My husband was diagnosed early this year with pancreatic cancer. He is also a disabled veteran and has needed help the past 4 years getting around. There is quite a bit of an age difference between us, he is 68 and I am 38. I have not been able to work for years since he needs me around to help.
We were told in August he cancer is not operable. Chemo seems to be doing well, as of right now, by keeping the cancer at a small size and not spreading. However, we know chemo will not last forever. We are taking each day as it comes and making plans of things we want to do in the near future while he is still around.
I am finding this whole situation hard to cope with. I am in pre grieving and have been for a while. I know being a caregiver is not easy, and I also know the worse of it is yet to come. I am just not sure when that will be. It would be great to meet other caregivers going through a similar situation so I have other people I can share with and make friends.
Hi GSDMom, I am new here too and looking to connect with others going through similar situations. Although I am not married, I am caring for my sister. She is 10+ years older than me. I think caring for any family member is difficult. I hope you find the help you need.
No matter what happens, enjoy today and don't get discouraged. Be encouraged! I'll be praying for you and your hubby!
hang in thereHi Ladies, I too am caring for my husband, he is 62 and I'm 57. He is currently suffering from early onset dementia, had a heat attack in 2015, and has been disabled since 2004. I wish I could offer some advice but all my dreams of a happy marriage kind of went up in smoke when he got sick from the chemicals he was exposed to at work. We never got to travel or do memorable things so if you have that chance for heavens sake doe them! And do them now! My husband doesn't want to go anywhere or do anything at all. Doesn't like to be around people due to his lack of confidence with conversation and socializing, and our personal relationship is suffering as well, so I say go for it! I don't know much about pancreatic cancer, my aunt is going through chemo as she has it, but she's 84 so it's a lot harder on her. How long before he can travel?
Hi I care for my husband who was in the Marine Corps. He is a disabled vet but is 36. He not only has physical disabilities like a degenerative spine issue, wears braces in his legs, but also extreme PTSD from going to war in the Middle East. He hates going out of the house, driving in the car, he doesn't really have any friends and I am the only person he talks to besides his mental health lady. I really struggle its very hard I try to understand how difficult things are for him but some of the things he has been through are unimaginable. I am so sorry about your husband that would be terrifying, but I would say just try to stay positive. Wish you guys the best and would like to offer my support.
Hi Crberry7,
I am new to caregiving. Both my parents were diagnosed with cancer in the past couple weeks. Am 50 yrs old and about to move back in with them so I can help them for as long as needed. I have 3 daughters and my husband passed away 2 yrs ago.
I wanted to let you know that there is a therapy out there called EMDR therapy which specializes in helping for PTSD. It is not offered everywhere so you may need to do some research. I had PTSD myself and did 1 year of EMDR therapy. It literally saved my life. I went from scared to go anywhere ad unable to sleep to living a normal life again. Don't know what is doable for you where you are but I highly recommend looking into this type of therapy for PTSD victims. I hope it helps. Hang in there! Good luck!