Lost the love of my life to Breast Cancer

tough52000
tough52000 Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hello,

This is all new to me, on Oct 8th 2010, I lost my best friend, lover, partner and my wife of 42 years, 9 months and about 8 hours to this diease.She was first diagonsed back in 1995, had her left breast removed and nodes were removed, the doctor at that time stated she had more of a chance of getting hit by a bus, than dyeing of Breast Cancer.
Five years ago this month her cancer came back in her bones, then after about one and one half years it was found in her liver, and I lost her on Oct. 5, 2010.
I can't sleep, can't eat, I don't care if I live or die. I miss my wife so much. I am always thinking about her and the plans that we had after I retired. I did retire early, we had six good months together before all of this started again. I was also her care giver for the last three years. I think I had better quit, I am taking up too much time and space.
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Comments

  • sea60
    sea60 Member Posts: 2,613
    I don't have the words
    to lift the void you must feel after spending so many precious years together. All I can offer is a prayer of strength and hope for you.

    with sympathy,

    Sylvia
  • pinkflutterby
    pinkflutterby Member Posts: 615 Member
    sea60 said:

    I don't have the words
    to lift the void you must feel after spending so many precious years together. All I can offer is a prayer of strength and hope for you.

    with sympathy,

    Sylvia

    there is pleanty of room
    there is pleanty of room here for you!!! I can only imagine how hard this is for you and am so very sorry for you loss. We are all here for you and will help you however we can. Please stay strong and try to remember the good times. I am sure you wife would want you to be happy.
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    sea60 said:

    I don't have the words
    to lift the void you must feel after spending so many precious years together. All I can offer is a prayer of strength and hope for you.

    with sympathy,

    Sylvia

    I am glad that you found
    I am glad that you found this site to express this. Never apologize for that.


    I am so sorry for the loss of your wife. I pray you will find some peace eventually.


    Hugs,

    Kylez
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    My husband and I have been
    My husband and I have been together for 37 years. My greatest fear is not dying from this disease, but leaving him alone. And I have told him in no uncertain terms that I want him to celebrate the life that he has left.

    Please for your wife's sake, see a physician and tell him or her what you have told us. It is often hardest on a caregiver when their loved one dies because their life has been full with caring for the person. Suddenly, all of the caregiving activities end and you are left feeling empty and depressed. You have been through so much and you are grieving, but don't forget to take care of yourself. Please call your doctor--your wife would want this.

    Symptoms and Types of Depression
  • PinkPearl
    PinkPearl Member Posts: 280
    I am so sorry
    I am so sorry that you have lost your dear wife. It is so hard on those left behind and you have not had enough time to truly grieve and begin to heal yet. The whole first year after someone passes is difficult. Others certainly understand that and I think it would be very natural to be thinking of her and the plans you had. We lost my sister in August and she and my brother in law were also married a lengthy time and he actually retired just one month after she passed away so his life and yours have taken major turns that were not what we planned. Their are some truly good books on grief out there if you cannot talk to someone. Never feel like you are taking up too much time and space. Your grief is real, don't bottle it up.
    Merlyn B.
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930

    My husband and I have been
    My husband and I have been together for 37 years. My greatest fear is not dying from this disease, but leaving him alone. And I have told him in no uncertain terms that I want him to celebrate the life that he has left.

    Please for your wife's sake, see a physician and tell him or her what you have told us. It is often hardest on a caregiver when their loved one dies because their life has been full with caring for the person. Suddenly, all of the caregiving activities end and you are left feeling empty and depressed. You have been through so much and you are grieving, but don't forget to take care of yourself. Please call your doctor--your wife would want this.

    Symptoms and Types of Depression

    I am so sorry too to read
    I am so sorry too to read this. I wish I could comfort you with words. I can say that all of the sisters here will support you and listen to you when you need to write how you feel.


    Cynthia is right, take care of yourself.


    Hugs, Susie
  • roseann4
    roseann4 Member Posts: 992 Member
    PinkPearl said:

    I am so sorry
    I am so sorry that you have lost your dear wife. It is so hard on those left behind and you have not had enough time to truly grieve and begin to heal yet. The whole first year after someone passes is difficult. Others certainly understand that and I think it would be very natural to be thinking of her and the plans you had. We lost my sister in August and she and my brother in law were also married a lengthy time and he actually retired just one month after she passed away so his life and yours have taken major turns that were not what we planned. Their are some truly good books on grief out there if you cannot talk to someone. Never feel like you are taking up too much time and space. Your grief is real, don't bottle it up.
    Merlyn B.

