Hi
My husband had an ultrasound and fine needle aspiration 3 weeks ago where the scanner person said he had 2 larger lumps and lots of small ones on his thyroid. We are worried sick it's cancer . He has an appointment with the consultant on Monday to get the results. I want to be there with him but I know I won't be allowed time off - should I just say I am going to support my husband?
Hi Linguist and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your husband's ongoing diagnosis.
I totally agree with Peter E your boss would be unbelievable unsympathetic not to let you to the appointment….. talk to them and tell them about the appointment…… shed a few tears if it will help.
A cancer journey in the family can be such a challenging and stressful time so if this is cancer getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' cancer type or support challenges will help you a lot…….
This New to Community area is like our reception desk where we look 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 look to join and post in our……
……. support group.
This group 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 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.
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, 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.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
Hi Linguist
I had a different cancer, but over the course of 18 months of appointments (32 daily radiotherapy appointments, weekly chemo and two major surgeries) my partner was allowed time off for every single one of them.
You have said you won’t be allowed time off, but have you explained your situation to your employer? We did, and didn’t give any more details other than that I had cancer and lots of appointments to attend. They were very sympathetic and understanding and it was hugely helpful for us as a couple.
I hope you can find a way to attend, as it will be good to be able to give that extra support to your husband, and be there at the appointment as an extra pair of ears.
Sarah xx
