I'm not a medic, but for me it sounds as though your husband is being treated with curative intent. Which is great, and in line with Stage 2. As you say, It could have been much worse. So I think you are in good state of mind. But if there is anything you are unsure of, just ask your husband's doctors. If your husband gives permission for them to speak with you privately, that will help you ask all the questions you want as well. Good luck. Harry

Everyone approaches cancer differently. Guess people find what is best for them.

In our family relative diagnosed with Stage 3 24 years ago. Everyone in family requested to stay upbeat as it was what patient wanted. Patient even went visiting others in the same hospital (to rally their spirits) while recovering from radical surgery in hospital. (Asked for loan of wheelchair to get between wards)... It was her way of dealing with things. Wanted to keep things as normal as possible. And it worked. Family went along with this approach and patient returned to work relatively quickly (despite Stage 3). So yes, your approach is okay and also tried and tested by others. Just stay alert to what your husband wants as well and don't overwhelm him with positivity if he needs more empathy. Both cancer and cancer treatments are highly individual. Everyone has to find path that is right for them. Cancer nurses well placed to advise if you have further questions about how best to give support. I don't think there is a right answer so much as finding what is right for both you and your husband.  Take care. Wishing you both all the best. x 

Hi Hilts,

That’s great news - no wonder you’re feeling upbeat! You are not in denial - whether you treat this as good or bad news depends on your outlook.

No-one wants to be told they have cancer but the sooner it is detected, the higher the chances of a positive outcome.

Best wishes

Dave

Hi all, 

thank you so very much for your responses, it means a lot. Xx

My past trade (nurse, left hospitals 1990!) helps me catastrophesize everything! My character is the same, so when we first got the news , that was it- dead very soon.

But, as time ( haha 3 weeks) has gone by, and the info become clearer, my positivity has gone up, I of course was thinking - as you do- I must be in some sort of denial. TBH the more I know, the more positive I feel! I’m almost waiting for a crash!

i am no doubt my husband will be a rubbish patient(:, but the MDT have been incredible. From GP to full diagnosis , staging and treatment plan in 4 weeks ( one week was our holiday!). I am in a bit of shock with how good things are- the media love to ‘dis’ the NHS, but wow incredible.

in fact is it weird to think we are lucky! Yes a cancer diagnosis is a shock, BUT as I said it could have been much much worse, with some ‘untreatable’ disease and also they are going to be all over  him like a rash for the next 5 yrs, so anything in his body  gets any ideas, we will know about it.

thanks all and best wishes