How can I make hubby feel better?

@lucy02 (5015)
United States
July 16, 2009 9:54pm CST
My husband has just completed 5 weeks of radiation and chemo. He has colorectal cancer. He will have to have surgery in about 6 weeks. I am not a nurturing person by nature so I'm afraid I haven't been as supportive at times as I wish I had been. I'd like to do something for him to let him know how much I love him but I'm not sure how. He is still very tired from the chemo and it'll take a couple of weeks for it to be out of his system. Any suggestions on how to make him feel better?
5 people like this
16 responses
• Australia
17 Jul 09
Well there is nothing that you can specifically do to make it all go away. It's not as if you say abra cadabra, that all his problems would go away, because then everybody would be lining up infront of you. Tell him you get angry at times and it's just because of hormonal changes. Tell him your sorry and just be there for him. Give him warm food, give him hugs&kisses, and support him. If he starts to see that you believe in him, he will feel stronger, and strength helps to fight his sickness away. All the best. :)
2 people like this
@lucy02 (5015)
• United States
17 Jul 09
Thanks pweety. I guess I feel like I should hold those angry moments back now that he's sick and they tend to slip though (and yes, esp. if I'm hormonal.)
• United States
17 Jul 09
You never want to treat him like he IS sick, because that will just encourage him to feel worse- maybe sorry for himself. What he needs is a good optimistic view coming from you. Let him know how much you love him by giving him affection like random hugs and kisses & maybe renting a movie to cuddle up to.. or his favorite action movie to watch together. Little things you know he likes- if you incorporate them into your together-time, its very likely to help :]. Just make sure you never throw anything that you do for him in his face if you two get into a fight. One of the biggest things here is the need for patience. Just be patient when he gets upset with things and understand that he has a lot on his plate right now.
1 person likes this
@lucy02 (5015)
• United States
19 Jul 09
Nessa, that's something I have to work (patience) on but today has been better. I think part of the problem is I try to act like nothing is wrong and be super optimistic...and we both know this is something serious. I'm afraid too he may take that optimism as that I just don't care. The truth is I'm kind of afraid to discuss the seriousness with him anyway. Its easier for me to just pretend everything is okay. Of course, God is watching over for us and lots of people are praying so I do believe he will be okay....but I know he must be scared...and that scares me.
• United States
20 Jul 09
Thats true. You dont want to pretend NOTHING is wrong, because that is upsetting to the person. Just acknowledge that yes, this is a tough time for you both, but with strength from God and the love you two share, you will get through it. And it is understandable that it scares you that he is scared. Our men are supposed to be the strong ones, and when they seem vulnerable, its scary. They are the ones you lean on, and to know that they are scared is scarryy. good luck with all
@AmbiePam (93740)
• United States
17 Jul 09
Can you make a sign on your computer? I big sign that says I love you? Once I went to the store and got this party banner that says I appreciate you, and hung it up in the home of the person I was trying to cheer up. And the smile I saw because of that was radiant. If you can't make a sign, maybe you can buy a banner. They come cheap in Walmart. I know it isn't anything that will cure him, but it might make his heart lighter.
1 person likes this
@lucy02 (5015)
• United States
19 Jul 09
Thanks AmbiePam. Thats exactly what I want to do (lift his spirits). I haven't seen those banners at our Walmart but I haven't looked for them. What section would it be in? That's a good idea.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (93740)
• United States
19 Jul 09
I found one in the party section of Walmart. Where they had the decoraions. I think it was by the card section. An actual party store would have a wider selection though.
@salam1 (1474)
• Malaysia
19 Jul 09
it is very for your husband and you. just there is hope. scientific study has found cure for cancer, i dont want to spread lies but I think this news worth a read, see: http://www.squidoo.com/lypo-spheric-vitamin-c
1 person likes this
@lucy02 (5015)
• United States
19 Jul 09
Thanks salam. I read that article and briefly read some more articles I found on lypo spheric vitamin C. I am going to look up some more articles on the subject and learn more about it.
@FFFrocks (306)
• Canada
17 Jul 09
You have every right to be angry right now so don't feel too bad about it. This is happening to both of you! He is the one that's sick, but being on the sidelines watching and helpless is no picnic. I know. Snuggle up with him every chance you get. Snuggling is always good. I really advise snuggling. did I mention a snuggle? snuggle good.
1 person likes this
@FFFrocks (306)
• Canada
17 Jul 09
oh, and don't totally avoid the subject of his illness and be all false and cheery all the time. He'll know what you are doing and he won't appreciate being treated like a toddler - just my opinion.
1 person likes this
@lucy02 (5015)
• United States
19 Jul 09
Yes he does like to snuggle and so do I, especially when I'm feeling scared or nervous. I think I've been a little afraid that I am bothering him lately when I try to show affection like that. Maybe I should just go ahead and do it.
@ShibbyKid (279)
• United States
17 Jul 09
I think you should ask the doctor how you could make him feel better physically, but emotionally, you must let him know that you are there for him. Be strong when you are around him and say positive things. Let him know you love him and show him how much. Keep him strong and ready for anything. Talk to him and take time out to be with him. I think that is the best you can do. I wish you the BEST of luck with everything, i wish him luck too.
1 person likes this
@lucy02 (5015)
• United States
17 Jul 09
Thanks ShibbyKid!
