My wife, at 72, has terminal colorectal/liver cancer and has been told she is too weak for treatment. She is permanently exhausted, can hardly eat or drink and can just manage, with help, to get to the commode. Sleeping is spasmodic and sleeping tablets leave her confused and feeling more unwell. She has some pain, but cocodemol sorts that, only to lead to constipation.
All she wants to do is go to sleep and not wake up.
The whole family are highly distressed. We can't bear to see her this way but we don't want to lose her.
8 weeks ago she was at Wembley with our son and grandchildren, but now is just wasting away.
Don't know that anyone can do or say anything to help, but I just wanted to share this.
Hi Dodger1 and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your wife's diagnosis and prognosis.
A cancer diagnosis like this in the family can be such a challenging and stressful time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' support challenges can help a lot.
The Community is actually divided into Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) and when it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting family and friends you may benefit from joining and posting in our Carers only and Supporting someone with incurable cancer support groups where you will connect with others navigating the exact same support challenges.
To join a group first click on the “Bold Links” I have created above then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)
You can then put up your own post when you’re ready by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post. You can also scroll through other members posts and click “Reply” to get involved.
Our Support Line teams are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat where you will find one of team there to help you out. 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.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
