Celebrating son's birthday, wondering how long I'll be here

Hi everyone,  was diagnosed with Advanced Bladder Cancer in July and have just started my 3rd Paliative Chemo cycle.

Today is my youngest sons 12th birthday and as I watched him opening his presents this morning before school I couldn't help but wonder if I'll see him turn into a teenager...

I of course did not share this fear with him or the rest of my family but that thought has now has strengthened as I think of alll the other events I'll likely miss. My 13 yr old daughters future birthdays, their weddings, Grand kids....

Any tips for blocking these negative thoughts greatly appreciated

Wayne

  • I hope your son had a lovely 12th birthday the other day Wayne although I'm very sorry about the thoughts you had to contend with on the day.

    I can't begin to imagine how difficult this must have been but I hope it helps to know that you are not alone as many of our members have contended with similar thoughts so I'm sure some of them will be along soon to offer you their support and advice.

    You're also very welcome to talk things through with our team of cancer nurses on 0808 800 4040. Their phone lines are open Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m and they'll do all they can to work through this and help make things more manageable when these thoughts occur.

    We're thinking of you Wayne and wishing you all the best with your third chemo cycle.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hello Wayne, I've just seen your post and wanted to say hi.  I don't know how to block those thoughts, it's human nature to think ahead and I did that for five years during my husband's palliative care for stage 4 lung cancer, he was 69 when diagnosed but we had young grandchildren by then and it was hard to think ahead.  So we just made each day the best it could be and built lots of memories for everyone to talk about.  It must be extremely hard for you and your wife, no one understands unless you are dealing with it all.  There are always others on this forum who will pop on and say how they cope but I send my good wishes your way to you and your lovely family.  Carol x

  • Hi Wayne,,these thoughts do  keep popping into the mind nomater what we do, but we try to forget now and again, with keeping busy, things to consontrate on mostly. 

    I myself have prostate cancer gone to lymph node's pelvis spine ribs and a lung, was diagnosed feb 2016, uncurable later palative care, stage 4, permanent meds.

    I'm also a carer for my darling wife who has alzimers and parkinsons plus other problems. That keeps me busy and keeping positive and sure. 

    Gardening and housework, cooking, also keeps me going.

    I started treatment with hormone therapy and chemotherapy soon having radiotherapy as my uninvited guest bit me again. 

    Try to keep occupied and move better thought. 

    Billy