Hi,
My husband and I have just found out he has kidney cancer and it's likely this has spread. We've gone from being a normal, happy family to receiving this news which is a total shock. I'm really trying to stay strong as we have 3 young children but I'm so worried about what the future holds for our children and the impact this news will have on them. We have no idea what to say to them. I feel like I am in a total nightmare and I just want to wake up. How do you cope in this situation?
Hi Froggies and a warm welcome to the Macmillan 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 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 Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you consider joining and posting in our dedicated Kidney cancer support group. This is a safe place 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.
It will be an emotional time supporting you husband so you might find this Macmillan information your feelings when someone has cancer helpful as well as this link getting help with your emotions……. you may also benefit from joining our Carers only support group where you will connect with others navigating the same support challenges.
To connect in with the groups click on the “Bold Italic 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)
When you are ready you can put up your own post 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 may find some of these Macmillan resources helpful on understanding childrens' reactions and also talking to children when an adult has cancer. You can also download, or order a paper copy, of this booklet.
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides 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 giving support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
