Feel on my own. Struggling with the day to day issues whilst looking after my husband. He has prostate, bladder & bone cancer and won't accept help from anyone

Hi I’m a 71 year old woman looking after my husband who has prostate bladder and bone cancer. I had lung cancer er myself 4 years ago had a lower right lobectomy and glad to say I’m clear but still get checked. My husband is undergoing chemotherapy again first time 9 years ago. He’s not doing great list 5 1/2 stone and very frail. No appetite and I’ve tried everything I can to get him through eat. He’s now getting the Esure drinks to try and help. 
My problem is I’m really trying my best for him but struggling with the day to day issues. I know he’s weak but he won’t do anything to help himself he just sits about and the inly time he moves us to go to the bathroom. I’m just so tired all the time I have some health problems and severe back and hip pain so I struggle at times. People offer to help with shopping but my husband flatly refuses and says we’re fine and won’t accept help if any kind. I’m at my wits  end and exhausted have no one I can really talk to. I love my husband very much and don’t want anything to happen to him but feel so guilty feeling like I would like someone to take him out and give me a break as we’re with each other 24/7.  He just doesn’t want anyone just me.

  • Hi rust

    • You deserve a break before you have a breakdown yourself. Overide his wishes and accept all help offered plus ask for and arrange professional help for some of his care. You cannot look after someone 168 hours a week by yourself and it not have a detrimental effect on your wellbeing. 

    Ed

  • Hello Rust

    I hope you are checking in soon to see you are not alone. 

    I am also caring for my husband and it is incredibly difficult and frustrating at times.

    Im not sure who professionally you are in touch with so I will list what I have done recently and hope you can pick some useful bits 

    First talk to Macmillian Helpline they helped with finances and supportive listening open 8 til 8 every day and or ring this helpline

    I spoke to his cancer nurse and explained how he is and we have been referred to the Palliative care team.....

    Also Adults services for a carer assessment 

    You can ask for help for yourself at the same time.....your health needs physical and mental/ emotional well being is being  affected etc

    I agree with Farmer Ed except help offered from others shopping etc ....tbh your hubby will probably be mad but you need the support and that socisl interaction

    1. Age UK are also good see if they have a befriending service for you / sitting service

    Or Carers UK 

    1. It takes effort and you dont have to do all at once ....but please do start looking after yourself today  sending strength RB