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I wanted to join this forum to reach out to other wives supporting husbands through cancer diagnosis, treatment and after.
After 10 years of good check up results and scans, my wonderful man got the dreaded news, "There is a mass".
My head just swam, I found it hard to breathe and of course just clung on to my husband.
He'd been here before, 11 years ago, it just didn't make sense. All the questions swimming through my mind.
But just like the 1st time, I swung into action, found out what was planned, when treatment would start, and helped my man.
No 2 people react to their diagnosis the same, but I have supported my husband by caring for his wellbeing, he is too busy fighting to be worried about when appointments are, when to take medicines and all day to day stuff.
BUT, I have always consulted him as to if he is ok with how I am managing things for him. Not assuming that he is incapable or too tired.
Basically I just want to say,
STAY POSITIVE as much as allowed
STAY STRONG, both of you
PLAN
FOCUS on small wins and good news
LAUGH, it does kinda help.
BE THANKFUL,
Hi @WTFAgain
I am supporting my husband with pancreatic cancer. He had surgery to remove the tumour and is having chemo now.
How has your week been @WTFAgain ?
Hey Darcy my husband has recently had the Whipple procedure, been home for a week and I'm so overwhelmed. Any tips, please?
The Whipple Warrior Caregiver Support Group on Facebook has been helpful @MargieSM .
Diet is the biggest lifestyle change, dietary enzymes may be needed and keeping an eye out for symptoms is useful. It is super major surgery and recovery is slow.
I allowed my husband to focus on his healing and do things as they are able to, monitoring the new eating regimen, managing the drains that were in situ and taking daily temperature gave me something to focus on that I could do.
To help with the overwhelm I bumped up my own counseling and started doing one thing a day to help myself, it might be as simple as washing my hair, pulling a few weeds in the garden, doing a spot of housework etc. Our partners generally don't need 24/7 supervision, so going out occasionally can be helpful.