Feeling down

This is my first post.  My husband had stage 4 parotid cancer two years ago.  We went to our ears, nose and throat doctor for months with a swelling on his neck and had many test.  When they finally did the diagnosis it was stage 4.  He had surgery, a feeding tube, radiation, hyperbaric therapy, etc. It goes on and on.  After 1 1/2 year we were finally starting to resume some kind of normal life again.  On the two year anniversary of his original surgery we returned for a checkup and CAT scans.  They found a tumor in his lung, it is metastatic.  I feel like I have been hit by a truck!!!   He fought so hard and endured so much the first time, it was terrible. Now it is back.  I need some words of wisdom here.  Please.

 

 

 

 

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    Hi CapeCate,

    Welcome to the forum, although sorry that you have to find yourself here. You will find the site a great support as your husband travels along his cancer journey.

    People often refer to the cancer journey as a rollercoaster and your experience is precisely why. We have to fight hard to battle against it in the first place, then suddenly, when we are finally beginning to feel more normal again, we get an even more devastating diagnosis.

    Have you discussed treatment options with your husband's consultant yet?

    Unfortunately, I have no words of wisdom for you. I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and praying for you both.

    Cancer affects the whole family, so please keep in touch and let us know how things progress. There is always someone here if you feel like talking.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi CapeCate,

    I am sorry to hear that your husband's cancer has returned. I think that you should get all the support you can, whether it is talking to us here on this website, a therapist or even a pastor. I turn to my faith and prayers to get me through. This is my favorite quote/prayer. I've printed it out and carried it with me so I can look at it when I feel down.  I hope it helps.

    LauraP

    x

    'Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations, and say continually: 'The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart has trusted in Him and I am helped. He is not only with me but in me and I in Him.'

    Saint Francis de Sales

  • Thank you for your kind words.  It is very helpful to talk to others who truly understand. I am having trouble sleeping. During the day I am able to manage my emotions, we have had the new information for a month now.  But, I have a difficult time falling asleep even with a sleeping pill, then wake up 2 to 3 hrs later and cannot go back to sleep.  Any one have ideas to combat this?  I cannot take any more drugs.  My husband and I are extremely close and the anxiety I feel about his recent diagnosis is overwhelming.

  • Hello, my husband has stage 4 lung cancer and we are two thirds of the way through treatment.  I am struggling to sleep and like you wake nearly every couple of hours especially after chemo.  Put an eye mask on, play the radio low to stop your brain thinking horrible thoughts.  Don't force yourself to sleep, just rest in a semi conscious state.   Nod off during the day if you can,  it's amazing how little sleep you can manage without.  Don't worry about it, it's normal.  Try lavender oil on your forehead and behind your ears and breathe deeply.   Good luck, lots of us are going through it, stay strong.   Carol 

  • I will try the Lavender oil and the eye mask, I have one.  Thanks for the tips. I am just unable to think straight right now.  In a few days we go to the big cancer hospital to meet with the team of doctors to discuss treatment.  We have had to wait for this appointment for several weeks. It has been nerve racking to wait, and at the same time, I don't want to know what they are going to tell us.  I feel emotionally unprepared for all of this, this time around.  This reoccurance has put us both on our heals. 

     

  • Hi, early 2014 my husband has stage IVB colon cancer metastasis to liver, he got surgery on colon and liver + chemotherapy, january 2015 it's back to liver, he done surgery on liver, january 2016, it'sback to lymph node near pelvis and he has to do chemotherapy + angioplasty on abdominal aorta, at the end of 2016 the lymph node swollen everywhere, he had 5 times radiotherapy, but it's still grow so he got more radiotherapy in Feb 2017. From March he completely down, we went to chinese doctor, we always tray to stay strong and we believe God knows the best for us. Now he can eat, much better now, and ready to go back to work. CapeCate, always stay positif, optimis, it will help you and your husband a lot. I still has 2 daugther, both still small, and every treatment I have to go back and forth from my country to Sydney (10 hours flight).

  • This cancer is such a hard journey and only those going through it can understand.   The wairing  is vile, the unknown is worse than knowing, at least 5 he you have a plan and a goal 8 some sort.  We  have half term results on Monday, has it shrunk, has it grown? I hope you have the help you need and am glad my tips helped just a little.  Carol