Hi everyone. It’s been about 6 months since my surgery (Stage 2 colon cancer, thankfully surgery only). Recovery feels slow – still dealing with significant fatigue some days and unpredictable bowel issues. My husband and teenage kids have been absolutely incredible, picking up all the slack with cooking, cleaning, everything. But I just feel consumed by guilt. I feel useless and like I’m just this burden they constantly have to manage. How do you shake this feeling? It’s really weighing me down.
As a caregiver, Lisa’s point about wanting to help is so true. It makes us feel useful in a scary situation. But the open communication is key too. Maybe he doesn’t see it as a burden at all, but as teamwork.