Any couples both in cancer treatment?

Options
WestCoastGal
WestCoastGal Member Posts: 16
edited January 2018 in Just Diagnosed

My husband was in the middle of a seven week course of chemo and radiation for inoperable Stage III lung cancer, when I found a lump in my right breast, and was diagnosed with breast cancer two weeks ago. I have a lumpectomy scheduled in two weeks, and although the tumor is large, I have lots of tissue, so they'll give me a smaller breast and match it with plastic surgery on the left, then chemo and radiation.

Has anyone been in treatment with their spouse at the same time? I'm still stunned, and my coping mechanism is filling the freezer with food, but I'm pretty sure that'll only get me so far. Looking for any advice from those who've been both patient and caretaker at the same time

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Jackster51
    Jackster51 Member Posts: 357
    edited January 2018

    No not me, but I'm so sorry you both are going through this. All my best to you and your husband.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited January 2018

    Yes, my DH was diagnosed with advanced prostaste cancer while i was recovering from my BMX. Thankfully, I had just completed chemo, so at least we weren't dealing with all that. All i can say is, when you're going through hell, keep on walking (Winston Churchill.)

    And hell it was. Prostate cancer and breast cancer are messy and embarrassing. But we managed to keep a sense of humor about us. We had to find the lighter side of life, as much as possible. I baked a lot of cookies and banana bread. DH got a ukulele. He's not very good, but it gives him something to do other than worry about cancer.

    One of the great things that came out of our cancer experience is that we spend a LOT of time together. We have a camper that we enjoy. We do some walking. We play with our little curly dog. We travel. Thankfully, our kids are grown ,so we have the time and energy to focus on each other.

    I hope things go well for you in the next few weeks. The waiting is the worst, IMO.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Traveltext
    Traveltext Member Posts: 2,089
    edited January 2018

    I know a couple (man and woman) who both had breast cancer at the same time.And three years after getting breast cancer, I got prostate cancer. That takes some beating, but I'm over treatment now and you will be before you know it. Good luck, and keep those freezer meals stocked up.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jujube43
    Jujube43 Member Posts: 178
    edited January 2018

    Yes my husband and I were diagnosed one month apart and are both still receiving treatment.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • WestCoastGal
    WestCoastGal Member Posts: 16
    edited January 2018

    Thanks for the responses! Yes, @mustlovepoodles, I'malready seeing that a sense of humor is a must. My husband is retired, but I'm still working, so much of our time together is in doctor's appointments. I wish it was on traveling or learning ukulele, but maybe we just need to make that a priority @Traveltext, I started stocking the freezer when my husband was diagnosed, thank goodness!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories