My husband finished chemo for Stage 3 colon cancer about 6 months ago. He’s NED, which is wonderful, but his mood has been so low. He seems withdrawn, irritable, and resistant to talking about it or seeking any support (like therapy or support groups). He just wants to “move on,” but he clearly hasn’t. It’s hard seeing him like this and hard feeling helpless. Any other caregivers experience this? How did you handle it?

  • Karen GarciaEnglish
    1·
    8 months ago

    Oh Patricia, I understand. While my husband is still in active treatment (immunotherapy), we’ve definitely dealt with mood swings and resistance to support. It’s tough because you want to help, but you can’t force it. What worked for us sometimes:

    • Focusing on shared activities not cancer-related.
    • Gently suggesting couple’s counseling, framed as helping us adjust post-cancer.
    • Finding support for myself (like caregiver groups) so I had an outlet. You need support too!
    • Patricia BrownOPEnglish
      1·
      8 months ago

      Thanks Karen. Finding support for myself is key, I know. Maybe framing counseling differently could help. Appreciate you sharing. Hope your husband’s immunotherapy is going well.

      • Karen GarciaEnglish
        1·
        8 months ago

        Thank you, Patricia. It has its ups and downs. Take care of yourself.