5 weeks. 10 weeks 15 weeks

 

When I first registered on this forum at the end of April I never thought I would find myself still posting here. I didn't think for a moment that my posts would end up being in the loss part of the forum. 

It took 5 weeks of tests and scans to diagnose my handsome Neil with incurable lung cancer. 

It took 10 weeks for the cancer to steal him away from me after his diagnosis even though he was receiving chemo and radiotherapy and was booked for gamma knife treatment. 

That's  15 weeks from start to finish for this vile disease to steal my man from me and utterly wreck our lives. Our future. :(

His Soul soared free almost 4 weeks ago. To begin with I felt as though I was in a protective bubble with me on the inside and grief and pain on the outside.  Now that bubble has burst :(

I'm lucky that I have my lovely daughter and her wife close by and they are supporting me but when I'm alone these waves of grief just swallow me up. Im so afraid of facing the future without him.

He was my rock. My wing man. My life. Whatever we did we did it together and having to face the world without him is so difficult. I know that soon I will have to find work to support myself. He was the main bread winner. For 34 years he was proud to support me so I only had to do little nifnaf jobs for some spending money. I have had bereavement benefit awarded for a year and I have a small portion of his pension awarded to me but I know I need to earn a living myself now. 

Coping with having to face the world, earn a living and coping with the loss of my main man. My best friend is just so painful

Netty

 

Parents
  • Hi Netty

    You will know that I understand the pain which follows the loss of a dear husband. Neil was taken far too quickly that you really had no time to adjust to his illness and now you have the grieving process to take you forward.  I know that we have 'chatted' off forum and I am happy for that to continue should you feel it helps in even a very small way.  I still cope on the day to day basis but being a little further along my own journey I am picking up the threads of the 'new' normal and still find much support and comfort both from my forum buddies and also my family and friends. 

    It saddens me that whilst grieving you  have added financial worries and wish I could offer words of wisdom. As you know I too have the bereavement benefit for the year and have just  been awarded a small pension from my hubby's 'first' employer (who he was with the longest).  I only work just over 15hrs a week(and at times still find myself stressed so do not feel able to increase this just now) and was informed by the DWP that when the current benefit ends, if it was required, I could apply for income support to take my income to ' acceptable levels' to live on. I will not really know how I stand until hubby's Estate is settled but will take financial guidance (probably through the citizen's Advice Bureau which is, of course free) and maybe they could be of assistance to you, if only to talk you through the possibilities.

    Take strength from those close to you, come and chat if it helps - there are many good listeners on the forum and I am not sure how I would have coped without them.  Sending hugs.  Jules x

     

  • Thanks for your kind replies Sue and Lucia - baby steps... yes. I never realised how fragile even a strong person could become.  

    Brian I just haven't had the heart to come here again until today. Life is just so rubbish sometimes but I'm trying hard to pick myself up.  

    Jules. I value your friendship  and offline contact. Long may it continue.  :)

    Not only have I been coping with my own troubles I've been supporting 2 other buddies who's loved ones are in the same boat as Neil... battling the same cancer. One passed a few days ago... the other still battles on. Long may it continue. Just every now and again  I feel so desolate but I promised Neil that I would be ok and I do intend to keep that promise

    Much love to all

    Netty

    X

     

Reply
  • Thanks for your kind replies Sue and Lucia - baby steps... yes. I never realised how fragile even a strong person could become.  

    Brian I just haven't had the heart to come here again until today. Life is just so rubbish sometimes but I'm trying hard to pick myself up.  

    Jules. I value your friendship  and offline contact. Long may it continue.  :)

    Not only have I been coping with my own troubles I've been supporting 2 other buddies who's loved ones are in the same boat as Neil... battling the same cancer. One passed a few days ago... the other still battles on. Long may it continue. Just every now and again  I feel so desolate but I promised Neil that I would be ok and I do intend to keep that promise

    Much love to all

    Netty

    X

     

Children
  • Hi Netty

    Hope you managed some sleep and you are stronger than you realise. Being there for others when you are grieving yourself shows your depth of feelings.  I know Neil would  be proud of you and those promises we make to them (and ourselves) somehow keep us going. I will be in touch soon. In my thoughts  and sending hugs.Jules x