Forum Discussion

simon66's avatar
simon66
Member
9 years ago

Alcohol

Hi everyone.

I'm just after some advice.

My wife was diagnosed with stage 3 BC early last year. She had surgery, chemo and radiotherapy. It was a tumultuous year for the whole family. She is now on the aromatase inhibitor drugs, which have their own unique side affects.

Since then, life has returned to normal and she is back at work. However, the uptake of alcohol has gone through the roof. White wine and champagne seem to be the favourites. I have been told that two standard drinks per week is the limit, to avoid increasing the chance of a recurrence. I would estimate that 10 times that amount gets consumed in a week, possibly more. I realise this is a form of 'self medication', but the possible harm being done is causing the rest of the family great concern.

I've tried discussing the issue, but the conversation gets shut down fairly quickly. Where to from here? Does anyone know of a good councillor in the Perth area, who specialises in this area? Something needs to change, otherwise I feel all the hard work last year, will be for nothing. 

Thanks in advance.

family
  • Jess_BCNA's avatar
    Jess_BCNA
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi Simon, Jess from BCNA here and welcome :-) It sounds like its been a tough time for your wife and family, and certainly its is not uncommon for life after breast cancer to also have its hurdles.

    As Robyn suggested, there is a Cancer Council in WA who will be able to suggest some support for your wife in the area, they are best contacted on 13 11 20.

    Cancer Council WA also have a page on their website with some recommended counseling services in the WA region, some are face to face and others telephone support - https://www.cancerwa.asn.au/patients/support-and-services/cancer-counselling/

    Talking to your partner can also help - such as asking how she is feeling after treatment, telling her how you feel, asking her what you can do to help and letting her know that you are there to support her.

    Jess

  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    9 years ago

    I can understand both points of view. On your wifes side, shes gotten a second chance at life and intends to live it to the full. She will also have a bit of depression and wine helps with self medication. Yep we all know what we should/shouldn't be doing but its not that easy.

    Rather than express the concern for alcohol perhaps setting off another cancer (something which she would be fully aware of which makes her more depressed) perhaps you can take an everything in moderation stand on things? Ask her to keep herself a private little list of every alcoholic beverage she has each day. See if she can moderate and better that a bit to drink just a little less on average. Yes there might be parties where moderation get forgotten but on the whole scheme of long term life, she might be able to settle down to a happy compromise of drinking in moderation.

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hello Simon,I just wanted to get the ball rolling for you,so to speak,as I really feel for you.I don't know of a good councillor in Perth,but I would suggest calling the cancer council or BCNA and I feel sure that they would point you in the right direction.I don't drink alcohol at all any more,as I know the risks are real,BUT .... I have often thought that a drink would be nice:) It would blot everything out,and in the moment,things would be good.It would feel nice for a while.There is so much to recover from after cancer.:( I hope that you get the help you need for your wife.Im sure that someone in the Perth area will answer you.Just remember that the blog is typically quieter on the weekend.All the best Cheers Robyn xox