Hi I found out two weeks ago that my husband has AML, they caught it early and he is due to start chemo next week. I have 4 children all under 18. He is expected to be away for at least 4 weeks. This week I have caught COVID and will not be able to attend his consultation or take him into hospital. I can't see him or give him a hug to say goodbye and feel totally useless stuck in a room at home for fear of giving him an infection. Has anyone else had to deal with this?
I know I will need a clear lateral flow to be able to visit him and that could take weeks.
He wants to do it on his own and have little contact so he can get back to us as quickly as possible, just don't know how to be strong and support him when I can't be there.
Hi DK76 and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your husbands 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 Acute myeloid leukaemia 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
Knowing that someone you love is incurable can be very hard and you might like to take a look at this information from Macmillan on your feelings when someone has cancer and especially this section on looking after yourself. If you're starting to struggle then it would be a good idea to have a chat with your GP.
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.
I have been on my Lymphoma journey for over 23 years so I do understand, we will probably talk again on the AML group as I help out around our various blood cancer groups.
