Hello, I am currently in a state of shock. My husband had an endoscopy on Wednesday after taking the poop test that came through the door. We were told immediately after the endoscopy that there was a tumour in the colon and he would need a CT scan and MRI to check it hadn’t spread and to determine a treatment plan. We cannot believe that this is where we are because he is well and has had no symptoms!
We have there teenage children and haven’t told them yet because one has a final exam next week. After that we think the best approach is to be open and honest with them. Has anyone got any guidance on that?
I am trying not to think to far ahead and not to Google too much but am absolutely terrified. Thanks
Hi Jd37 and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your husband’s ongoing 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 or support challenges will help you a lot……. I have a completely different type of cancer and treatment journey.
The New to Community is like our reception desk where we try to direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our dedicated…..
Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer
…… support group. This group is a 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 support journey…… and the information and support you will get in the group is far better than Google.
As for the practical and emotional challenges of supporting your husband and indeed yourself and the rest of the family you may benefit from joining and posting in our……
……. support group where you will connect with a wide range of members navigating the exact same support challenges.
To connect with a group click on the “Bold Italic Links” I have created above …… then once the group page opens click in the [ Black - Click to Join - Banner ] that appears at the bottom of the page and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
When you are ready……. you can introduce yourself by putting up your very own post by clicking [ + Create new post] or [ + ] in the top right of the group page.
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
It is an emotional time supporting family 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 find it helpful to call the Macmillan Support Line 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 3 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 support all the family.
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.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
