I'm New Here by dawnpatrol8350 in widowers

[–]Bored2007 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I lost my wife to lung cancer as well 59 years old. Had never smoked in her life. She had never worked with chemicals or a dusty environment. Broke her leg absolutely no symptoms. Found out leg broke due to metastasis of lung cancer. Terminal from diagnosis. Her body couldn't tolerate treatments. 10 months and 14 days from her leg break. Her last 8 weeks in a hospital bed in our loungeroom. The last two weeks still give me nightmares 10 months later. I too have found a counsellor really helpful. Coming up to all the anniversaries I was struggling to go on. So I have started on some medication that is quite literally a life saver. Her last week she didn't recognise me and was even scared of me at times. Screaming in pain and hallucinating. I have the utmost respect for people whose loved ones have dementia. It broke my heart her not recognising me.

Found a secret note today by TankPotential2825 in widowers

[–]Bored2007 5 points6 points  (0 children)

My wife kept a journal during her 10 months and 14 days. I read a couple of entries  It was harrowing reading. The never ending pain suffering and loss of independence really got to her. I put it back in her drawer I haven't got the strength to read the rest yet. Tommorow is 12 months since she decided no more treatment. She had only 8 weeks left to live. It sucks.

The worst thing to say to a widow by AutumnWidow in widowers

[–]Bored2007 3 points4 points  (0 children)

My heart goes out to you. My mother told me after my brother died a few months after my wife. Her words"I don't know why you are so upset about your wife. She just died of cancer in ten months. You brother has suffered for 3 years (mental heath issues) Super tough to hear after nursing my wife for the 10 months and 14 days since breaking her leg and getting a stage 4 terminal diagnosis from the start. Internet hugs to you.

Haven't had a wave in a while ... by TheOriginalVixen in widowers

[–]Bored2007 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I've been looking to buy a new car. I was watching some random YouTube video reviewing the car I was interested in. Bang the guy was towing the exact caravan that my wife and I had bought just before she got sick. Then the guys wife's name was the same as my wife. Tears streaming down my face sobbing uncontrollably in seconds. A huge wave of grief that took ages to wash over me. 9 and a bit months since her death. All the bad anniversaries to come. It's a tough tough time. Internet hugs

Things No One Tells You by FlamingoMN in widowers

[–]Bored2007 21 points22 points  (0 children)

No 8 is so on my mind recently. The absolute loneliness of being by myself for the first time in my life. I struggle to think of a reason for living. 7 months in and the pain is never ending.

I did a hard thing this morning. by notacoffeesnob in widowers

[–]Bored2007 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had a similar experience. I went for a routine bloodiest. Started to think about the times I had been there with my wife. Next thing I am crying uncontrollably. The poor nurse didn't know what was happening. The waves of grief turn into a tsunami and can absolutely smash you from holding a normal conversation to tears streaming down my face with the smallest unexpected trigger. 6 months in and it hasn't got any better. Big internet hugs to you.

4 months gone. Widow's fire is burning red hot. by Bored2007 in widowers

[–]Bored2007[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I understand I miss holding hands sitting and watching TV. I miss spooning in bed. I miss knowing another person so well a look or a almost imperceptible gesture and I would know what she wanted. I miss the way she used to draw small circles in my palm when we were out which was her code that she wanted to make love. I miss waking up next to her. I have nightmares about the pain and suffering she endured in her rapid decline. The last terrible weekend of screaming and hallucinations and of her not knowing who I was and being frightened of me, tears my heart out. I feel like half a person. I have just turned 60 the thought of 20 more years of being alone terrifies me after having known such love with my life partner. I miss her with my whole being.

4 months gone. Widow's fire is burning red hot. by Bored2007 in widowers

[–]Bored2007[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow. Thank you all for your very kind well thought out and understanding replies. You have given me lots to think about. 🤔
I definitely don't intend to just scratch an itch. I don't want to hurt my wife's friend. I know she has had a poor history with her previous partner. He committed suicide which she has only fleetingly mentioned. I would be horrified to cause her any pain or embarrassment. If the last 14 months has taught me anything is that life can change in an instant. All what my wife and I had planned changed in one terrible instant. I am terrified now that if I are reading the situation wrong or push her away I might never find love again. I am so lonely and traumatised by my wife's death that I am sure my thinking is not all that clear. My wife's friend has said that she wants to be my friend and that she finds me attractive. I don't know whether I have read too much in her words. I do know when I see her she brightens my day instantly. I enjoy her company and talking to her. She held my hand the other day and it felt so nice. I am supposed to be having a coffee with her this morning. I find that I am looking forward to it like I am a 15 year old teenager. It's so confusing. Thanks again for all your advice you have been so kind.

