Hi there
I'm currently supporting my wife through cancer and whilst I feel like I’ve been looking after myself so I can best support her, the last couple of weeks I’ve found very tough and wanted to reach out for support. As things get tougher I can feel my anxiety increasing, I can see the affect treatment is having on my wife, not just physically but in her mood. The last couple of weeks there have been points where she has been frustrated with life understandably but I seem to have taken the brunt of that frustration as her supporter and the only person in the household. That’s in turn made me feel really annoyed because I’m doing my absolute best here to do everything to make life that bit more easy for her but I also feel awful for feeling that way and not being more understanding. I guess I’m looking for advice on how to deal better with those situations when they arise.
Thanks in advance
Hi Whatsmynameagain and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your wife's diagnosis.
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) but you don’t say what type of cancer your wife has but if you care to have a look through THIS LIST you will find all our many dedicated cancer support groups listed. It’s important to get the right group as not all cancers react the same way.
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.
Have a look through the LIST above and once you find the group for your wife's cancer type you can join the group by selecting “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.
When it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of Supporting a family member with cancer you may also benefit from joining our general Carers only support group and our Supporting someone with incurable cancer support group if she is classed as incurable.
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.
