Struggling - my partner is in palliative treatment for bowel cancer and I'm so angry

My partner was diagnosed with stage 4C bowel cancer a few months ago, and the uncertainty is just horrible. He’s started chemotherapy (palliative) but I’m just so angry. 
is this normal? I’m angry with him, because it’s like he’s given up. I’m angry with his oncologist, because I don’t feel he’s being honest with him (I have a medical background) and we have a young family. He’s refusing any surgery because he says it’s too brutal. I can’t say I blame him there because it is, I just feel very alone and trying to hold everything together. 

  • Heya. Welcome to the forums in order to begin with. Maybe see if counselling can help you both. Hugs. This is hard but you don’t have to do it alone. We are here for you. It might be an idea to call the help line 0808 800 4040 to chat to a nurse. Hopefully you can get more advice that way.  

  • A very warm welcome to the forum Artisanmom although I'm sorry to hear about your partner and how this is affecting the both of you.

    I can't begin to imagine how incredibly difficult and challenging this time must be but I want to reassure you that it's completely understandable, and natural, to be feeling angry at the moment so if you can, try not to be too hard on yourself for feeling this way. 

    If it helps, you may want to have a look at Debsamellon43's discussion about receiving a 12 to 18 month prognosis for brain cancer and how it's affecting her relationship with her husband as they are also struggling and feeling angry too, so you are not alone at this time.

    As bone-cancer-patient has mentioned, you may find it helpful to talk to someone about how you're feeling, and counselling may be something you'd like to explore. I hope this information we have about counselling and cancer will be useful but you're very welcome to talk things through with one of our nurses as well. They're available on the number bone-cancer-patient gave you in their reply, Monday - Friday (except bank holidays) between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    The cancer charity Maggie's also offers free expert care and advice and they have a team of cancer support specialists and psychologists on hand to listen to provide support and listen to your concerns.

    I hope some more of our members will stop by soon to share their experiences and advice but in the meantime, we're thinking of you and sending you both all our strength and support.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator