I lost my wife on 29 October 2024 (less than two weeks ago) to Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), less than 24 hours after arriving at hospital without any prior, typical Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) symptoms. She was only 36 and we have an 18 month old daughter. The suddenness, shock and disbelief have shattered my world. How can this happen?
Having read more about Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) since her passing it appears that our situation is uncommon in such a young and otherwise healthy person. Especially without any early symptoms. Awareness and understanding of this cruel disease also seems to be extremely limited.
I’m posting for any community support or advice from others who may have been through a similar, devastating experience. Anything they may have done to help navigate the heartbreak, shock and grief; and how they may have coped from such a sudden loss to a young family, with so much to live for.
Oh @HM88 I am so glad that you have found us and I just cannot imagine what you are thinking and feeling.
Yes, we are here for you and I really hope you find us a supportive forum.
Do you have any support from family and friends?
There isn’t a manual or a right or wrong way for you or for anyone else at the moment.
Yes, all blood cancers and other conditions can be so cruel and unfair.
I wonder if the hospital offer any support services?
Your GP might also be of some assistance.
There are national services like Cruse Bereavement Care (or equivalent) or Macmillan Cancer Care.
Perhaps some talking therapy might help, it has helped me in the past.
The wonderful Blood Cancer UK support line is also there for you on 0808 2080n 888.
I will be thinking of you and your daughter, just be ever so kind to yourselves and please do keep posting, xx
Thank you for your post in our forum. I am so very sorry to hear about the devastating loss of your wife. This is so upsetting and sounds to have happened so suddenly. We can only imagine what a difficult time this must be for you and your family. Please know that you are not alone, and you can call our support line on 0808 2080 888. We’re open 10am to 4pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Friday. 10am to 7pm on Tuesdays, and 10am to 1pm on Saturdays. We also hope the community on our online forum will reach out and help with further support.
We hope that you have a good support network with family and friends, but would also advise to keep in touch with the hospital team as they are able to refer family members for grief counselling and talking therapies so we would encourage you to talk to them and/ or your GP if you think you would find this helpful, but understand that you may want to do this in your own time.
Just to let you know we do have a page on our website which may be helpful to read over at a time that feels right to you - Losing a loved one to blood cancer | Blood Cancer UK this includes support services from a range of places.
As well as this, could I ask if you know if you have a Maggie’s Centre near you? Some of their centres offer bereavement support groups for individuals and families - Centres | Maggies. They offer great 1:1 support too.
@HM88 I am so sorry for your loss! I wish I had something to say to make it better.
This forum is a wonderful place and I hope someone with experience might be able to help you.
If you ever feel ready, I’d love to hear more about your wife and how wonderful she was, or your family, or even just how you are finding each day. Keep posting, or talking.
Hi @HM88.
I’m so sorry you find yourself here and can only imagine the shock and loss that you must be experiencing.
It must be a lot to process and that can’t be easy. You must have so many questions as well.
What you’ll find on the forum is people who understand how you are feeling. We are all here to support you so please keep posting anytime you need to.
I hope you have family and friends around to support you.
Sending lots of love x
