Hello Zillah

I'm sorry to hear that your hubby has been diagnosed with cancer for a third time. I can only imagine what a blow that has been to you both and it's understandable that he feels that he's not able to face any further treatment at this point. How are you feeling about this choice? 

It's good to hear that he's been referred to the palliative care team. Have you had contact with them? Even if your husband doesn't need direct care or input from them at the moment, they can be a helpful source of support and information for you both. Has he been given any further appointments with any health professionals or do you have a contact number that you can call if you need to contact someone? 

Don't forget that the GP surgery can also contact the palliative care team on your behalf if you don't have an appointment or contact details for them. 

If it would be helpful to talk with one of our nurses for some advice and support you can call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays). I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. 

I hope that you have family and friends around you who can offer support as you both navigate your way through this difficult time. Keep in touch with us here at Cancer Chat if it helps to have somewhere to put down in writing how you're feeling. We're here for you. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

Thanks for your reply . I have had a very helpful call from the GP. I now feel confident that the practice will be our 1st port of call and will deal with everything. Such a relief . GP added slow release morphine  ,stopped Clopidogrel...and told us that she felt we had made the right decision. Hubby is 75  , has comorbidities . She also confirmed that he has only months left and not many of them. Has referred to palliative care and reassured me that first line health care (GP) will help us both. Priority phone calls etc.She fully understood how adrift we felt when leaving the hospital appointment. "Secondary care colleagues are great at what they do ... but not so good at patient care " .I felt as if I'd had a huge hug . 

Hi Zillah,

Glad your GP is now helping you. I am only just starting my prostate cancer treatment, but have felt the same lack of support from the hospital. For whatever reasons, the NHS is just overrun, unfortunately, and most departments struggle with human contact and support. I wish you well in dealing with your husband's difficult diagnosis.

Thanks Whiskers , I'm sorry that you're dealing with prostate cancer   and hope the treatment goes well . We've dealt with urology in the NHS too as hubby had surgery for bladder cancer 18 months ago . Some depts. very good ,  others not so . We have to deal with 2 hospitals whose IT systems are incompatible despite being linked in other ways . I felt that the NHS protocols expect the patient to get on the conveyor belt as laid down in the protocol and when he jumps off early..... they are unable to change direction.