Going it alone

I used to have the kids make my a thermos of my tea in the morning and I would just refill my cup as I went through the day, saved me moving as that was too much and collapsing was a feature that liked to raise its head while on chemo... 

Oooh...maybe a pump flask might help even. Just have to make it once then. Just a thought for the tea (but so much nicer with a person bringing it..yes )

I have a silly question that may have already been addressed; Have you reached out to find a local support group? It's very likely they will have a whole bunch of useful contacts for you even if you can't meet with them.

Could you have the friend you're staying with set up a little stand-by tea station so you don't have to keep going to the kitchen? It's amazing how exhausting even little things can be. Having it next to you might make a big difference - tea is necessary!

hi @rosehaven
these are some links for family support in the area .http//www.ccdn.com.au/services-directory/49-family-support/278-family-support-centre-inc-98400 Central Coast family support service. http//ccfss.org.au/

Hi Rosehaven, what about Meals on Wheels? Norah Head have a service and their phone number is 4396-4279. The service is not only for aged recipients and you could have just lunch brought to you and then have a cuppa and a chat (there is a fee per meal but it is not prohibitive) - Could you time taking your tablets for when you are having lunch? Hoping that you can get some support. Your friend sounds wonderful.  Big hugs. Xx Cath

It sounds like you need to get your oncologist to tweak the medications you are taking after your chemo. AC is tough, but there are ways of helping with the side effects. Unfortunately, most of the time we just get prescribed the basics and it is not until things go wrong that things are changed. For example, I didn't know that Claratyne would make such a difference to the pain I was experiencing from the Neulasta shot. If it still wiping you out to that extent, please ask if there are any changes that may help.
The only other option I can think of is get on the phone and start ringing some of your local charities. I've googled where I think you may live and there are a few. Start with someone fairly reputable like Anglicare (who won't be likely to help as they do mainly aged care) and ask them if they know who may have community volunteers. I've got to say I'm reluctant to recommend this course of action as I don't have a great deal of trust in any religious organisations, but it sounds like you are at your wits end. Perhaps the local  hospital auxillary may do home visits as well.  
As for taking your meds, can you  set  an alarm on your phone to help you remember?  If you do that on a day when you are feeling OK you can set it up as appointments and you can leave a message for yourself to remind you what you should be taking and when. The Reject Shop sells little pill packs--like Webster Packs--that you can use to make sure you can keep track. They  are really cheap, like $2. Id say the nurses in Oncology would help you set that up.
. Marg

OMG Rose!!! I totally understand!! it is about what you need right now! Do you have any family members?? or a friend besides the one you are staying with? I felt similar to you, it was so incredibly hard!! the great thing I learned was I did have someone to ask...I just found it hard to ask. Do you have someone you could reach out to?? Im sorry Im not of much more help, honestly having been where you are I get it!! and just wish could help! Hugs Melinda xo

I can't get to the GP on my own, I can't talk my first week after chemo, psych is not available until 4th May, can't get help for child until next cycle. I know "this too will pass". That doesn't help when I don't have anyone available in the area. All I want is someone to make me a cuppa tea and make sure I've taken my meds, which I am not capable of doing myself. Everything else gets done, as much as it hurts, because it has to be done.

Hi Rose - everyone has given you wonderful advice here.

You have our virtual support and hugs wrapped around you, but for the practical stuff - talk with your GP, your specialists and your breast care nurse. There's often more out there than you'd ever think of...the difficult part sometimes is sourcing it!

I know the best help I received was from a Food Bank my girlfriends set up: they dropped off meals for the boys and I for weeks when I was unable to do anything. It was wonderful - all I had to do was be prepared to take the offer of help.

Thinking of you

Nikki

Hi Rose,

take care.

 I would echo the advice of others and reach out to your GP and other health and social services. When I was first in hospital for the surgeries I was offered social worker visits to help with house work and child care. But I didn't need them. They do exist it is just a matter of finding them!!

But I would also highly recommend a counsellor or psychologist for yourself so you have a person you can use as emotional support.

Hopefully a combination of Medicare and volunteer labour will mean that support isn't too pricey, but you might just need to set aside a day to sort it all out. 

Jen :)