My husband was diagnosed with bowel cancer last summer and had surgery to remove the tumour plus radiotherapy. It was all good until a few weeks ago when he began to bloat, and a scan revealed it was fluid caused by a recurrence of the cancer.
he had a drain but the fluid returned after a few days; there is another planned and then chemo next week. We have been warned the chemo is not always effective.
I know it’s important to keep optimistic and hopeful but I’m in shock and disbelief, and finding it hard. I’m so angry. We have teenage children who know what’s happening and all I keep thinking about is how I’m going to cope…..how selfish is that…..I can’t find the hope everyone needs because he looks unlike himself already, and I’m terrified they’ll say he’s not fit enough for chemo. I don’t know where or how to start bring positive.
Hi Nicerisa and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your husband.
A cancer journey in the family can be such a challenging and stressful time and effects everyone, 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.
This New to Community area 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……
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.
As for the practical and emotional challenges of supporting your husband and indeed yourself 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.
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.
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.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
