Hi everyone, my husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer 4 days ago and I am struggling to stay strong for him. Weve been married 49 years and together for 54. I know it is early days and his prognosis is good but I cannot shake off this intense fear of what lies ahead. I am really worried that i cannot be strong enough for him. Each morning i wake early, sobbing as cannot cry when he is awake. My head is spinning with info overload and I feel physically ill this morning, dizzy and an upset stomach.
This post makes me feel inward looking and selfish, which is not part of my makeup normally. How on earth do you learn to be strong in this situation?
Hi worriedwife1954 and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your husband Prostate diagnosis.
You are in no way inward looking and selfish…… 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.
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……
……. 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 groups 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 ((hugs))
Hello worriedwife1954
Another warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community from me - although I am so sorry to find you here.
I can only echo what Mike (The Highlander) and Eddie have said - join the Prostate Cancer support forum. I was just where you are now 32 months ago and it's the best thing I ever did - the support is truly amazing - the group are all supportive and have all been just where you are now!!
No one fights this cancer alone - come on and join us, we are one big family and are more than happy to support you and your husband - here's the link again:
I look forward to "meeting" you again on the forum.
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
