Friends, Family & Carers Forum

[Former-Member]

How did you get on @Emelia8 

[Emelia8]

Hi @Former-Member , just about to post an upate on my thread.  Will tag you in.  Mostly good, but some concerns too.

Emelia 

[Former-Member]

Thanks @Emelia8 , you remain in thoughts and prayers. Am hearing you about doing things on your own (not in the same league, I do all my medical/specialist appts on my own) and I would love a shared care arrangement. I certainly couldn't let Mr D do this on his own.

Just remember there is help available through Cancer Council too - although you are probably aware of this -  here is a link.

https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/get-support/transport-accommodation-and-home-help/

Can you also get help with things like gardening through hubby's DVA?

[Former-Member]

We have had a run of visitors and Mr D is finding it difficult, he is thinking of pulling the pin on visiting family just after Christmas. His oncologist offered him some more chemo, the goal of which is to try and slow the spread, it is one of two drugs that he had to start with so it is known that it will not halt the disease and we will be seeking clarification as to when a review on this will take place. We had hoped to hear if he had made it into a clinical trial but this is taking longer than expected.

I have been a little emotional myself as we had initial contact from the palliative care team. They might be able to help with pain management which is becoming more of a problem. 

[Shaz51]

Hugs @Former-Member 

Yes we have had visiting all weekend,, MIL birthday with family members  coming up now instead of  Christmas time 

Mr shaz fell asleep after lunch yesterday  and he is soo tired and is over everything  

[Former-Member]

@Emelia8 if hair loss is a major concern to you, I would be happy to expand a little about Mr D and this topic (he retained his hair).

[Sophie1]

@Former-Member @Shaz51  sending you both hugs and hope your respective partners are coping ok with Christmas ... it's a difficult period at the best of times and I am a huge advocate for setting boundaries to prioritise your own wellness and energy levels - of people aren't understanding that's bad luck 

[Former-Member]

My counselor raised the need to guard against depression and I have found this chart useful. I fully identify with the grief side. 

[Former-Member]

Prognosis is a difficult thing, there are some carer resources such as house cleaning or help with bulk meals prep that I will be able to access but do not want to use them before I need them.  Mr D said that while he feels uncomfortable about it, I can ask the oncologist when it would be appropriate to start accessing these services.

[Former-Member]

How are you going @RMG , checking on your progress in your thread @Emelia8.