Life is so heavy right now

My life feels like its beyond a mess.

I'm 23 and my boyfriend is 26 and he has stage 4 lung cancer.

This past year has been rough. We were meant to get married and ended up just having 7 months of chaos within our relationship. We have been together for 3 years but have been best friends for 8 years. That friendship has been what is holding us together. The relationship problems have been completely emotionally draining. And worse than that his cancer is getting worse. We are in an ok place right now in our relationship but his health seems to be declining. He says that the reason it's getting worse is because of the stress we have been going through together. I feel distraught. I feel like i can never do anything right. I want to be there for him and close to him but he has always been so self sufficient that he is almost declining the help. I don't know how I can help. I try my best but its hard watching someone you love the most be in pain and not know how to make it better.. I know I can't but i wish I could. I can't imagine losing him. Every time I think about it I cry instantly.. I feel like I'm finding it hard to accept what the reality of the situation is. I just can't imagine being without him.. and having to watch him die and not be able to do anything about it.

On top of all of this I have my own issues I'm trying to juggle, which is making my mental health just go in the bin. 

I have ongoing issues with my mum and my dad is useless. My grandmother passed away recently and she was the only one in my family I could actually talk to. I have started my own business so that is beyond full on with clients. I have unpaid parking tickets coming out of my ears and debt collectors coming to my door. 

 

It's all just too much for me to handle. And I have noone to talk to about it.. especially not someone who understands.

This not where I saw my life being at the age of 23 

  • Hello Pinky101 and welcome to the forum although I'm very sorry to hear about the reason that brings you here.

    This situation you're facing with your boyfriend can be a lonely place so I'm glad you found us as I'm sure you will find other people on Cancer Chat who will understand what you're going through at the moment.

    Caring for someone with cancer can be an extremelly trying experience and I think many of our members here would agree that it's important, to take care of yourself as well. With this in mind, I wanted to share this page from our website called Family, friends and caregivers with tips on how to support someone with cancer and how to take care of yourself. 

    Also, please know our team of nurses would be happy to take your call in case you feel that talking with someone with a medical background might help. They're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    Wishing you and your boyfriend all the best,

    Renata,Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hello Pinky101, welcome to our friendly understanding forum. You have so much on your plate your head must be spinning.  My husband has lung cancer, stage 4 but he is now 75 and we are over four years on from his diagnosis.  Firstly you need to not think too far ahead just take each day as it comes.  Then call his McMillan nurse, she is there to help with finances and other problems that you have.  Speak to the debt collectors and explain your situation or ask citizens advice to guide you on this.  If you have family problems put them on the back burner, if they are not helping in anyway then tell them to leave you alone.  I know how hard it is to love someone and have your help and concern thrown back in your face it is very hurtful, they are in a dark place and lash out, they don't mean it but they do hurt.  Write down your thoughts each day, even on this forum as it clears  space in your brain and a problem shared is better than dealing with it alone.  Ask your GP to help you, maybe he can help get you through this rough time and give some guidance.  Be honest with your partner they can be very self centred and forget what you are going through as well, telling you that stress is making him worse is not fair.  There is a lot of help out there so take advantage of it.  My very best wishes to you and I'll add you to my follow thread to see how you're getting on.  Carol x 

  • Hi there, 

    Gosh you have too much on your plate, lovely. Doing some practical things can help you claw back some control. Firstly contact Step change debt charity for help with debts including your parking tickets. They are fantastic and you'll get great advice for dealing with this. Speak to your GP about your mental health and see speak to Macmillan who may offer some support services for carers and loved ones. 

    I hope you can take some steps, even small ones to address the issues you're facing. 

    Sending a huge hug. 

    Jane x