Triple Negative BC

Hi Deeay,

Yes the kids are coping alright, keeping them busy. I still break down every morning and late afternoon usually. Nights are ok, get about 6 hours sleep. Michelle worked casual night shift so it is like she is at work. We were married for 17 years,  it has been very hard to accept.

Ironically I found the celebrant that married us in the funeral celebrant section and she spoke at the funeral service. She still had our wedding photos after all that time in her album. Beautiful lady, hates being part of the funeral and wedding "business" now, opposed to being a community service when she started 20 years ago.

Michelle had shortness of breath and a chesty cough, two symptoms of Lymphangitis carcinomatosa which took her life. Puffer and antibiotics did little. I tell myself that Michelle is in a better place now, out of pain because she had such an aggressive type of cancer. Cancer in the lungs is supposably hard to detect until it spreads. Do you take action against the doctors?. I do not know. Nothing will bring Michelle back, she would have suffered extensive chemotherapy for the rest of her short life expectancy.

 Doctors are only human, relying on books and experience like any other craft and they do get it wrong, so we need to seek other opinions when we get that gut feeling that something is wrong. Life is too precious and death affects many. 

Our oncologist told us that some have survive 20 years with metastatic breast cancer. That was the last thing he told us before things got bad. Only surviving 3 weeks after being told that, really hurts. In a way I am glad Michelle did not know though. But of course I do harbour a lot of regret.

So many women have been told they only have a short prognosis and live many years. Talking to the exceptionally inspirational women in the Soiree group from cancer council left me with heartfelt, unconditional admiration for the strength they possess.

I'm glad you have almost completed your treatment. It is great to pass another milestone. Michelle was so happy and always counting down the days on the calender. The look good, feel better program run by the cancer council was an uplifting experience for her also.

Advancements are made every day in research and the government are finally allocating funds for vital services, so things do look promising for the near future.

Take care and stay safe.