Life is so painful and empty since losing my Mum

I lost my Mum just over 6 months ago. She was getting some back pains but we didn’t really think it was that serious until the doctor diagnosed her with pancreatic cancer.  I was with her when she was diagnosed, I held her and we cried. It felt so unreal. We thought we would have more time but she died a few weeks later. I still can’t believe it, I keep replaying the last few weeks in my mind. Cancer is such a cruel illness and it was incredibly hard to see someone I loved so much going through what she did.

Mum was more than just a Mum, she was my best friend and a “kindred spirit.” She was probably the only person who I felt I could really be myself with and that I was “enough.” Since losing her, it’s really affected my self esteem and many times at night I wish I could just go to sleep and not wake up again. Many days I just don’t want to be here, there feels no point. I just feel so utterly alone. At times I struggle with feelings of self harm. I’ve always liked myself but at times lately I feel a hatred towards myself and I’ve no idea why. I feel ashamed to feel like this when so many people are going through much more difficult things in their lives. 

I don’t really have anyone to talk to about these things and I keep it to myself. Everyone thinks I’m brave and coping well, they have no idea how I’m feeling inside. 

I know if you’re reading this, you probably have your own story of losing someone very precious to you.  Thank you for taking the time to read mine. Trusting for brighter days ahead for us all.

Parents
  • hi [@Justme774]‍ 

    I am very sorry for you, your mum and everything you went through and are going through. Your mum's death to cancer reflects mine exactly. My mum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March and died 5 weeks later in April. I was shocked by the diagnoses and deeply saddened and traumatised by what happened after. The cancer spread so quickly after the diagnoses that my once proud, stoical mum gave into it quickly whilst I, as her carer, had to be strong for her. We never got the chance to talk about things, and that haunts me.

    Please do not be hard on yourself, what you are going through is a part of the grieving process. I know exactly how you are feeling, but there was nothing you could have done that would have saved your mum - cancer is a horrible, unrelenting disease.

    I also did not have anyone to talk to, or at least there was no one (including my brother) I felt understood what I was going through when mum got sick, and after she died.

    I did, however, reach out for bereavement counselling and was put on a 6-week programme. It helped tremendously with my mental health because we need someone to talk to and those people are professionals. May I suggest you contact your GP about counselling or/and contact the people at https://www.cruse.org.uk/.

    Please do not feel 'ashamed' about what you are going through, you've been through a hell of a lot and it has turned your life upside down.

    Stay strong - I and all the people here are here for you should you need to talk more.

    xxx

    Dan

     

  • Hi, Dan  

    Thank you for your very kind and thoughtful message, especially when you must be in so much pain having lost your Mum so recently. It's hard losing your Mum under any circumstances but particularly to such a  horrible illness. I do really empathise with you and fell for you especially as you had to go on this journey alone. 
    It's strange isn't it, the world carries in as normal whilst you are on this crazy inner rollercoaster of emotions. 
    I'm glad you have been able to find help in counselling. I know friends think they are sparing you the heartache but really you just want someone to ask and just listen. 
    To be honest, it's just helped to come here and write it down. I especially appreciate hearing from people with similar experiences, it makes you feel not so "alone". So, thank you so much.  
     

Reply
  • Hi, Dan  

    Thank you for your very kind and thoughtful message, especially when you must be in so much pain having lost your Mum so recently. It's hard losing your Mum under any circumstances but particularly to such a  horrible illness. I do really empathise with you and fell for you especially as you had to go on this journey alone. 
    It's strange isn't it, the world carries in as normal whilst you are on this crazy inner rollercoaster of emotions. 
    I'm glad you have been able to find help in counselling. I know friends think they are sparing you the heartache but really you just want someone to ask and just listen. 
    To be honest, it's just helped to come here and write it down. I especially appreciate hearing from people with similar experiences, it makes you feel not so "alone". So, thank you so much.  
     

Children
  • Hi [@Justme774]‍ 

    Unfortunately, the world does carry on as normal and that is part of life. I think you coming on this website is a positive thing because it is a sign that you are looking for help - we all need help during traumatic times. It took me a while to find these threads, but I found that reading other experiences specifically related to pancreatic cancer helped me to realize I wasn't alone. Also, my counselling experience gave me a platform to want to help other people because there are so many people 'hurting' and if I can share any positivity from my own experience, that can only be a good thing.

    Sending love,

     

    Dan