Hi
My husband has recently been diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer, he is 79, and the love of my life
i worry about him, he has a heart condition , so people are worrying about surgery, i have complete trust in the team looking after him, but i have to admit i am anxious.
he is due to start chemo and radiotherapy at the end of the month
i have to admit the diagnosis has been a shock and we are both struggling.
any advice on how to get through this ,
thanks
Maria
Hi Maria Daydreams and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your husbands 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.
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……
Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer
……. 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.
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, 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 ((hugs))
Hi Maria Daydreams ….. it does indeed take time to get the noise between the ears under control.
I was diagnosed way back in 1999 with a rare incurable blood cancer….. then 14 years later with a very aggressive type of blood cancer appeared taking me to stage 4…… but I am 9 years out from my last treatment, I turn 69 in a few weeks and am still living a great life.
My main advise is talk (on this community or face to face) with others who are navigating the same support journey ((hugs))
