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I really have no idea how to say what I’m going through after my treatments. It’s been 3 months since my last treatment and I’m feeling totally lost. It didn’t help that halfway through my treatments my support system(my wife) stopped being around me. She says it was because she didn’t know what to do to help me. And now that I’m in recovery it feels like she’s even farther away from me emotionally and physically. Am I in the wrong to feel this way? I watch her pour all of her attention into our dog and wish I could just get a little of that towards me. This is really making me feel alone and I don’t know how to help her see how I’m feeling without pushing her further away. It’s hard enough dealing with the fatigue and the stress of not being able to work like I used to prior to treatment so any help to help me understand would be appreciated.
Replies to "I really have no idea how to say what I’m going through after my treatments. It’s..."
Yup... you have every right to feel depressed... we all do. We have EC... so that's already a shtty hand to be dealt. And then going thru treatments... the surgery... maybe more treatments... knowing our potential outcomes. Yup, it's tough for sure. And our loved ones... They're just as sick as us because they're at a loss as to what they can do for us... they often feel helpless. So... flip the script. You console her... show her you are understanding of what she's going thru... that oughta shock her!!
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Welcome to Connect @rontucker. That time period when treatment stops and we are just waiting and trying to get back to "normal" is a very tough time. When I was at that point in my treatment at Mayo Clinic, my medical team offered consultation with psychologists who specialize in dealing with cancer patients. That can be a very valuable asset to your recovery. As to caregiver burnout, I firmly believe that caregivers have a tougher road to travel than the patients. I have been in both positions to come to that conclusion. It is so hard to see your loved one suffering and feeling unable to do much to help. Here again, professional counseling can be a life saver. Do you think you could ask your wife to participate in some counseling sessions with you? Your oncology team should have some suggestions or offer a referral. Stay strong. It gets better.