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Meet fellow Caregivers - Introduce yourself

Caregivers | Last Active: Nov 12, 2023 | Replies (707)

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@bnthrjay

My spouse was diagnosed with bladder cancer, went thru chemo prior to surgery. Spouse had surgery recently to remove bladder, prostate and some pelvic lymph nodes. We are thankful that it went well. Recovery has been very slow. As a caregiver I am struggling a bit with this, have been doing this for a lot less than a lot of people on this site; since January 2020. I have some health issues as well, chronic pain. My adult children have some major issues going on as well. I am trying to care for my spouse as best as I can, adjusting to the new urostomy and help needed. COVID-19 has made it impossible to have family or friends to help out, so I am having a hard time. Often, I am not as patient as I need to be, especially since I am trying to prepare meals that are palatable to him, and just feel overwhelmed. Then, of course, I feel guilty, since so many others have it so much worse.
thanks

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Replies to "My spouse was diagnosed with bladder cancer, went thru chemo prior to surgery. Spouse had surgery..."

Hello @bnthrjay Welcome to Connect and thank you for being here!
Struggling with, and feeling guilt, are both very common feelings for caregivers. I wish we could take guilt and throw it in the trashcan! We, as caregivers, can only do the best we can with what energy, etc. we have! I like to say we need to remember Wonder Woman and Superman only exist in the comics! There are no superheroes in caregiving....rather just regular, real folks trying their best for their loved ones! Making adjustments is such a constant need and I wish I had suggestions for you. I know my wife's palate changed often with her disease and one favorite food would suddenly become taboo on the menu! I never understood this, but tried to take it in stride and began to try others things. For the last several months she would only eat a boiled chicken breast, white rice, and frozen mixed vegetables (with the green beans removed) 🙂

We can each only try our best and feel free to ask any questions you have and I am wishing you all the very best!

Strength, courage, and peace!
Scott