Recently bereaved

My husband died just over 3 months ago. He had renal cancer which was first diagnosed 17 years ago. So we both lived with it for a long time and he had lots of surgery and changes in his health functioning. Since he died I've been reflecting a lot on the effect this has had on both our lives. I wanted to share some of this with other people affected by cancer, because it has been such a profound influence on the past few years. I also hope this may be encouraging to some people. I think there are many more people living with cancer now as the treatments improve, this can be both positive & difficult.

 

  • Hi

    My husband died 12 Aprl this year, 66 days ago, we struggled with this for 3 and half years as he had cancer 4 times .

    I am sorry for your loss and all i keep thinking about is the last 3 and  half years, the ups and downs, i struggle to think of anything else, how are you coping?

    Kirsty

  • Hi Kirsty 

    im sorry you are also struggling with bereavement. I am doing as well as I can (no other option, anyway) 

    I feel there are several different emotions: I'm coping with loss of my husband and at the same time loss of my role as his carer which has occupied me for the last few years. There have been many different stages to his illness during which he sometimes needed v close care, for example when recovering from surgery, at other times he was quite well and just needed me 'in the background' 

    On the other hand I'm also prepared to admit that I feel a sense of liberation at being freed from my responsibilities. At low points over the last year or so I have felt trapped by the whole issue of his illness and needs. He too has been released from his pain & suffering.

    An important factor in all this has been the comfort I felt at having looked after him at home until he died, as he wished. With invaluable help from the GP, District Nurses and Marie Curie we managed to avoid the need for him to go into hospital or hospice.

    I also know he was absolutely determined to live as long as he could and this is what happened. The oncologist and other specialists were amazed that he'd lived so long, given all that had happened (too much to go into here) and couldn't make any prediction about how much longer he had.

    So, when all this started I was 51 now I'm 68 so I have to 'get my life back'. This may take some doing, but I'm feeling strong and will do so, although I know I'll have some ups and downs. I too spend a lot of time thinking about the past years, I feel it's useful, to reflect on this experience. My life has at times been difficult, but I'm ready to learn and change as well as remember.

    I hope you will find the strength to enjoy life again when you are ready.

    Best wishes