Support for carers in Melbourne

Hi @tnbcaupporter, we are glad you have found the online network and I can see you have been provided with some very valuable resources from our members above.

I Also wanted to share the BCNA website 'Information for partners', which outlines strategies and supportive resources that you may wish to read about  link https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/talking-to-family-and-friends/information-for-partners/ 

You may like to listen to the following podcasts and webcasts:

Episode 10: Stuart Diver on supporting a partner with breast cancer

You’re important too: looking after yourself as a carer

The Supporting Blokes group offers support to male partners/carers of women with breast cancer. It gives male partners a chance to share experiences, learn coping strategies and gather information. Light refreshments are provided. The group meets every second Wednesday of the month in the evening at a breast cancer health venue in St Kilda Road. Meetings are free to attend. Call Cancer Council Victoria 13 11 20 for more information and to be put in contact with the group leaders. 

I am not sure of your children's ages, however if you would like to order hardcopy resource of Medikidz: explaining breast cancer through comic adventures (8-12 years), please phone our Helpline 1800 500 258.

Please don't hesitate to call our Helpline 1800 500 258 to discuss further.

https://www.ndis.gov.au/

Check the link above Am I eligible?

I have just been successful as a carer for my sister - she's under 65

Hi there just wanted to say well done for reaching out on this forum.
You will get a lot of good information and support on here and on this website generally.
In some ways it is actually harder for the carer to deal with the whole breast cancer “ journey” as you are watching your loved one go through this and you can’t “ fix” it.
One of the most memorable ( and heartbreaking) moments of my breast cancer experience was the night my husband cried - he is such a rock ( I am the cry baby in the relationship).
Having him support me through the whole thing has been very special and brought home the whole “ in sickness and in health” vow of marriage.
One word of advice - sometimes in my distressed state I wasn’t a very nice person and I’m afraid to say I did end one argument with the statement “ YOU aren’t the one with cancer!”.
Hooking up with other carers  is a great idea and the main thing is to give lots of cuddles ( actual and virtual).
Take care.
🌺

Thank you for the extensive reply.

@tnbcaupporter ... I am so sorry to hear of your wife's diagnosis and the obvious stress that you are now under as the primary care giver - and the impact on the family as a unit. 

Well done on reaching out to our group for support of yourself and your wife and your kids. xx. 

We have a Carer's Group here (click the 'Groups' in the Blue Banner and apply to join) where different issues re caring can be raised ..... you can raise ANY topic there.

We also have a Young Women's group as well - that you could join & may be able to get info there as well .... 

Have you been signed up by the Gov as an 'official carer' for your wife?  Your GP should be able to sign off on that.  She may also be eligible for NDIS assistance as a younger woman - to help set the home up as 'user friendly' as the time goes on - speak to your GP about that as well.

I am not sure about a national or state group re husbands as carers - but there are numerous 'carer forums' that may be of assistance to you. 
Carer Gateway Australia