how did you cope when you partner has terminal cancer

hubby has been given about 12 months had bowel cancer that has spread to both of his lungs and now has spread to his abdomen. as a partner it us really hard to cope with

Parents
  • Hi and welcome to the forum though always sad to see others facing the journey you and your hubby are now on.  My husband was terminally diagnosed from diagnosis (mesothelioma) and we were told there was no specific timeline as there are many variables as to palliative care/treatments/medication.  It was an emotional rollercoaster which I 'managed' by taking all help that was offered and sought help myself when I flet overwhelmed (this was hard as I felt it should be my responsibility to be there 24/7 but its just not practical. 

    Advice is difficult to offer as people all deal differently with their own personal feelings as well as those of the sufferer.  All I can say is that as a wife I learned (eventually) to listen to what my husband wanted and did all I could, along with the family, to honour those wishes even when they would upset me.  We carried on doing as much normal day to day things as and when they were possible, we continued to make plans and only cancelled if it became necessary.  Whilst we were open in our hearts that time was limited  we coped the best we could and I had the support of this forum for nearly 3 years before his journey came to its end. It is now 2 years since he passed away and I am still on the forum drawing strength from my 'buddies' as well as having general chats.  I hope you find being here helps in some way.  I found it helped to vent my feelings and gave me extra understanding by talking to others who were going or who had gone through similar times.  Jules54

     

     

Reply
  • Hi and welcome to the forum though always sad to see others facing the journey you and your hubby are now on.  My husband was terminally diagnosed from diagnosis (mesothelioma) and we were told there was no specific timeline as there are many variables as to palliative care/treatments/medication.  It was an emotional rollercoaster which I 'managed' by taking all help that was offered and sought help myself when I flet overwhelmed (this was hard as I felt it should be my responsibility to be there 24/7 but its just not practical. 

    Advice is difficult to offer as people all deal differently with their own personal feelings as well as those of the sufferer.  All I can say is that as a wife I learned (eventually) to listen to what my husband wanted and did all I could, along with the family, to honour those wishes even when they would upset me.  We carried on doing as much normal day to day things as and when they were possible, we continued to make plans and only cancelled if it became necessary.  Whilst we were open in our hearts that time was limited  we coped the best we could and I had the support of this forum for nearly 3 years before his journey came to its end. It is now 2 years since he passed away and I am still on the forum drawing strength from my 'buddies' as well as having general chats.  I hope you find being here helps in some way.  I found it helped to vent my feelings and gave me extra understanding by talking to others who were going or who had gone through similar times.  Jules54

     

     

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