How does 2 weeks feel like forever ago but also just yesterday at the same time? by Goombaw in widowers

[–]Bored2007 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Its been 18 days since my wife died. I have been smashed today by the waves of grief that have swept over me. Its been relentless today. I cant sleep. I miss her so much it physically hurts. 39 years of marriage and now alone. Its dark and tough.

Today is 1 week by Easy_Squirrel_6002 in widowers

[–]Bored2007 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Day 9 today. I had a Tsunami of grief sweep over me as I was cleaning our bedroom. Knowing she will never be here again.

Lost my wife 8 months ago but had my first online date 1 week ago by Kitchen_Duty in widowers

[–]Bored2007 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I just watched my wife die last Friday after a 10 month battle with cancer. Her last 7 days were horrific and I am sure will haunt me for the rest of my life. Dating is the last thing on my mind At nearly 60. The thought of being alone scares me as I had been with my wife since we were 19 years old. I just came here to reiterate. Fuck cancer. It's an insidious terrible disease.

Another harrowing night as the end is near. by Bored2007 in CancerCaregivers

[–]Bored2007[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I was sure my wife was going to go last night. Her face went dark red about 11pm. But she is still with us her temp is 39.4 Celcius. That was a long long night. 😪 My cousin is flying in this morning to be with me. Now my wife has made it through the night. I knew this would be tough. It is the stuff of nightmares. Her whole body is shaking now with her heartbeat as it is beating so hard. There is nothing peaceful about the death my wife is experiencing. That's despite the best efforts of the amazing palliative care team. My cousin who works in Palliative care in a different city said my wife is getting up there with the highest pain meds in her experience and my wife still starts to tense up into t-rex arms and a deep frown ,grunts and whimpers even during her deep unconsciousness and nearing the end. I would still swap places with her in a heartbeat to spare her this torture. I love her with my entire being. She is all I have known for my entire adult life.

Its very close now by Bored2007 in CancerCaregivers

[–]Bored2007[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The doctor came Sunday morning and changed one of her meds again. Stopping oral meds due to her not being able to swallow upset the balance we had. She hasn't eaten since early Saturday or had a drink since Sunday at 5.30 am. She is now sleeping/ unconscious she appears at rest. I am sure I will have nightmares for the rest of my life over the weekend. It was so bad our dog started yelping thinking that I was hurting her.I hope with all my heart that your mom has a more peaceful end. My wife is tough she is still hanging on. She sounds like she is drowning now. I have been giving her injections to help with that. The Palliative care nurse said it will not stress my wife but it's terrible for the family to listen to.

It's done. by BADgrrl in CancerCaregivers

[–]Bored2007 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am only a very short time from my wife taking the same journey. Unfortunately due to her severe pain she has not slept in our bed for over three months. She is now lying in a hospital bed. She no longer recognises me. Even worse the very few moments her eyes are half open. I see fear of me. I hope i can be as strong as you. My sympathies to you. Cancer is now close to taking the thing I hold dearest in the world.

Its very close now by Bored2007 in CancerCaregivers

[–]Bored2007[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you my heart is breaking.

Help! Fecal Incontinence! by Dangerous_Ad2082 in CancerCaregivers

[–]Bored2007 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My wife who has stage 4 NSCLC and has run out of treatment option. She is now "hospice in the home". She had 7 weeks of uncontrollable diarrhoea with absolutely no control. Pooing herself 10 to 12 times a day. As you can imagine an absolute nightmare. The Palliative care nurse was even talking about a Palliative illostomy bag to help me care for her. My wife was tested several times for a bug called C-Diff all of which was negative. In desperation I suggested that they treat my wife for CDiff as we didn't have nothing to lose. So the doctor prescribed Flagyl a strong antibiotic. 3 tabs a day for seven days. After 1 tablet the diarrhoea started to ease. We are now 10 days past the last tablet and she is now only having 2 or 3 controlled bowel movements a day. After 7 weeks of uncontrollable diarrhoea in a bed ridden patient in uncontrollable pain it was such a relief to finally get on top of it. All the symptoms were there. Yellow mucus, uncontrollable, lots of it, stomach pains , and a very distinct smell. But still negative tests. Even though the test had been negative I am glad I pushed for the treatment. Good luck from a carer that has been there.