Here’s me with newly diagnosed leukaemia (CLL) and hubby with eight-year-old(!) terminal NSCLC Alk+ lung cancer

Hi everyone

As yet I have no prognosis for my leukaemia as they are still working things out for me, but hubby (special note to all re HOPE) kept going for NINE YEARS with stage IV lung cancer, far exceeding his initial six-month prognosis!

Now his miracle drugs have stopped working, so we are having a final shot at radiotherapy and what will be will be. Unfortunately he does not seem to realise that his time is probably very limited now, and I have decided to wait until that dawns on him - and he brings it up - rather than mention it myself.

So I will be on here mostly regarding him, because this is where I think I will need most support, having already been through dreadful “anticipatory grief” years ago that I could obviously never but a tight lid on.
And I’m dreading what’s to come.

Allbest to all of you and thanks for being here. I think I'm going to need you!

  • Welcome to Cancer Chat, maria88

    I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you and your husband are facing. It’s incredibly moving to read about his strength over the past nine years with stage IV lung cancer, and now, with your own recent diagnosis of CLL, it’s understandable that you’re feeling overwhelmed.

    The uncertainty and emotional weight of anticipatory grief can be especially difficult, and it's important to acknowledge those feelings. Many members here have navigated similar paths, and I hope they will reach out to share their experiences and offer support.

    If you feel the need to talk to someone about your concerns, you can call the Cancer Research UK nurses on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

    Please know that this community is here for you, and you're not alone.

    Best wishes to the both of you,
    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator