Hi I'm new to the group. My husband was diagnosed on 31 March with what we now know is Terminal Colorectal/liver Cancer, We never felt very well informed and it took a good month for us to even get an idea of the seriousness of the situation. The decline has been fast and unexpected and we are struggling to deal with the suddenness of it all and the fact he now need a wheelchair whereas only a few weeks ago he was still able to get about and drive. I feel very out of my depth and we have no idea what to expect and what to prepare for. I find it hard to stay strong so we can enjoy what time is left and I get the impression that it's not long. I don't want to not do the best for him and be so upset that I spoil any good times we can still have. He has anaemia and low albumin and I have asked about infusions for both but no one seems in a hurry to do much about it, so not sure if these would help or not or I'm just grasping at any little bit of hope to make him feel better in the moment. In the meantime we just seem to be going day to day dealing with the next horrible symptom he gets and wondering if side effects of the drugs or the cancer progressing.
Hi KKittyand a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but I am so sorry to hear about your husband’s diagnosis.
Navigating this journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but talking with and getting support from people who are walking the ‘exact same' support challenges can help you a lot.
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 general cancer……
Supporting someone with incurable cancer
……. 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 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.
As always 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 and 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 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.
