Loneliness - caring for my husband who has advanced stage 4 bowel cancer

My Husband was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer which has spread through the liver and into the lungs last February. Originally he was given 2-3 year prognosis but after a few complications and stopping chemo he has been given a year to live. He is very jaundice now sleeps alot and doesn't eat very much.i realised I had to stop working for now and joint care for him with twice a day carers.I normally work 8-9 hours a day in a factory full of people so at the moment I feel like I have stepped out of my life and the loneliness boredom and constant crying quietly on my own is awful.Dont get me wrong my family and friends have been great but I do feel so alone.I have no idea what to do everytime I walk past jon in his bed I check for breathing which breaks me but I can't help it I just don't know what to expect.i guess I have to take day by day and keep smiling for jon.

  • Hi Foxyflamingo,

    I am so sorry to hear of your situation and of your husband's prognosis. Your life has been turned upside down, so it's no wonder that you feel as you do. It is sometimes easier to talk t strangers, who have been through/are going through, what you are experiencing, than talking to family and friends, who don't fully appreciate what you are going through. Don't feel bad about crying on your own. This can be a good stress reliever.

    Do you manage to get out of the house for a short time when the carers are in? Even if it's only for a walk around the block, this can help your mood. It can also be helpful to talk to a counsellor about how you feel. Many cancer charities throughout the country offer this service free of charge. This would mean getting family or friends to look after your husband for a longer period, but it might help you to put things into perspective. Even with carers coming in, this is an awful lot for you to deal with on your own. Having someone who could relieve you for a short time on a regular basis would be a great help to your mood. Have you spoken to your GP about how you feel? It might help you to take a mild anti-depressant for a short while.

    I have been in your situation with loved ones and I know just how hard it is. It is so difficult to plaster a smile on your face, when inside, your heart is breaking. You will find that you are already grieving for what is to come. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on. Now that you have found this forum, you need never feel lonely again. We are all here to support one another and are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Thanku for ur reply ur very kind. I feel abit better this evening and tomorrow when the caters r ere I'm going to walk round the block I think I'll like that. I've had a couple of messages from some friends too so that was nice. Once again thanku x

  • Hi Foxyflamingo,

    I hope that this helps a little. If not, please consider trying some of my other suggestions. I was very reluctant to try counselling, but it really did help me.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi there yes I'm going to contact somebody tomorrow about counselling I feel I need too. Thanku for ur help it is much appreciated. Regards.

  • .Hi Foxyflamingo,

    I think that this is a good idea and I sincerely hope that it helps you.

    Please let us know how you get on. We are here for you anytime.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • I understand completely.

    The best advice I can give you at this stage is to remind Jon how much he is loved and give him every opportunity to do or say whatever is important to him.

    Keep making memories and you must must must look after yourself. All too often we get so involved with caring for others that we overlook what we need to function also.

    Here for you

    Sharon x

  • Hi Foxyflamingo,

    Did you manage to contact someone about counselling yet?

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx