Getting there
In May this year it will be 4 years since diagnosis (at 47) for me (IDC Stage 3, Grade 2, ER and PR +). As time has gone by I have made many changes to my life. Changes that help me cope with side ef...
Forum Discussion
Wow, I am so sorry I haven't been on the forum for so long. I love the support from people who really understand.
My diagnosis/surgery/chemo/radiation was in 2008-9 and after returning to work as a teacher things had gone back to normal - well, the new normal I guess. I find the job very stressful, my memory isn't what it used to be, and my body certainly isn't what it used to be (aches and pains, weight gain). We've had what feels like more than our share of additional stressful situations including my husband's health and unemployment for some months (he is working again now), and some very tough times with a couple of my kids.
My mum (82) was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in October 2016 and I have taken leave from work to care for her (she doesn't want treatment and wants to die at home). My husband is home in Qld while I am in Sydney. My sisters are in Vic and SA and both have school aged children so can't stay here (my five have all finished school; 3 are in Vic and 2 in Qld). I had thought that this could be an opportunity for some personal growth (exercise, maybe study a bit) but I am flat out exhausted even when it seems like I've done nothing all day. Mum is very demanding (we have an hour a week of respite arranged when someone comes to the house, but most weeks Mum asks me to stay, or to hurry back if I have to go out e.g. to pick up a prescription); she's terribly grumpy but I don't mind; she is used to being able to take care of herself and this situation she's in is pretty awful. My family has been supportive and so has my school. One thing I have kept to myself so far is the fear this has awoken in me. Mum's lung cancer may well be mostly due to the fact that she was a heavy smoker for many years, but the tumour is located on the same side where she had radiation for bc in 1991. When I had my radiation I was told there was an increased possibility of developing cancer at the site in future. I look at Mum and wonder if I am looking at my future. The worry about a possible recurrence has always been in the background but this has pushed it front and centre and frankly I don't like it! Apart from keeping busy, and thinking happy thoughts, are there any suggestions?
My diagnosis/surgery/chemo/radiation was in 2008-9 and after returning to work as a teacher things had gone back to normal - well, the new normal I guess. I find the job very stressful, my memory isn't what it used to be, and my body certainly isn't what it used to be (aches and pains, weight gain). We've had what feels like more than our share of additional stressful situations including my husband's health and unemployment for some months (he is working again now), and some very tough times with a couple of my kids.
My mum (82) was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in October 2016 and I have taken leave from work to care for her (she doesn't want treatment and wants to die at home). My husband is home in Qld while I am in Sydney. My sisters are in Vic and SA and both have school aged children so can't stay here (my five have all finished school; 3 are in Vic and 2 in Qld). I had thought that this could be an opportunity for some personal growth (exercise, maybe study a bit) but I am flat out exhausted even when it seems like I've done nothing all day. Mum is very demanding (we have an hour a week of respite arranged when someone comes to the house, but most weeks Mum asks me to stay, or to hurry back if I have to go out e.g. to pick up a prescription); she's terribly grumpy but I don't mind; she is used to being able to take care of herself and this situation she's in is pretty awful. My family has been supportive and so has my school. One thing I have kept to myself so far is the fear this has awoken in me. Mum's lung cancer may well be mostly due to the fact that she was a heavy smoker for many years, but the tumour is located on the same side where she had radiation for bc in 1991. When I had my radiation I was told there was an increased possibility of developing cancer at the site in future. I look at Mum and wonder if I am looking at my future. The worry about a possible recurrence has always been in the background but this has pushed it front and centre and frankly I don't like it! Apart from keeping busy, and thinking happy thoughts, are there any suggestions?