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@kiraleesingleton43

I am my partners caretaker and I we just got news that cancer has metasticized in parts of her body. I am having a very difficult time processing this and caring for her is hard because she is down and it seems that I cant lift her spirits in any way. I want her to live her life like its gonna get better and she is now angry and bitter. Can someone please tell me what to do? I am desperate for answers!!!

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Replies to "I am my partners caretaker and I we just got news that cancer has metasticized in..."

My husband was diagnosed with Stage 1 Lung Cancer in 2013, In 2020, it jumped to Stage 4 in the 3 month time frame between scans. Shocker for us both! He's undergone chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation (to the brain) which all helped until they started doing more damage than good (depleting his red blood cells faster than his body could manufacture them.) All treatment was stopped in late 2021 but he didn't have any new metastases for a year. Finally, in late 2022, the tumors started spreading again, and he was out of treatment options. He has been on hospice care for the past year. Encourage your partner to accept the treatment offered by her oncologists as long as treatment is providing positive results. Then contact hospice. They have excellent nurses, and even better, social workers that are available to her AND YOU! I have called them several times when I have been overwhelmed, confused, depressed, and they have been very helpful. I know you don't expect someone on hospice care to live for longer than 6 months max, but my husband has lasted a year. And we have grown so close, even after 47 years of marriage, through the caregiving. Believe me, I never thought I would be able to change a poopy diaper, but you do what needs to be done, and he is so appreciative. You can help your partner find dignity in her illness by providing her with love-based care. We are taking each day as it comes. That's all you can do. I know we probably don't have more than another 3 months. His circulation is slowing down. He is getting weaker and recently lost 20 lbs in 2 months. I am doing everything I can to make memories with him while I can. That may be driving to McDonalds for coffee or going to a sports bar (in his wheelchair) to watch Florida Gators football (he only has the stamina to make it to half-time before coming home.) Find the simple things that bring you and her joy. And it's okay for her to be angry and bitter. It's hard to contemplate your own death. Don't we all think we will live forever? Counseling might be helpful. Again, I would consult with her oncologist. They may have recommendations.

I am a caregiver coach at a hospital in NY. Maybe you can check if there is a Family Caregiver Center in your area. They will provide resources and much needed emotional suppport to you, the caregiver. ❤️❤️❤️ Hugs to you.