Hello Donna, This section for carers is really good and I have realised that there are so many carers that share similar experiences as I have. It can be lonely having a partner dealing with such a life-changing/threatening condition. I have felt helpless seeing my husband struggle with his cancer and keep asking him what I can do to help him. Most of the time his response is to let him rest. I have tried to keep my life as 'normal', as possible by going for walks and to the gym has been helpful. I have also been honest with my husband and how I have struggled emotionally too. I had a lady ask me if I wanted a cup of tea in the hospital today and burst into tears! I think drawing on friends that can relate has been of great comfort and this site has wonderful people who really care on it. Janey x ... View more

Thank you Jodii. ... View more

Thank you Emily. This site has been so helpful. When I put the message on the blog I thought maybe this was a bad idea but knowing that people like you respond and offer advice is so reassuring. Just reading the blogs makes me feel like carers need support too. Thank you. ... View more

Hi Jodii, Thank you for your response. I was reassured by how you described how different people have and haven't acknowledged Erik's condition. I can appreciate the loneliness and have realised that for me, the best people to talk to have been those who have been through cancer or those who have cared for others with cancer. I have had friends who have Googled the disease and offered me the textbook variations as well. (To be honest those ones were not of much support....only because I had already done that myself !!! That was a long and late night) We did have a positive result last week for my husband and he finished the last round of chemo today. I was just about to draw upon the counselling service offered by the Cancer Council as you and others had mentioned the benefit of it; and may still will as unfortunately, my dearest auntie has been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and her grandson has Leukaemia also. My husband Paul has worked as much as possible but the build up of chemo has knocked him for six. He can barely move for two weeks after the session. I really appreciate your response and how it is a struggle to watch someone you love be so unwell. My thoughts are with you both. Thank you again x ... View more

Thank you for your response. I have noticed many mixed reactions and have felt shocked by some friends and family too. The ones that I thought would be of great support don't seem to acknowledge the illness or down-play it like it is a cold that my husband has. It is reassuring that you have had a similar experience. Thank you. ... View more

Hi Susy, I know how you feel. My husband is on steroids and shouts and snaps at the kids a lot. I feel helpless at the moment and at times,feel like I am walking on eggshells. I have found the cancer quite isolating as I don't want to bother friends and family with my feelings as it is my husband who has Lymphoma. Janey ... View more