    It is an unbelievable challenge to find your life again.
    You are in a terrible place right now and have reached out to the right place for help. First call your doctor and tell him|her how you are feeling. You may need help to balance your brain chemistry. Also ask for a bereavement support group. My sister lost her husband of 45 years and that group saved her life. Your wife would want you to go on an have a full life but you need help to get on track. Many of us suffer from post traumatic stress.
    You are a wonderful man to have been a caregiver to your love. You deserve happiness. God bless you.

    Roseann
  • Pinkpower
    Pinkpower Member Posts: 437
    Im glad you found us, please
    Im glad you found us, please do not feel like you are wasting time or space. Im so sorry to hear of your pain from losing your adorable loving wife. Please feel free to rant, rave and say whatever you feel, we will listen. There may not be much we can do but we can listen and snd u prayers.

    Lupe
  • dyaneb123
    dyaneb123 Member Posts: 950
    Pinkpower said:

    Im glad you found us, please
    Im glad you found us, please do not feel like you are wasting time or space. Im so sorry to hear of your pain from losing your adorable loving wife. Please feel free to rant, rave and say whatever you feel, we will listen. There may not be much we can do but we can listen and snd u prayers.

    Lupe

    Hey Tough
    You are welcome

    Hey Tough
    You are welcome here. I think we all would like to think that our loved ones can come to this site to express the sadness, fear, anger...whatever the emotion that goes with caring for someone with Breast Cancer.We just lost a beloved member of our site, and I think the
    overwhelming thought that we are all taking from having known her is that she would want each of us to to live every day to the fullest. To look for the joy and embrace those precious happy moments we have with with our friends and children and loved ones. If your wife was one of our "kindred Spirits" she would want you to be able to find peace and go on
    living a full life. Please feel free to visit us and vent or just chat whenever you feel the need.
    Dee
  • bluwillo
    bluwillo Member Posts: 113
    Putting on Social Worker hat here
    (which you'd way rather I wore than my legal hat! LOL)

    1. You are not taking up time and space. All those rumors about using too much bandwidth are just that, rumors. AT&T and Verizon will always make more bandwidth. Which is my funny way of saying "vent on!" Talk to us, tell us how you're feeling. Sometimes for me, just reading helps. I know reading here helped me come to terms with a few things.

    2. What about your family? Do they know you're feeling this way? Remind them (and don't worry about being gentle about the reminder) that you've lost your life partner. Grieving is different for everyone, and there is no set time limit for it. As for the humor in this para, today my Aunt told me that she cleaned her windows all by herself for the first time ever. They're some kind that you have to tilt out, and until last July, my uncle had always done it, and she helped. They had a rather...uh...shall we say "loud" relationship. So, today, she was so proud of herself! She said either Uncle or God helped her with the windows. I told her it was probably Uncle, and she should tell him it was the first time they'd done it together without getting into a fight! She still "feels" him around, and I tell her that's quite normal. Most times, for her, it's a comfort.

    3. If you feel yourself really feeling like you can't go on, then seek help. The coolest part about this is you don't even have to leave your house! There are crisis lines all over the country that are staffed 24-7. They are not just trained to deal with bratty kids and drug problems, they are trained to help you understand that you are not alone, you can do this, and refer you, if you want, to more professional help. Look in your phone book under counselors.

    4.DO NOT GIVE UP! Not knowing you or your wife, but knowing myself and my hubby of 34 years today, he knows that if I pass before him, he is to strive to have a normal life, and if that means lady friends (as long as they're not someone I know:) then so be it...otherwise when we meet up in the next life, I'll be greeting him with a cast-iron fry pan upside the head.

    5. You are here on earth for a reason. I hope I don't insult you by bringing faith to the discussion, but God has a purpose for you. What do you enjoy doing? Can you share that with others? Start with things you did alone, without your wife. That way, her absence won't be so glaring. At some point, you'll be able to do the things the both of you used to do...but that's down the road. Everyone has a talent, whether it be whittling (wish I could do that), teaching kids about science by making sure every experiment ends with an explosion (my grandkids say I am the best science teacher they've ever had!) or simply reading to little ones at the local library or school.

