Worried wife - what do I say or do while we are waiting for a diagnosis?

I've lived a very emotionally sheltered life and have never had to deal with anything sad or stressful relating to the health of myself or any of my loved ones. I really appreciate that this is a very fortunate position to be in, but as I now await test results for my husband, I find myself in a state of complete uncertainty in what to do, say or feel.

I've seen a fear in my husband I have never seen before, and I feel helpless. 

What can I do or say during the wait that will make this easier to deal with?

  • Hello and sorry for what you and your husband are going through.  It is never easy to be in a situation like this, and I would imagine it must be even harder for someone like yourself, who, as you have admitted, has not had to face anything like this before.  The best way that you can help your husband is to let him know that you are strong enough to face this together (even if you are not feeling very strong on the inside).  Tell him that if he wants to talk about his fears, you are there to listen to him, or, if he doesn't want to talk about it, that's absolutely fine.  Basically,  you need to be his rock.  If you feel the need to cry, please try not to do it in front of him.......I know this is easier said than done, but very often, people who have had a cancer diagnosis have the added burden of worrying about how their families are going to cope with the news.  The last thin we need is to see our family members in floods of tears and falling to pieces.  I suspect that it must be quite a shock to you to see this fear in your husband that you have never seen before, and perhaps it has made you realise that sometimes, even the strongest of people can feel frightened and uncertain.  It is good that you have come to this forum, because the folks here understand what you are going through (we have all been there) and it is a very supportive community.  Let us hope that your husband's test results are nothing serious..........however, IF it is the worst case scenario, I promise you that you will find a strength that you never knew you had.  I wish the both of you the very best of luck and I will keep you in my prayers,  and please keep us informed, take care, x