Hello
Introducing myself - I’m a 65 year old writer and TAFE teacher. Diagnosed with high grade DCIS about a month ago. I’ve had a lumpectomy and am due (fingers crossed) for a re-excision tomorrow before ...
Forum Discussion
Hi CattyB
I hope you got over your cold & that your re-excision surgery went ahead OK & all is well xx You'll be a bit sore again, but knowing that they got clearer margins will be comforting.
It can be challenging, looking after your Mum who has dementia ... my husband had dementia, but wasn't 'too bad' ... and I never had to arrange respite for him - but would definitely suggest you look into it whilst you are having your Rads, so you can just concentrate on going thru the treatment without added stress. xx Jump onto Carer's Corner & join (as suggested by Mez_BCNA) where you can chat in privacy about dementia/carer related topics xx. No questions are 'off limits'.
Do you have to travel far for the Rads treatment? It is usually daily, Mon-Fri .... I had to travel for mine, so was able to apply for 'assistance' with Isolated Patients services that all states have, re both the cost of fuel and accommodation. All info on that, is in the Living in Regional, Rural and Remote Areas Private Group.
It can be difficult, wrapping your head around all that is required on this wicked journey of ours .... so put up any question that you have - there are NO 'silly' questions!! We've all 'been there, done that' ...... so ask away.
If you feel a tad overwhelmed (specially with looking after your Mum as well) give out Helpline a call, for a confidential 'one on one' chat - a problem shared is a problem halved. xx. Your Mum is probably on some sort of Care Plan too - so there would be a Respite option built into it .... you may as well take advantage of that, so you and your husband have a break, whilst you enter this next phase of your treatment xx
take care .... if I can help, re my own dementia experience with my husband - you can shoot me a personal message as well (click on the Envelope on the top line - and add my name as the recipient.) I am more than happy to chat xx
Thanksarpie - surgery did go ahead. The anaesthetist looked me in the eye like a medieval soothsayer and pronounced me fit. I had expected a stethoscope to be flourished but - no it was all eyeball and magic. Very relieved!
So sorry to hear of your husband - my mother isn’t ‘too bad’ either - mainly memory and cognitive function loss with a side serving of malice or toddler tantrum if she feels thwarted. I’m seeing a very empathetic psychologist for strategies to deal with it - I’d organised that before the diagnosis so doubly glad now!
I’m quite close to all services - we live in Kallista in the Hills outside Melbourne. (Another reason for my mother’s discontent - she’s not keen on the ‘dripping Dandenongs’.
Thanks for your supportarpie - really appreciate it! I’ll def investigate the group channels. xx
Terrific that the surgery has been done, CattyB ... Make haste slowly as you recover!! Like you, I am Surprised they didn't even check your lungs with the stethoscope!!
hehhe, they CAN be a bit like a kid having a toddler tantrum, when they don't get what they want, eh? But you've gotta remember that that behaviour isn't 'them' .... it is the disease! :( And definitely look into the respite whilst you are having the Rads xx. That's what it is there for - to give YOU and your husband a break, as well as her having a break too!
The Dandenongs are gorgeous - I have a couple of buddies down there! I am halfway up the coast from Sydney, so pretty well everything is a minimum of 2-4hrs away!
take care & all the best for your recovery & results.
