Forum Discussion

Meex05's avatar
Meex05
Member
4 years ago

From Stage 4 HER2+ to different cancer - Support for sister

Hi Everyone

 Please excuse my ignorance in relation to Breast Cance types and subtypes. 

 I don’t know how to support my sister?! 

Bit of an overview of her situation:- Dec 28, 2010, at 35, and 5 mths after the birth of her 6th child, was diagnosed with Stage 4 HER2 Breast Cancer. Within 2 weeks she’d had a mastectomy and lymph nodes removed. & went through the horrendous side effects of treatment. 

In 2014, despite being told that the treatment would leave her infertile, she gave birth to her 7th child (Children range from 7-22yrs- they are amazing kids!)

Now 10.5yrs on, on Tue 10th August, she was told she has Stage 4 Lung cancer (1x3cm lesion and several others between 5mm & 19mm), which has metastasised to lymph nodes, hand, knees and feet. She underwent a PET scan on Friday and will get results on Tuesday. 

She has lost about 10kgs in around 5 weeks.. (she only weighed around 50-55kgs- she is anorexic-skin & bone). I was (still am) in total shock. 

I feel that the prognosis will be devastating to them all and my mum, whom I’m also really concerned for. We lost my dad (Vietnam Vet) in August 2007 to an inoperable brain tumour & mum had a stroke in 2014 and her health has deteriorated since, with complex health care needs.

I’m wondering if there’s some support services she may be entitled to and support groups/therapy groups, for her, her husband, the children and them as a family?? 

Wondering if anyone else has had a similar journey or has suggestions? I just don’t know how to help them all, other than being available if they want to talk. 

If anyone can offer any advice, guidance or direction, I would be ever so grateful.


TIA x

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    4 years ago
    @Meex05 - I am so sorry for your sister's latest diagnosis - she's been thru enough already!  This mongrel disease is NOT fair at all.    Well done on joining BCNA and requesting info/help for your sister.  Your whole family has been thru so much as well, with the loss of both of your parents to cancer & stroke. :( 

    Whereabouts does she live? Town/city - we may have members in the area who are familiar with what local services are available for her.   There is more than likely an active Cancer group who may be able to offer specific info. xx

    We have a Metastatic group that you could join & you'll be able to ask more detailed questions there (it is a private group.) I will tag on one of the mods to help you join up
    @Riki_BCNA Could you help @Meex05 join the group please?

    Canteen is available to help for kids from 12 -25 .... check out their website.
    https://www.canteen.org.au/

    The Vietnam Vets association may also have programs for the younger kids ...... worth checking in with them xx

    Is she already on a Care Package from the Gov - NDIS?  They deal with wheelchairs etc as needed and all sorts of stuff.

    Has her GP referred her to Palliative Care - to check out her house & see if there are things they can do to help her get around, or help in the house?    They do WAY MORE than just 'end of life stuff' ... My husband is Stage 4 Gastric Cancer  and has been on chemo for 6 months+ (he is on it indefinitely) & I've just met with the Palliative care nurse last week and she is referring us to an Occupational Therapist to arrange hand rails, non slip mats, shower chair & other bits that may be of use to him, as his disease progresses - as he is 85 and getting very wobbly and thin too.  

    My heart goes out to you - and all her family.   As you say, just 'being there' for her (and them) - maybe taking the youngest out (if allowed in this covid lockdown, depending on where you live ...)

    take care xx