 and to ask your questions.
The Community is actually divided into support groups (discussion rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our supportive Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer support group. This is a safe place 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 Text Link 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 support group 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.
