Anxiety

Hi, last year my husband was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma at the age of 29, thankfully 3 months ago he was given the all clear. During his diagnosis and treatment, I held it together for him and our two young children, I kept everything ticking over as normal as it could be, kept a low profile with people and just kept positive for the sake of our kids. But now, 3 months after the all clear, I’m an anxious wreck, is this normal? I felt stronger last year while looking after  a sick husband, then I do now, I worry about every tiny thing and think the worst in every situation. I’d like to think I was brave and strong last year, and that helped us as a family overcome the worst time. But, now I feel I was just in denial and not facing up to the severity of Everything. I don’t really know what I’m aslong sorry, just if it’s normal to suddenly become anxious while a close family member is in remission. Thanks for any help.

  • Hi, so glad to hear your husband got the all clear, but sorry to hear you’re feeling so anxious. However id say it’s completely normal! I was the same after my boyfriend had a brain tumour, I kept everything together throughout his treatment but fell apart afterwards. It’s a normal reaction after ploughing through a difficult time, it’s basically your mind and body saying  ‘what on eath just happened??!!’ I went for counselling which really helped, so I’d suggest make an appointment with your GP and see what they can offer. Don’t be afraid to ask for help as it’s taken it’s toll on you too. All the best xxx

  • Thanks so much for your reply. I’m glad to know this feeling is “normal” many thanks for helping ease my concerns x

  • Hi now your husband is in remission you should get some counselling for yourself because u probably need it after being so strong for your husband look after yourself be kind to yourself u must of been through a lot and you will probably feel anxious for a while but share your anxiety with someone who will listen and understand why your feeling anxious I hope your anxiety lessens each day and you can enjoy life with your husband

  • Hi

    im so glad your husband is in remission, that is wonderful. I totally understand how you must be feeling now that the dust has settled, I’m just finishing treatment and I’m fully expecting it to come. 

    I just wanted to reply he and I see you’re a Liverpoolgirl and so am I, there is a charity called sunflowers on Aigburth Road who support patients/survivors and families and you can get counselling through them, I know Macmillan can arrange it through them too. They also do courses like ‘what now’ and mindfulness for anxiety, I know they’ve a 4 week course starting soon that I’m going to sign up to. Cancer affects the whole family and I think in some ways is harder for our partners, my husband has had to hold everything together and I can see the strain it’s had on him. Don’t be afraid to get help if you need it. If you can’t get to aigburth road all the local hospitals have Macmillan information places and you can book to see someone who will help you work out what help you need. 

    Hope you find that helpful, big hugs x

  • Thankyou so much mikeswife, your kindness means so much and the advice greatly appreciated and I will follow it up to get some help, and look into those sessions. I just can’t get my head around how I held it together throughout diagnosis and treatment, yet now I’m falling apart. I’m so glad your are finishing treatment, good luck for your recovery, thanks again xx