Struggling

  • 5 replies
  • 38 subscribers
  • 134 views

Hi,

My husband has had prostate cancer for 10 years. He now has small cell cancer so its spread, he's on chemo (for about 2.5 years now) although not at the moment as his white blood cell count is too low, and we know his prognosis. I can cope with the physical side, and so can he (he's very stoic and is always cheerful with medical staff) but its very hard to cope with the emotional rollercoaster that he feels but suppresses. I try to do all I can to make his life as easy and enjoyable as possible whilst keeping up with a few activities and friends myself. I really feel that talking things through with someone would help but don't know where to start. We have been donating to MacMillan for some time so thought I would contact you. 

Helen

  • Hi  and a warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but so sorry to hear about your husband.

    A cancer diagnosis in the family like this can be such a challenging and stressful time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' support challenges can 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) and when it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting your husband and indeed yourself you may benefit from joining and posting in our……

    Carers only 

    and

    Supporting someone with incurable cancer (if applicable)

    ……. 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 is open between 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 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.

    Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.

    Mike (Thehighlander)

    It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

    Community Champion Badge

  • Hi Helen, and a warm welcome from me, though so sorry you have to be hear and your husband has prostate cancer, as do I with the same prognosis. Thehighlander has given some very good advice, can I just add The Prostate cancer forum, you will find many wonderful, knowledgeable, understanding and caring people, mostly ladies but many guys and almost all are couples who would be happy to support you both through these difficult times, my partner and I, and every couple on the prostate forum especially those with our prognosis will understand exactly the situation you find yourself and the physical and emotional rollercoaster, as you say, you experience on your journey, my very best wishes to you both and hope to see you on the prostate forum soon, take care.

    Eddie and Sheila xx

  • Hello  

    After reading  post here's a link to take you to the Prostate Cancer forum-

    Prostate cancer forum 

    Best wishes - Brian.

    Community Champion badge

    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.

  • Thank you Eddie and Sheila, I will look at the forum. 

  • Morning Helen,  your welcome, I'm sure you will find it, and the people on there a lovely experience, best wishes.

    love Eddie and Sheila xx