My wife was diagnosed with bowel cancer late last year and has been told that it is incurable but treatable. She was put on a course of chemotherapy ( 12 sessions) which was cut short due to Covid. after she had 9 sessions, A scan in July showed good results but her consultant suggested another course of chemo ( 6 sessions) as she thought there was still evidence of cancerous cells showing - she has just completed this and is now awaiting appointments for a CT scan and oncology consultation.
My issue is trying to figure out how to try and keep her positive about the future. Generally she tries to stay positive but , obviously, does have times when she gets depressed and feels she has very limited time left. Her consultant hasn't been available that much during telephone consultations ( physical meetings stopped due to Covid ) The calls have been generally undertaken by more junior doctors. Generally the news she has received has been fairly good ( blood tests show reducing cancer markers etc) but being given another course of chemo has dented her optimism.
We would like to get away for a short holiday once we have her scan results etc but, with the current Covid situation, this may be scuppered.
Any tips on how to keep her spirits up would be appreciated!
Hi
It's natural that your wife will feel down from time to time but it's also natural that you want to do all you can to help her.
It is normal for people to feel scared, angry, upset, sad or depressed at times, especially when dealing with cancer. There is no evidence that positive thinking can make treatments more effective or stop cancer coming back. Unfortunately, if well meaning friends suggest it can, it may make your wife think if she's not positive enough it's her fault if treatment does not go well.
If you feel that your wife is suffering from depression then have a look through this information from Macmillan which gives helpful tips as well where and how to access help.
I hope you're able to take a short holiday as a change of scenery would be lovely for you both.
Sending a supportive ((hug))
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
