Forum Discussion

Lou_V's avatar
Lou_V
Member
13 years ago

On our own

I have just completed 4 and a bit months of chemo after being diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and having both breasts removed and the lymph nodes removed from under my left arm. I am about to leave my family and travel to have 5 weeks radiation. I have tried to remain positive for the sake of my family and have even returned to work during this time. I guess at the moment I am feeling a little sorry for myself. I know I have been lucky to have a very supportive family but as a patient from a rural area I haven't had any support from any other area I feel like we have had to do this very much on our own and there have been times when it has been tough as you all would know. This is the first blog post I have written and I think I am just using it to vent. Sorry x
chemotherapy
mastectomy

5 Replies

  • Annie_Gayed's avatar
    Annie_Gayed
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Lou

    Welcome to the network -- I'm glad you found your way here. Lou, you are so right about there being little support in rural areas.

    Have you heard of Patient Assisted Travel Schemes? These are state and territory run schemes that provide financial assistance to people who have to pay for travel/accommodation for treatment. Check out our fact sheet for more info.

    Also, the Cancer Council are a wealth of information when it comes to the support you can access in your area. They can be reached on 13 11 20 and may have advice on travelling for radiotherapy. They are also staffed by oncology nurses who can provide phone advice should you need it during your radiotherapy treatment.

    Good luck Lou.

    ~Annie

     

  • Lou_V's avatar
    Lou_V
    Member
    13 years ago
    Thank you for your response to my post. It is good to hear that there can be positives in all this. Hope you are well now. Lou x
  • annie2's avatar
    annie2
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Lou,

    I know how you feel i had to be away from my family for 6 and a half weeks for radiation.I was so stressed about it and worried how they would all cope.

    I ended up enjoying the time on my own i missed them like crazy.I spent the first three weeks shopping resting going for coffee and met up with women who were very welcoming to me,when they found out i was on my own they invited me for tea and outings.It was great being from the country to a big city not knowing anyone was very daunting.

    The last 3 weeks i got hit badly with fatigue and burns.I spent a lot of time sleeping and reading.But i welcomed the time to myself after chemo and surgeries i think i needed it,

    Good luck with it all and try and find some positives out of it.5 weeks will be over before you know it.

    cheers Annie x

  • Lou_V's avatar
    Lou_V
    Member
    13 years ago
    Thank you for your kind words they are very much appreciated. I will be having radiation in Newcastle and it is good to hear that it will be an easier part of the journey than chemo! Lou x
  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    13 years ago

    Welcome to this network where you'll get lots of support and information and ofcourse,get to vent.You have been through a hard 4+mths and had family and friends to support you.I can't imagine having to travel away for radiation-that's really tough on you and your family.Where are you going for radiation?Let us know cos there is bound to be someone or a group that you could link up with. I think we all get abit sorry for ourselves from time to time during this crap journey- and why wouldn't we.The treatments are hard/painful - physically and emotionally.I think you'll find radiation easier than chemo -apart from the isolation ofcourse.I think we put on a brave front for family -that's what we women do.But you don't have to here - we know what you are going through.You are not alone -always a pink sister here to talk to.Sending hugs, Tonya xx