Hi, new person to site!
Posted on: Wed, 27/08/2008 - 11:14
Offline
Hi, new person to site!
Hi, my name is Mark (43) married to a gorgeous woman (Tanya 41). We have three children (16, 14 and 4), bit of a gap I know but the older two are from my wife's previous marriage.
I lost my sister 10 years ago to breast cancer which developed into cancer of the spinal fluid.
My wife was diagnosed with Breast Cancer last year and she battled through it only to get the news about 3 months ago that the cancer has returned in her spine. She has undergone radiotherapy and is now on constant pain killers, hormone tablets and anti inflammatories
Just really want to share experiences and advice.
My main problem is that my wife is so tired all the time and it really worries me on occassions (hence the title of the posting).
I spend my time worrying about and she worries about me and it kind of spirals out of control.
I am positive and supporting but sometimes I run out of smiles!
You are so brave to see this happening again in your life, I hope with a better outcome.
Being tired all the time is a standard with cancer. A lot is caused I think by the fright, but also by the need of the body to fight it off. This is without any treatment.
Treatment also brings exhaustion of its own, because they use such strong stuff. To defeat the enemy, one has to take some collateral damage. (a war metaphor, but relevant I think), so to restore ourselves we need a lot of rest.
Try to get breaks and chances to relax and enjoy yourselves. It will help you when you get too tired yourself.
Keep posting on here. There are so many loving people to give hugs and reassurance.
Best wishes
Ruth
Triumph and Disaster are imposters
Hi Mark
Firstly can I welcome you to What Now? I am so glad you found us and I hope we can all help you through this difficult time. You will find lots of BC patients and partners on here, especially in the chat room, so pop in and say hello some time! It must be especially hard for you having lost your sister to the same illness. The rollercoaster of emotions you are experiencing is perfectly natural and to be expected, and there is definitely no right or wrong way of coping.
As Ruth says the cancer and treatment itself can cause tiredness, but I wondered if your wife was sleeping OK? If not, it might be worth seeking some help in this area.
Please keep us posted, and pop into chat if you feel up to it.
With my very best wishes,
Jayne x
Hi Mark, and welcome to this site. Although I can't relate with your wife's condition. I'm sure you will get the support and advice, off others here. I have and it has helped me and my family cope and understand what is happening.
Goodluck and keep in touch.
we've got to keep smiling
Ian