• United States
17 Jul 09
You are very welcome. Everything will be fine.(: Someone is taking care of you, just look up.
@frinces (433)
• Philippines
17 Jul 09
Being at his side can already make him feel better. Just be with him all the time and enjoy the the moment you spend together. I hope that he'll get well sooner.
1 person likes this
@lucy02 (5015)
• United States
19 Jul 09
Thank you frinces.
@kprofgames (3091)
• United States
17 Jul 09
I think illnesses like this can be very hard. I know it was when my grandmother was struck with it. I have to agree with what another person said here is talk with his doctor about how to help him emotionally. Physical pain will be there and it will hurt you to see, but emotionally he needs so much more right now. And if you need to talk with a support group to get the saddness or anger out that isn't a bad thing either. I guess my first suggestion would be what would make his live easier? A special pillow that doesn't get flat when laid on for so many hours or maybe something that will be more convienecent so he has what he needs at his finger tips. I think the helpless feeling is what makes a person angry. You know your husband best so I guess I would think of little things to make it so he isn't so dependant on another for his small needs. Does that make sense? It's hard to explain, but when an illness like this strikes it's like they loose all their independance and it's hard for them to HAVE to reply on another. I guess I'd think of things and ways to help maintain himself so he still feels like a man.
1 person likes this
@lucy02 (5015)
• United States
19 Jul 09
Yeah, the pillow sounds like a good idea. It is really hard for him to get comfortable right now. That might help. Thanks!
• United States
17 Jul 09
I would say just be there as much as you can and treat him as if nothing is wrong while still tending to his needs to get better. My mom just went through open heart about 3 weeks ago and she's a little on edge about everything. It's also hard for me to show how much I want to be supportive but I try to relate with her emotions and talk to her a lot. Maybe you could try that? Hope he gets better soon :)
1 person likes this
@lucy02 (5015)
• United States
19 Jul 09
That's what I really want to do. I'm just not very good at it.
@jaizhi (260)
• Philippines
17 Jul 09
I havent been in this situation so I don't know if I can give you a good response. But I would say that think of thing you would like to be done to you if you are the one in his position? what would make you happy? then imply it to him. Since you are husband and wife somehow there is something similar with both the too of you. Be strong always.. I'll pray for you hubby and for you as well so god may give you more strenght, cause I know that if I'll be in your position. I will be the first one to be crying and crring... I might not be able to take care of him. SO lucy I admire you... keep the spirits up always.
1 person likes this
@lucy02 (5015)
• United States
19 Jul 09
Thank you jaizhi. The prayers are something we can really use now.
@ruperi (138)
• India
17 Jul 09
Give him good food, massage his body and take more care.
1 person likes this
@lucy02 (5015)
• United States
19 Jul 09
Thanks ruperi.
• India
17 Jul 09
hey make him feel dat u r always dere by his side..never make him feel dat he s suffering from ne kind of illness.. b normal.. talk about happy things around him.. control ur emotions in front of him n always b happy!!! best of luck!!
1 person likes this
@lucy02 (5015)
• United States
19 Jul 09
Thanks dhruv.
@kevchua (1004)
• Malaysia
17 Jul 09
Be by his side as often as you can. Sometimes, if you're not physically there - out of town perhaps - you could send him a Get Well card, a bunch of flowers, give him a call to say you love him.... stuff like that. I think you know what I mean. I also think he understands that you need to work too and can't be with him all the time, so whatever little things that you could do (to show that you care) when you're not physically there is very helpful. Hope this helps. Take care, ok?
1 person likes this
@lucy02 (5015)
• United States
19 Jul 09
Thanks kevchua. I am almost always with him. I don't work. The card sounds like a good idea though.
@Sarithra (19)
• India
17 Jul 09
it is always said that the way to mans heart is always through his stomach.since he is under medication prepare some light and healthy food(those which will not interfere in his medication path) and serve it with some words of affection....hope so this works and make him feel better
1 person likes this
@lucy02 (5015)
• United States
19 Jul 09
Thanks Saritha. The only problem is he very rarely eats now. Some days his appetite is okay but most days its not.
@jammyt (2818)
• Philippines
17 Jul 09
a few years back, my dad went through 6 months of chemo too. My mom isn't the nurturing type too. However, the mere presence of my mom is enough to tell my dad that she cared about him. How she stayed in the hospital to be with him. The little things you can do for him will mean a lot.It need not be extravagant but try making him comfortable while he is in the hospital feeling pain. You should also have a lot of patience because they can get very cranky about every little thing.
1 person likes this
@lucy02 (5015)
• United States
17 Jul 09
I hope your Dad is well now Jammyt. You are right. They are real cranky at times. Of course that is understandable. My natural reaction is to be cranky right back and I know I shouldn't now. Patience is definitely something I need to work on. My husband is at home now and will be until the surgery. He is on pain meds but still has some pain. Mostly though he is just tired from the chemo and radiation.
• Philippines
17 Jul 09
try treating him in a normal way like what how you treat others..treat him like he is not sick, this will give him a more positive outlook towards life.., and of course, stay beside him always..dont let him feel that he is alone, let him feel that he is always loved..i wish that your husband's surgery will be successful..
@lucy02 (5015)
• United States
17 Jul 09
That's kind of what I've been trying to do. Sometimes it just feels like I'm coming up short though. Not quite doing enough.