Scared all the time after advanced prostate cancer diagnosis

Hi my names Janie, 1 month a go we were planning a wedding, then we ended up in causualty with loss of leg feeling. After being ignored in spite of the ambulance crew ref flagging his spinal problem, 12 hours sat in a chair. Eventually I demanded an MRI. This is when my world collapsed. He had advanced prostate cancer which had spread to his spine, 6 fractures, one of which had touched his spinal cord. 

Then shunted from ward to ward. Fight after fight getting him treated. Standard response, it's unusual, we don't have protocol for this, he has to be an outpatient..... Round it went.  Eventually after screaming, sending complaints an oncologist was found. 

So that's it, oh and now because they pumped him full of morphine everyday, he's severely poo impacted. 

Now not only are, we dealing with fatigue from hormones, radiotherapy but sickness, severe constipation, huge gas filled belly. Then lady night he went full gaga, I thought it was the end, now it could be calcium deficiency. 

How do people cope, I'm scared all the time, can't stop my head from arranging funerals, even though no ones said this, I'm angry, tearful. Terrified to even have a shower incase the phone rings and I don't hear it. Even grabbing a coffee makes me anxious as it's seems unfair that I can. I'm scared to go home in case I get a call saying come in quick. I feel so helpless and lost. 

Im scared to make decisions, even a cup of tea seems too many steps. 

  • Hello Janie

    I'm so very sorry to hear about the awful time you and your partner have been through in the last month. It's understandable that you're feeling scared, anxious and overwhelmed by things at the moment. Seeing your loved one going through this awful experience and having all the plans you'd made torn away from you would leave most people feeling angry. 

    What support do you have, Janie? Do you have family and friends around you that you can talk with? Who can make that cuppa and lend a listening ear to help you begin to unpick everything that has happened in the last few weeks? Please do reach out to those around you for support. I'd also suggest making an appointment with your GP to see what support they can offer you as you navigate this difficult time. If it would help to talk with someone not directly involved in your situation, then you are very welcome to give our team of nurses a call. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. They'll be back in the office from 9am tomorrow morning (Tuesday) on 0808 800 4040 (Mon-Fri 9-5). 

    In terms of the care that your partner has received, you can raise your concerns with the hospital PALS team. It's part of their role to help resolve concerns or problems when you're using the NHS. 

    Please keep in touch, Janie and let us know how you're both doing. We're here for you. 

    Thinking of you both at this difficult time. 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator