so scared

Hi have not been on here for a while but now need to talk my husband is in his last stage of lung cancer i am caring for him at hhome but now realise that i need help he is sleeping more and is taking longer to wake up also not sure where he is most of the time i am so scared of how i will cope without him as i do not even know how to change a bulb he did eveverything around the flat it is so sad to see him dying before me, my son has been brilliant but has his life to lead so now am asking for help with caring for my husband, how do you cope in this situation

  • Hi Ceil

    I was in a similar situation earlier this year and the only way I coped was to avoid worrying about tomorrow and taking care of the here and now. We had help through our GP/community nurses (I live in Middlesex) and would have had Marie Curie Night Nurse but hubby passed away before it became necessary. I too was scared as had never solely cared for a dying person before but we did manage and it was what my husband had asked for. Although my husband slept a agreat deal during his final days, when he was awake and 'with it' he enjoyed the company of others and friends and family popped in as and when they could. Endless cups of tea/coffee went with the tears that needed to flow (often in the privacy of another room!).. Our palliative care team/community nurses organised all necessary equipment loans (we had a hospital bed in the lounge for the final 5 days) and the nurses called as often as we required them - they were just a phone call away and had 24hr contact number which I found such a support. I hope you get the support you need and yes. its hard to do things the man of house always looked after but I am no longer afraid to ask for help when I need it and if I cannot do something I find a person who can. My children are grieving too and we all need out own space and time to adjust,  The forum has been my virtual buddy for a long time and not sure where I would be without it to be honest. Sending a virtual hug at this heartbreaking time and here to chat if you need to.  Jules54