@arpie and @viking1 Good morning!
Your recent discussions make me aware that this is not going to be all over when I've finished radiation. (Chemo half-way mark next Monday, 12 weeklies to go, then rads). Clearly there are potentially follow-on effects from the radiation, which I don't know anything about yet. I've been wondering how long the weakened immune system lasts. Then I'll have changeover surgery for the implant next March.
I'll have my second consultation with my radiation oncologist on 15 June, so I'll have heaps of questions for her then.
I too feel really sorry for people who don't have the capacity to deal with the system on their own. I've often felt, when I'm battling to be heard and have my thoughts respected by health care professionals, that it must be so difficult for people who aren't assertive, or who are in awe of doctors, or just don't understand what they're being told, and are too afraid to ask questions - if they even know what the question should be. And as for people living in remote areas - what a battle!
I live alone, so at least I don't have responsibility for anyone else, and can concentrate on myself. But I have practical and emotional support from wonderful friends and some family, and Coles online delivery and subsidised Aged Care home cleaning. And - very recently - a superb free telephone counsellor through the Cancer Council. Now - if only we could get the fuel prices down!!!
