I am so afraid and lonely

My partner was diagnosed with neck cancer. He is halfway through his radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments.  However, he was admitted to hospital last week as his oxygen levels appeared low and he has contracted pneumonia and a blood clot on the lung.  The day before yesterday he was transferred to the Critical Care unit.  I understand there is better equipment there for raising his oxygen levels.  One oncologist said that if the raising of the oxygen levels isn’t successful he may have to be put on a ventilator.  He has refused this option, saying he may as well be dead then to live this way.  Through some microbiology tests yesterday they have now found a specific viral/bacterial issue and have changed his antibiotics to target this.  I am so afraid he is going to die.  When I come home after visiting him, I feel so alone.  I can’t stop crying and I can hardly sleep.  We always spend Christmas Day together but not this year of course.  I normally don’t mind being alone but at the moment the house feels so empty.  I feel like I’m living in a void.  I don’t know what I’ll do if doesn’t survive this.  I love him so much. 

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  • I can relate to this because when my wife was going through chemo, she ended up in hospital after each and every chemo cycle with massive temp spikes, and other stuff going on. One of those times was over Christmas, and whilst I'm not big on Christmas myself, she is and it wasn't the same without her that year. i too sat in the house, a picture of misery and worry.

    Sorry, it's not an uplifting post, and i don't want to patronise you will well-worn cliches etc, I just wanted to let you know you aren't alone in feeling how you are. Some of us have been there and know exactly how you're feeling. The good news is, they've identified the culprit, and that's a positive amongst a deluge of crap. They can treat it properly now.

  • Thank you so much for your reply.  I know it’s just another day but we normally spend it together.  In fact I am spending the day in Critical Care, do at least we’re together at the moment. Yes must hang on to the  positive but finding it difficult.  Thank you again. x

  • Thank you so much.  My neighbour invited me round for tea today.  She has been very nice.  I was obviously going through one of my more together phases although my body was so tense.  As soon as I left her house I broke down into tears in the street.  Luckily I only live 7 doors away.  I almost feel that I don’t have enough energy to sustain these changeable emotions.  One of my partner's friends called me and I was still crying when I answered.   She is a  lovely person and after speaking to her for about half an hour, I started to feel better.  We finished our call just now.  I now seem to be feeling bad again.  I just feel I can’t cope.  

  • Really pleased you got out, and you got some company because it will stop you sitting in the house 24/7 and going insane. I've done my nagging for today, so i'll leave you in peace.

    Pop on here anytime, even if it's just to unload, rant or write down your thoughts. Never feel you can't get things off your chest on here. It's a good space for that as you're surrounded by people who understand and will never judge you. Someone will always respond eventually.

  • Hi Urbanity,

    We haven't spoken before, but I just had to stop by to say how very sorry I am to hear about the loss of your partner. ProfBaw has given you some good advice. Don't worry about all the crying - this is a great way to relieve stress and is perfectly understandable given the circumstances.

    Please remember that we are always here for you. There are many of us here who know from first hand experience, just how bereft you feel at the moment and  you can turn to us at any time.

    Kindest regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Thank you very much for your kind message, Jolamine.  Much appreciated.

  • The pain for me was so overwhelming tonight that I could not stand it a minute longer, so I bought a bottle of wine and have drunk over half of it.  It has numbed the pain which I realise isn’t good.  Also drinking alcohol for this reason is not something I normally do.  But really, I just needed a break from the constant emotional rollercoaster.  

  • Hi Urbanity,

    This is one of the loneliest times of year for many, especially for those who are alone and see celebrations going on all around them. Life seems so unfair at times. It is only understandable that you have turned to alcohol for solace, but whatever you do, don't turn to this for the long term, as it's a very slippery path.

    I hope that you raised a glass to your partner tonight, as I'm sure that he is with you in spirit  and you will always hold him in your heart.

    I am thinking of you tonight and assure you that there are brighter days ahead.

    Kindest regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Thank you so much for your reply Jolamine.  It’s not my intention to use alcohol on a regular basis.   It’s just that things felt so raw tonight and I wanted a break from it.  Happy NewYear to you. x

  • The pain for me was so overwhelming tonight that I could not stand it a minute longer, so I bought a bottle of wine and have drunk over half of it.  It has numbed the pain which I realise isn’t good.  Also drinking alcohol for this reason is not something I normally do.  But really, I just needed a break from the constant emotional rollercoaster.

  • Going back to one of your earlier posts, your life was spending this time of year with each other, so it's gonna be amplified, but one bottle isn't anything to concern yourself over. As Jolamine said, it's not something you want to do long term. Been there and done that. I've not drank for around 15 years, and it's not something i miss, but i began to have a drink problem after the death of my dad. Hey, i was never great before that, but we had fallen out, and to this day, the regrets remain. I never got the chance to make up with him. But without even realising it, i was drinking a lot. The only reason know I wasn't an alcoholic was because i managed to just stop, and didn't miss it at all, and can go out without even feeling the need to drink. But it took a health scare to open my eyes. So my advice to you, be vigilant because it's one of those things that can fly under the radar so to speak.

    Something else Jolamine said, it's the toughest part of the year at the best of times, never mind the last few days you've had. Hopefully, once tomorrow has passed, you can shed the feeling of it having been the festive period.

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  • Going back to one of your earlier posts, your life was spending this time of year with each other, so it's gonna be amplified, but one bottle isn't anything to concern yourself over. As Jolamine said, it's not something you want to do long term. Been there and done that. I've not drank for around 15 years, and it's not something i miss, but i began to have a drink problem after the death of my dad. Hey, i was never great before that, but we had fallen out, and to this day, the regrets remain. I never got the chance to make up with him. But without even realising it, i was drinking a lot. The only reason know I wasn't an alcoholic was because i managed to just stop, and didn't miss it at all, and can go out without even feeling the need to drink. But it took a health scare to open my eyes. So my advice to you, be vigilant because it's one of those things that can fly under the radar so to speak.

    Something else Jolamine said, it's the toughest part of the year at the best of times, never mind the last few days you've had. Hopefully, once tomorrow has passed, you can shed the feeling of it having been the festive period.

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