Forum Discussion
Oncology in the bush.
so I have completed the axillary clearence and hopefully will get the drain out tomorrow. The oncology dept just rang and I have my first appointment at Orange base with Dr Lauren Bradbury on the 5/03/19. I will be signed off from the surgeon the previous week.
The kilometres are bad. The driving stressful. I will be glad when treatment gets sent to Parkes.
I would like to ask what I should expect at this first appointment ?
The kilometres are bad. The driving stressful. I will be glad when treatment gets sent to Parkes.
I would like to ask what I should expect at this first appointment ?
23 Replies
- Bugger! @jan61 But at least you know what you're dealing with.
- Thinking of you xxx @jan61 .... they'll be having a big team meeting to discuss your treatments ...
All the best with your appointments xxx - Shit bags @jan61. Was hoping for an all clear for you. Appointments getting closer together is good, I guess. If you must have appointments. Good luck MXX
- The final pathology is in ... a total of four positives out of twenty four nodes on the left and micromets in one on the right.
and then we wait again lol. At least the appointments are getting closer together.
and yes this discussion list is gold. Thanks everyone. - jan61 Meltdowns are very ok! The very fact of being diagnosed triggers considerable stress - recognise it for what it is, ie, a normal response. Isn't this discussion list gold? Make sure you take someone with you to all appointments - i have a friend who is very calm, doesn't miss anything and asks for clarification when I don't even know I need it. I agree with mmakm - you will feel better when you have more information and there's a plan in place. Hugs,x Beryl C.
- Good to get the whinge out.
I suffer from that feeling guilty crap too. It's such a stupid emotion! Useless in this situation.
It sounds like the two of you both need to cut yourselves some slack. Be gentle with yourself, be kind to yourself. Tell the old boy to be gentle and kind to himself. Tell each other your fears, name them, and then metaphorically throw them in the river and watch them float away.
Then have a little of what you fancy, toast the day, and tell each other your hopes, and make a plan to do something nice when all this is over, something to look forward to.
Maybe you can both check out this website:
https://www.otisfoundation.org.au
I've been to one of their properties and it was wonderful.
If your chap is open to it, maybe he should read this:
https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/talking-to-family-and-friends/information-for-partners/
You'll both feel better after seeing the oncologist and there's a plan in place. Big hug, K xox - I’m just having a whinge. Woke very 2 hours in pain with a mouth like the bottom of a bird cage..... Di Green ( Breast care nurse ) will be here on Monday. App with the surgeon Tuesday. Had a meltdown with the old boy which doesn’t help. He tells me he is scared too. The nerves are very much on edge. Overtired, stressed and feeling guilty. No reason why.
I did did manage to fill out the Iptaas forms. That’s a terrible website. - Hi @jan61 could you possibly find out if you have telehealth or teleoncology in your area. My Oncologist started it up here in remote and rural areas of Qld and is really passionate about it as he truly believes that everyone deserves the same quality of medical service as those living in the city and also to eliminate the amount of travelling required by patients for chemo. It is all linked to the main hospital and monitored full time by Doctors through all processes and rural hospitals have someone who has had specific training in all areas of teleoncology and watched over by monitor the entire time.
Might just be worth finding out as could save travel for you. Good luck with everything.xo - Dear @jan61,
Agree, get in touch with your breast care nurse ASAP. You may be able to discuss what the treatment options are likely to be before you see the Oncologist. I live near Dubbo, and was able to have chemotherapy in Dubbo, followed by radiotherapy at Orange. My breast care nurse was wonderful, giving me information and support. She also helped me get support from CanAssist (fuel voucher) when I was travelling to Orange, and get help from IPTAS (Isolated Patients Travel Accomodation Support). I stayed at the Western Cancer Care Lodge during the week. It was wonderful! Keep in touch and best wishes from jennyss in Western NSW - @jan61
Does Forbes have an Oncology unit for Chemo?
Or will you need to travel to Orange
Sue Kuter is the Orange Base Hospital BC NurseHI! I'M SUE KUTER.
I'M BASED IN Orange.
I support patients and their families in the Orange and Cabonne regions.
I've been a McGrath Breast Care Nurse since 2011, a registered nurse since 1982 and I also have a Graduate Diploma in Breast Cancer Nursing.
The most important thing I do for my patients is ensure they are fully informed so they can be empowered to make decisions about their health and treatment.
Every day I make a difference by following my patients through all aspects of their treatment through breast cancer. Exercise is an important part of the treatment plan for women with breast cancer these days. I have put together a calendar of weekly exercise classes for women who have had a diagnosis of breast cancer to attend and I also attend these classes. The classes provide support, companionship, exercise and an opportunity to build on their confidence.Email [email protected]Facility Central West Cancer ServiceFacility Address Orange Hospital, 1530 Forest Road Orange NSW 2800Phone Number 02 6369 3968Days Worked Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Parkes is the next closest BC NURSEHI! I'M DIANNE GREEN.
I'M BASED IN Parkes.
I support patients and their families in Parkes, Forbes, Condobolin, Trundle, Tullamore, Tottenham and Peak Hill.
I've been a McGrath Breast Care Nurse since 2011, a registered nurse since 1989 and I also have a Masters in Breast Cancer Nursing.
The most important thing I do for my patients is to help to breakdown treatment options, and make sure they are aware of the services available.
Every day I make a difference by providing education and support in a compassionate manner during a time of turmoil. Medical interventions are sometimes limited in a rural community, but through the McGrath Foundation, I can fulfill this need and hopefully reduce the burden of isolation felt by many.EmailFacility Parkes Community Health CareFacility Address Lachlan Health Service-Parkes Hospital, 2 Morrissey Way Parkes NSW 2870Mobile Number 0428 535 843Phone Number 02 6861 2552Days Worked Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
Can you access Community Transport?
Orange has a lodge attached to the hospital call Sue and ask her about it ...
