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Husband fighting neck cancer, depressed and gloomy
Caregivers | Last Active: Nov 3, 2022 | Replies (8)Comment receiving replies
Thank you. Yes he is definitely depressed about what could happen, but I constantly encourage him to have hope and that maybe the infusions will work. He’s self-employed so unfortunately we are forced to look at closing his business so he can concentrate on his health. His fatigue and the swelling inside his mouth are making it extremely difficult to talk to his customers. This has been a hard fact for him to admit understandably, but necessary. All three of our adult kids live close by so that’s been very positive and supportive.
Replies to "Thank you. Yes he is definitely depressed about what could happen, but I constantly encourage him..."
@judy49, I love the different tips and perspectives you've gotten from @ned and @fisbo. I'd like to offer this article from Virtual Hospice called:
- Hope and Denial https://www.virtualhospice.ca/en_US/Main+Site+Navigation/Home/Topics/Topics/Emotional+Health/Hope+and+Denial.aspx
As illness progresses, hope changes too. It needs a reset. The article helped me reframe hope.
Have you and/or your husband considered talking with an oncology social worker? They can be so helpful in many different ways. See this blog post by Mayo Clinic oncology social workers:
– How an Oncology Social Worker Can Help https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/how-an-oncology-social-worker-can-help/
I'm glad your adult children live nearby and are supportive of both of you. In our dynamic, my mom took care of dad and I took care of mom. It worked for us.
@judy49 You're in such a difficult situation. Have you talked with his doctor about the use of antidepressants? I know they can take up to two weeks to be effective, but you might have a light at the end of the two-week tunnel.
Is there any portion of his business that he could still do and not have to talk?
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Hi Judy. With everything your family is going through I hope you are able to create a little time for yourself. Meet up with a friend or child for a few hours away from home. Believe me you need to stay healthy yourself.