How on earth will I be able to live without my darling wife of 62 years?

Hi my darling wife has been given a few months to live after being diagnosed with brain cancer.

I'm terrified of losing her I'm 82 and feel so anxious, I'm trying to be strong for her,, We don't have any children and it's always been just the two of us.

  • I’m so sorry for you. It sounds so incredibly hard. I don’t have any wisdom for you I’m afraid. Life is just so tough and it’s always a shock when the beautiful times change. I wish you all the best. 

  • Oh, my lovely. I'm deeply sorry. Do you have other family and friends to support you at all?

    I'm 42. I'm just starting to experience losses and fear of loss but my grandfather is 94 so I've witnessed his loss and loneliness. I don't know how much kids insulates you emotionally but it certainly helps practically at times. My grandfather lost my grandmother when she was 64 and he was 65 so he's been alone for a long time but never took another companion.

    Macmillan and Age UK might be helpful down the line. If you don't mind me asking: how is your own health?

    My father is 78 this month (if I mentioned age UK to him he'd clip my ear lol) and doesn't look it but I fear the day one or the other of my parents lose their spouse. It's an invaluable connection. Be strong but don't bottle things up too much. It's good you're talking about it here too but there is other support around including phone lines and other options if and when you need it x

  • Thank you for your message. It is greatly appreciated.

  • Thank you for your reply. Much appreciated.

  • Hi Trevor losing anyone we love is the worst feeling ever, especially when we've spent a lifetime with them and it is very painful but in a way its a good thing that you are preparing yourself and unlike some people it won't be a total shock as in dying suddenly ,I'm not really sure which is worse to be fair ,I just hope you can make some more memories with your darling wife ,I'm a great believer in I will meet my loved ones who have passed again ,I'm thinking of my Grandparents and Mother and in my heart I know I'll see them again ,anyway Trevor its nice to chat with you and this is a very helpful site with lovely understanding people so it might help you if you occasionally have a question or just for a chat ,so take care of yourselves ,thinking of you ...

  • Thank you so very much. I understand the bitter sweet benefit of being forewarned.

    I greatly appreciate your reply.

    Best wishes

  • Thank you Trevor Best Wishes to you and your wife too ,you are not alone ..