Help I'm desperate
My wife was diagnosed in 2006 after being told (following a biopsy) that she didn't have cancer!
She had a papaloma removed from behind her nipple and they found cancer in what they cut out despite...
Forum Discussion
Hi Andrew
This is Kathy - I am a Senior Policy Officer at BCNA.
Like Moira, I was saddened to read about the challenges you and your wife have faced since her breast cancer diagnosis in 2006. We know that a diagnosis can have a huge impact on partners, and that often men feel at a loss as to how to best help their wife, and where to go to get help.
Have you thought about talking to your GP or a counsellor? I see from your blog that your wife has had counselling. If you were to see someone they might be able to provide you with some strategies for dealing with her anger and helping her to come to better terms with her diagnosis and treatments.
There are some resources for partners on the Family and friends page of our website, although I am not sure how useful they will be for your particular situation.The National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre also has information for partners on its website.
Finally, the Cancer Council Helpline may be able to offer you some support and practical advice - you can call them on 13 11 20. They are not just there for people with cancer, but also provide support to family members and friends of people who have been diagnosed. They have Oncology Nurses and other health professionals taking the calls and I know they would be happy to speak with you.
Andrew, I wish you well through what is obviously a very difficult and challenging time for you. Please let me know if there is anything further I can help you with. You can email me direct at kwells@bcna.org.au if you wish.
Kathy