My husband completed 6 weeks of chemoradiation in August last year for cancer of the Larynx. The treatment was successful.
This morning he showed me a clip on the TV of Noel Edmonds talking about suicide and he started crying. I asked if he wanted to kill himself and he said yes. He said his body is 'f**ked and he feels like his life is over. I knew he was feeling low but not this bad. He has gone back to work full time and we have had a few weekends away but I know he has found it hard physically.
I reacted badly because I felt so hurt that he wants to leave me. I just started crying and can't stop. He says it doesn't help him when I get so emotional.
I wanted to ring the mental health crisis line but he won't let me.
I feel so scared, I don't know what to do.
He has a medication review on Friday. He said I can ask to make this a double appointment so he can tell the doctor about his depression. I just worry that it will be too late.
Sorry for the ramble. I don't know who else to talk to as I don't want to break his confidence.
Hi JaneO
I am glad that you have reached out for some support.
I can understand that although you realised your husband was feeling low after his cancer treatment, today must have come as a shock. It is understandable that you feel very tearful and emotional.
I know that you do not want to break any confidences but I do think you need to talk to someone today.
Is there a possibility that the Friday appointment could be bought forward perhaps. Could you call the GP and explain there is a need for an urgent appointment.
These may also help
NHS111- 24 hours a day
116 123 Samaritans
Shout 85258- text for Support
Mental health crisis services - Mind
Do you feel able to call the Support Line and talk things through with someone who will understand?
Jane
Hi Jane as the other Jane suggested see if you can get an urgent referral today. Head and neck cancer patients are often given anti depressants it’s not unusual. Our treatments is brutal and it affects many people in different ways. I class myself as very very lucky I’m a glass half full person and I managed to maintain that. Many many others aren’t there’s no shame in it often our other half take the brunt if our mood swings or maybe in your husbands case he’s back at work and maybe he is struggling. Outside we look normal but the turmoil can be inwards treatments hard and side effects can be debilitating. Please try to contact someone today. Using the numbers Jane 2511 gave.
hugs
Hazel xx
Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz
My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now 6 years post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help
2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers
Thank you. I just phoned the DRs and was told that the medication review is with the surgery's pharmacist not a doctor. I was told to ring back at 8.30am for an appointment tomorrow. I wanted to say how urgent it was but I just started crying so hung up.
He's on nights so he's asleep at the moment. I know I can't make any appointments without him agreeing anyway as he just won't go.
I will call one of the numbers you have suggested once I've collected myself enough to speak.
I appreciate your support and advice.
Hi Jane
I know it is hard to speak when you are upset- but when you have collected yourself a bit- try the Macmillan Line- they are really supportive on there.
Emotional, financial and physical help for people with cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support
I know myself that once treatment is done and life begins to get back to pre cancer routines- it can be when the processing starts. I myself had a different cancer but had surgery, chemo and radiotherapy and I know how brutal the journey can feel at times. Although it is really scary- he has reached out to you and told you how low he feels and this is a first step. You both need support through this and we are here for you.
Please do give the Support Line a call. They can then talk it through with you and suggest the best help for you both
Jane
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