Hi I have opened this so many times and thought about what to write but today feels like the right day to start .
my husband was diagnosed with lower rectal bowel cancer at the end of January and has had a week of radiotherapy followed by surgery and formation of stoma we are 3weeks post op and it’s been a rollercoaster he had an ileous after surgery and became quite sick I felt so helpless to do anything for him and it felt like forever for him to feel and look better he now has to have chemo and we are just taking each day at a time he is adjusting well to his stoma management and I am so proud of how he has handled all of this so far day to day life is very different and full of unknown but we are doing good .
I am mostly having good days but the odd bad one makes me feel useless and unsupportive although I know this is not the case I sometimes get frustrated and my anxiety levels are so high I am not sleeping for worrying and have a little cry every now and then when I am on my own .
sending big hugs to everyone out there that is on this emotional rollercoaster x x x
Hi Tink1972 and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis and the journey you are both on.
Well done reaching out to the Community...... 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' cancer type and support challenges can help a lot.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you consider joining and posting in our supportive
Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer
Ileostomy, colostomy and stoma support
support groups. These groups are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from family members who are navigating the same journey.
When it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting family and friends you may also benefit from joining our Carers only support group where you will connect with others navigating the 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.
It’s a challenging time for you so you may want to use the Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. This service provide cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just 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.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