    6. Baby steps. Start small. Don't feel like you have to finish everthing you start by a certain time. Don't spread yourself too thin. Be sure to take care of yourself, eat well and get enough sleep. Don't be shy about asking your doctor for help with this.

    7. PLEASE KEEP TALKING TO US! Yes, there's been some really bad news here lately, but there's also been some great news. Oh, yeah, and if ya come back, I'll tell ya'll about my red alligator cowboy boots.

    8. Know you are among friends who care about you.
  • ladyg
    ladyg Member Posts: 1,577
    You can never
    take up too much space here. We welcome you with open arms and hearts. I am sorry for the loss of your wife. Just remember that as long as she is in your heart she will always be with you. Please try to take care of yourself.

    Hugs,
    Georgia
  • sweetvickid
    sweetvickid Member Posts: 459 Member
    WE are so glad you came
    WE are so glad you came to this board! You will never take up to much time or space. You are going thru a bad depression/grieving process which is totally understandable. After having your wife for 42 years it will be very hard to adjust to her not being there. I wish I knew some magic words that would make it better but I don't. But we all are here for you. Do seek help and continue to come talk to us ladies and gents on this board.
  • fauxma
    fauxma Member Posts: 3,577 Member

    WE are so glad you came
    WE are so glad you came to this board! You will never take up to much time or space. You are going thru a bad depression/grieving process which is totally understandable. After having your wife for 42 years it will be very hard to adjust to her not being there. I wish I knew some magic words that would make it better but I don't. But we all are here for you. Do seek help and continue to come talk to us ladies and gents on this board.

    I really can't add to the
    I really can't add to the great advice from all the gals but I am sorry that you have lost someone who was such an important part of your life. We are here for you.
    Stef
  • outdoorgirl
    outdoorgirl Member Posts: 1,565
    tough,
    you can post on here as often as you want for as long as you want!
    I am sorry for the loss of your wife-I can't imagine what you are going through. Don't know what I would do without the love of my life..
    Though you cannot see us face to face,we have a caring and warm bunch on here. No one is judgemental,and people are very understanding and wanting to help and listen.
    I hope that given time,life gets a little bit easier for you.
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    Pinkpower said:

    Im glad you found us, please
    Im glad you found us, please do not feel like you are wasting time or space. Im so sorry to hear of your pain from losing your adorable loving wife. Please feel free to rant, rave and say whatever you feel, we will listen. There may not be much we can do but we can listen and snd u prayers.

    Lupe

    I am sorry to read this
    I am sorry to read this about your wife. I cannot imagine the pain and hurt you are feeling. Feel free to vent and post whatever you want here. This is a safe place, as, you will find out.

    My sympathy and best wishes,


    Angie
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    bluwillo said:

    Putting on Social Worker hat here
    (which you'd way rather I wore than my legal hat! LOL)

    1. You are not taking up time and space. All those rumors about using too much bandwidth are just that, rumors. AT&T and Verizon will always make more bandwidth. Which is my funny way of saying "vent on!" Talk to us, tell us how you're feeling. Sometimes for me, just reading helps. I know reading here helped me come to terms with a few things.

    2. What about your family? Do they know you're feeling this way? Remind them (and don't worry about being gentle about the reminder) that you've lost your life partner. Grieving is different for everyone, and there is no set time limit for it. As for the humor in this para, today my Aunt told me that she cleaned her windows all by herself for the first time ever. They're some kind that you have to tilt out, and until last July, my uncle had always done it, and she helped. They had a rather...uh...shall we say "loud" relationship. So, today, she was so proud of herself! She said either Uncle or God helped her with the windows. I told her it was probably Uncle, and she should tell him it was the first time they'd done it together without getting into a fight! She still "feels" him around, and I tell her that's quite normal. Most times, for her, it's a comfort.

    3. If you feel yourself really feeling like you can't go on, then seek help. The coolest part about this is you don't even have to leave your house! There are crisis lines all over the country that are staffed 24-7. They are not just trained to deal with bratty kids and drug problems, they are trained to help you understand that you are not alone, you can do this, and refer you, if you want, to more professional help. Look in your phone book under counselors.

