discouragement

Hmmmmmmmmm. The word. The very Stinking word! As soon as the Dr. says it.....

Your Whole life seems to have run it's course and your mind starts that game of "what if?"

DH is looking down that hallway. And there are two ways to approach it.....
DH can veg and sink into a "comfort mind game" for a while. I did. BUT ONLY FOR A WHILE!!!! A SHORT While. I felt sorry for myself and just needed the outside to entertain me.

Then I GOT REALLY MAD! MAD AS HELL! I Was NOT going to let some rotten cells take me without a WAR!

BUT I could not do it alone. I needed a team and a Plan............ AND a GOAL! My wife, who at the time said "I'm not the nursing kind of person." got on board and started asking me "What are we going to do?"
I didn't keep anything inside. We told our friends and family and MADE them come over and visit us. We didn't let the Elephant in the room go unnoticed. We talked about it and Audrey pushed me into MOVING MY BLOODY ASS! (I thought you might like some American version of English humor)

The very first thing you need to discuss is; The news could have been so much worse. DH will probably live a long life if he follows the BCG protocol. Lots of us here have had to start with..... Big time surgery!
DH has got to look at this as a positive and realize that he has a Good Dr. and A PLAN! Yes!

But we have seen people who can will themselves sick. This has got to stop! 50% of recovery is ATTITUDE! HIS!

So what is a caregiver to do? Sympathy can only go so far. Do you have cheerleaders in England? If so, you need to become one. Point out the great things around you. Invite his friends to come over and make him cook as a group. And get out doors! Bing cooped up inside closes his mind.

Conversation is a must! DH must "let it out" but he can't mire himself in depression and helplessness. Normal life goes on and he can participate.
You have to play the middle..... compassionate when he needs it..... And tough when he needs a "kick in the ass"..... But always let him know that you love him and you will get after this as a team.

Don't let cancer get the upper hand.

As to the bathroom? Oh BOY! Do Audrey and I have Bathroom Jokes! Incontinence is a part of this. Five years out...... I still have my moments! Bugger It!

DH has years of life ahead and a great story of "The war we fought together"

Ok! Video games for only 2 hours a day. Face to face conversation for unlimited time.

Now! Get out there and kick some cancer ASS!

Lovingly
George

Thank You, Catherine for the warm welcome & encouraging words.
I would greatly appreciate hearing what words or actions you survivors appreciated most, from your family, & friends. Those are the gems my DH needs the most.
You all inspire me.

Have been visiting this forum, since DH (Dear Hubby) was diagnosed in March. On April 10th Dr removed 5 tumors. Pathology: aggressive, superficial. Since then he has been (off&on) bleeding & passing clots (as of Monday, Dr says that's "normal" - he is on blood thinner due to afib. Quintuple open heart bypass in March of 2011). He has frequency - almost hourly, 24/7. He is on a med that has helped a bit. BCG will begin in 3-4 weeks.
That's a bit of history. On to the "problem"...
He watches TV. Goes to the bathroom. Plays games on computer. Goes to the bathroom. Sleeps in his recliner. Repeat.
He's big guy & has always loved preparing & eating food. Now - not so much.
I try to be upbeat without going overboard. We talk about the positives & he has a strong Christian faith.
Is there a way to encourage him? What did your spouse do that helped you the most? On nights when he doesn't feel like going to bed, I sleep on the floor nearby. What can I say - after bring married 38 years, we are best friends & we love each other.
I appreciate all ideas & suggestions. Thank you!