Loss of my husband and brother to oesophageal cancer.

My husband passed away two years ago to this type of cancer. He died at home because nothing could be done for him and it was his wish to be at home. 
It was a very difficult time for us both. A living death until he passed. My brother who was 59 also died of this type of cancer 20 months before my husband. 
My brother had recently divorced so I spent a lot of time caring for him. My mother who I cared for to also died 5 months after my brother. 
For the first year I was in a fog. Then reality struck. 
I really did not know where to seek help for myself. 
Im still trying to cope with the trauma. 
I had never heard of this type of cancer. You don’t until 2 loved ones die of it. 

  • Welcome to Cancer Chat, Jula12.
    I’m so sorry to read about the losses you’ve been through. Losing your husband, your brother, and then your mum in such a short space of time is an unimaginable amount for one person to cope with, and it’s completely understandable that you're still trying to make sense of it all.
    Caring for someone through cancer can be incredibly hard, and the way you described it as a “living death” really captures just how emotionally draining and heartbreaking it can be.
    Many people here will relate to that sense of not knowing where to turn for support, especially when the grief hits more deeply later on. You might find this page from our website helpful as it talks about coping with grief after someone dies, and some people find comfort in knowing they’re not alone in how they’re feeling.
    Please do keep posting if it helps to talk about what you’ve been through, we’re here to listen.
    With warm wishes,
    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator
  • Hello Jula12,

    It’s difficult to find my words after reading yours. I’m so very sorry to read about the losses of your husband, brother and mum. Having lost my dear mum and dad to myelofibrosis and lung cancer, although grief is unique to each of us, I understand a little of what you have been and continue to go through. 

    People don’t speak about how awful it is to witness those you love go through unimaginable pain and feel utterly helpless.
    It’s so hard isn’t it? I think you described it perfectly when you used the word trauma. It’s coming up to 7 years since mum passed and dad last April and there isn’t a day I don’t think about them. Life goes on as it has to and that includes laughter and joy but it changes you, how could it not. 
    I saw a therapist when mum died but didn’t find it helped me at all. But this year I saw a psychologist and she helped me look at things a different way and she didn’t just let me do all the talking, she challenged me on the regrets, the guilt and an understanding that I can’t blame myself for not saving my parents. It’s a work in progress for me.

    I’m not sure if you have sought professional help or perhaps spoken to your Doctor, it’s a hard journey to be on without help and guidance. I very much hope that you will find a peaceful acceptance of what is the hardest situation you’ve had to bear. There is no time limit on grief, no right or wrong ways to grieve. When my dad was told he had weeks to live, I selfishly asked him how we would cope without him, he replied “ you’ll cry, but you will find a way”, my lovely dad was always short on lectures! He will smile seeing me write that….

    My thoughts are with you.