    4.DO NOT GIVE UP! Not knowing you or your wife, but knowing myself and my hubby of 34 years today, he knows that if I pass before him, he is to strive to have a normal life, and if that means lady friends (as long as they're not someone I know:) then so be it...otherwise when we meet up in the next life, I'll be greeting him with a cast-iron fry pan upside the head.

    5. You are here on earth for a reason. I hope I don't insult you by bringing faith to the discussion, but God has a purpose for you. What do you enjoy doing? Can you share that with others? Start with things you did alone, without your wife. That way, her absence won't be so glaring. At some point, you'll be able to do the things the both of you used to do...but that's down the road. Everyone has a talent, whether it be whittling (wish I could do that), teaching kids about science by making sure every experiment ends with an explosion (my grandkids say I am the best science teacher they've ever had!) or simply reading to little ones at the local library or school.

    6. Baby steps. Start small. Don't feel like you have to finish everthing you start by a certain time. Don't spread yourself too thin. Be sure to take care of yourself, eat well and get enough sleep. Don't be shy about asking your doctor for help with this.

    7. PLEASE KEEP TALKING TO US! Yes, there's been some really bad news here lately, but there's also been some great news. Oh, yeah, and if ya come back, I'll tell ya'll about my red alligator cowboy boots.

    8. Know you are among friends who care about you.

    Great advice bluwillo!
    Great advice bluwillo! Praying that they will help him at this very sad time in his life.
  • EllenaMaria
    EllenaMaria Member Posts: 69
    I am so sorry for your loss.
    When I was first diagosed, my coworker told me that when she was first diagnosed it was her husband who had depression and needed meds for stress. So many times I have heard that our spouses suffer just as much as we do.

    I believe that there are people who get married and there are people who are destined to find each other and marry. I honestly believe that my husband was brought to me to be the support I would one day need to make it through this. My first husband would not have been anywhere near the support that my husband is.

    I don't know you but your words speak volumes. Your love and devotion to your wife is so evident. How lucky she was to have someone to love her so much, and how lucky you to have found that person who brought so much joy to your life for so long. I can only imagine the sorrow you are feeling but know that it is your sorrow is measured by the amount of love you have for your wife. I won't tell you that time will heal your heart, it won't. I will tell you that some day you will find an even ground to stand on. You have come to a great place. Seek advice from a professional as soon as possible. Come here, read and vent.
  • pinkkari09
    pinkkari09 Member Posts: 877
    Welcome Tough52000 :) I
    Welcome Tough52000 :) I can't imagine the pain you are feeling because I have never lost a spouse (just through divorce) but I have lost my Mom to cancer and it was the hardest thing I have ever gone through, but I made it through. You must be overwhelmed with many feelings and I'll keep you in my prayers. I hope you come back here for support and remember that she is with you always now. That really helped me when I lost my Mom, I know now that she is with me all the time and even though I can't see her, I know she is ok and her spirit lives on. There are many people on here who have loved and lost and may they find there way to you and give you the support you need. Hang "Tough" and keep coming back.
    Big Cyber Hugs,
    Kari
  • sausageroll
    sausageroll Member Posts: 415

    Welcome Tough52000 :) I
    Welcome Tough52000 :) I can't imagine the pain you are feeling because I have never lost a spouse (just through divorce) but I have lost my Mom to cancer and it was the hardest thing I have ever gone through, but I made it through. You must be overwhelmed with many feelings and I'll keep you in my prayers. I hope you come back here for support and remember that she is with you always now. That really helped me when I lost my Mom, I know now that she is with me all the time and even though I can't see her, I know she is ok and her spirit lives on. There are many people on here who have loved and lost and may they find there way to you and give you the support you need. Hang "Tough" and keep coming back.
    Big Cyber Hugs,
    Kari

    Welcome
    You will never waste space here and you are always welcome. You must be feeling such a loss and must have such an empty feeling. Life certainly is not fair and can and does deal us some pretty nasty blows. All I can say is that should I die before my husband, I would pray that he finds a way to enjoy life. Not easy I know. Keep in touch with us. Take care. Pat
  • aztec45
    aztec45 Member Posts: 757
    I Am Sorry
    I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I cannot begin to imagine what that must be like. We are all hear for you whenever you need anyone to listen. I had a thought and it is just a thought.....maybe you can do those things you had planned with your wife, in honor of your wife. She won't be there by your side but I am sure she will be with you. Take care of yourself and try to eat and try to go on. You know that is whay she would want.