Hi,
My husband was diagnosed with advanced hodgkin lymphoma 5 weeks ago, his first lot of treatment starts on Wednesday. The day we found out his diagnosis was a bit of a mess, the consultant thought the appointment was my husbands first initial consultation, but soon realised we had been rushed through and we had the results back, although the consultant was very apologetic, we came away with devastating news and no support.
I feel angry, alone, scared and useless all the time, I want to spend all my time with him and get upset when I can't. I feel guilty for feeling this way as I'm not the one who has cancer. We have 3 children and I struggled with day to day life before his diagnosis and don't know how I will manage now. I am someone who finds it very hard to ask for help, as I don't want to be a burden to anyone.
Thanks for listening
Hi Cookiesand welcome to this corner of the Community although I am always sorry to see folks joining us. I am Mike and I help out around our various Lymphoma groups.
I don’t have Hodgkin's Lymphoma but was diagnosed way back in 1999 with a rare, incurable but treatable type of Skin NHL (CTCL) Stage 4a so although my Lymphoma ‘type’ is different I know this journey rather well.
Sorry to hear about the circumstances surrounding how you both received the news about his diagnosis.... but it is important to understand that HL is very treable, yes the treatment can be hard work but it is all doable.
My wife Fiona will always say that the person looking on and it is very important to connect with others supporting family.
I always highlight the Lymphoma Action website. Lymphoma Action is a small but very active UK Lymphoma Specific Charity who have lots of good reliable information, videos and run regular Regional Lymphoma Online Support Groups with a few specific groups for carers.
You may also want to check out the Lymphoma Action Buddy Service where your husband can be linked up with someone who has walked the same treatment journey.
Talking to people face to face when on a cancer journey (patient or family) can be very helpful but during these strange times it’s not that available but do check to see if any Local Macmillan Support in your area has opened up. Do also check out for a local Maggie's Centre in your area as these folks are amazing and provide support for all the family.
Always around to help more or just to chat ((hugs))
