Hello Rossco1955

I'm sorry to hear about your partner's diagnosis and all that you are both going through at the moment. Undoubtedly it's a difficult time for you both and natural that you will be experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions. 

I'm going to tag in a member called ProfBaw . He supported his wife through breast cancer a little while ago and has spoken about some of the challenges that they faced. Hopefully he will pop along to say Hello and share some of his experiences with you. 

It sounds from your post as if you care for your partner very much and so it's understandable that you want to do as much for her as you can. It's good to hear that there is lots of support available from family and friends but as you've said, it's also understandable that your partner feels alone in having to take this journey. I think that the inadequacy that you've described feeling is one that is common amongst those supporting a loved one through their diagnosis. I would say that communication is key for both of you. And remembering that there may be times when things are said in anger or frustration but that those words are not necessarily aimed directly at you but are a result of the situation you both find yourselves in. 

Hopefully over the coming weeks and months, as she goes through her treatment, you will be able to support each other through this with the help of those around you. If it would help to talk with our nurses for some advice and support at any point you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

The Cancer Chat community is here for you both if it helps to have a safe space to put down in writing your questions, concerns and feelings. We're here to listen and will do what we can to help and support. 

Sending you both my best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

Hello Rossco1955

I'm sorry to hear about your partner's diagnosis and all that you are both going through at the moment. Undoubtedly it's a difficult time for you both and natural that you will be experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions. 

I'm going to tag in a member called ProfBaw . He supported his wife through breast cancer a little while ago and has spoken about some of the challenges that they faced. Hopefully he will pop along to say Hello and share some of his experiences with you. 

It sounds from your post as if you care for your partner very much and so it's understandable that you want to do as much for her as you can. It's good to hear that there is lots of support available from family and friends but as you've said, it's also understandable that your partner feels alone in having to take this journey. I think that the inadequacy that you've described feeling is one that is common amongst those supporting a loved one through their diagnosis. I would say that communication is key for both of you. And remembering that there may be times when things are said in anger or frustration but that those words are not necessarily aimed directly at you but are a result of the situation you both find yourselves in. 

Hopefully over the coming weeks and months, as she goes through her treatment, you will be able to support each other through this with the help of those around you. If it would help to talk with our nurses for some advice and support at any point you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

The Cancer Chat community is here for you both if it helps to have a safe space to put down in writing your questions, concerns and feelings. We're here to listen and will do what we can to help and support. 

Sending you both my best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator