Feeling guilty after losing my brother from cancer

Shuh
Community Member
I lost my younger brother who was too young to die. I am in Australia and he lived abroad. I had recurred brain cancer, radiotherapy and chemotherapy didn't help. He was struggling numbness on half of his body. He was expecting help. I googled to find alternative options where I came across to restricted ketogenic diet. I suggested him to try this and he went to that diet, we hired a dietitian. After two month MRI was clear and he felt improvement. We don't know if it was from the therapies or from the diet. He continued to work keeping the diet although it was hard. After two month, he felt strong numbness on half of his body. He went to doctor, doctors could do a surgery but there is a big risk that may be paralyzed or die. We refused surgery, but during 1 week in hospital his health deteriorated, was struggling to walk. But he said, brother I will keep the diet, not going for surgery. I was still in Australia organizing my trip back to home. I was seeking a doctor who can help him, found one in India. When I arrived he was already paralyzed, having difficulty to talk and sleeping a lot. I was too late, he was going to die soon. I talked a neurosurgeon in the capital, he asked to bring him. We brought him to hospital, stayed for 3 days, and they said they can't operate him anymore. Unfortunately, every time we visit hospital his health was going back more faster than at home, I can't understand. Traditional treatment wasn't helping him. Doctors said he is going to die in couple of days. They sent us back home. I googled again and found a doctor who treats patients with herbals. She gave some herbals which they may help. I refused drugs that doctors prescribed, because wasn't helping. Herbals looked like helping for some days, we saw a bit improvement. After ten days he experienced strong epilepsy when my mum and brother's wife was looking after. They couldn't help, it time before my another brother arrived and help. When I arrived doctors were to help. We took him to local hospital, he spent another 10 days with resuscitation. I cannot forgive myself, because keto diet didn't help but might progressed tumor. I cannot forgive myself coming home late to bring him to India, which might prolong his life. I can't forgive myself for refusing drugs doctors prescribed which might prevent epilepsy. I can't forget days he was expecting help, struggling from pain, couldn't speak last words because of resuscitation but hearing us telling lies that he will be fine.
3 Replies 3

Peppermintbach
Valued Contributor
Valued Contributor

Hi Shuh,

I’m deeply sorry for the loss of your brother. I’ve read your post and your feelings sound very raw and intense. There is so much to process...

I feel you’re hurting and carrying very heavy feelings in your heart. I realise my words can’t really erase any of that, but I am here reading along and hoping to be able to offer some small comfort...I’m thinking of you.

Kindness and care,

Pepper

Summer Rose
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi Shuh

Welcome to bb.

I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. I can tell from your words and heroic actions that you loved him very much and that you did your best to help and comfort him.

You were thrust into a very challenging situation and you made the best decisions you could with the information you had at the time. That is all anyone could have done.

You are not responsible for your brother's death, my friend. Cancer is responsible. And cancer is a relentless, cruel adversary.

I am not a doctor but I have lost people I love to cancer and I know what it can do. I don't believe there was anything you could have done differently to change things.

Please try not to look back, judging yourself so harshly. I am sure your brother would not want you to suffer more than you already have. Let it go. Remember your brother's life, not his death.

If you can't do that alone, please speak with your GP or a grief counsellor. I suggest you make a double appointment to talk to your GP.

Kind thoughts to you

_bethy94
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi Shuh,

My deepest condolences over the passing of your brother. Cancer affects almost everyone in one way or another, whether directly or indirectly and I want you to know that it can be a formidable force - something you are not to blame for. Cancer does not discriminate, cancer is cancer. As horrible as it is.

I understand your emotions are raw right now and it's all part of the grieving process, but try not to listen to much to your thoughts at this time. Grief has a way of turning into guilt and 'what ifs' but the main thing is your brother absolutely would not want you feeling this way and if there is one thing he could tell you right now it would be that. He knew and in time you will know that you did the absolute best you could and that's all that he would have expected of you.

You sound like an incredibly caring individual, but you are not Superman, and cancer is an insidious disease that holds many victims - something you are not responsible for. Be sure to get in touch with a counsellor or psychologist with special training in loss and grief - we too are here for you.

Sending you love and light.