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RochelleAnne's avatar
RochelleAnne
Member
13 years ago

Juggling Act

Hey everyone,

Mum finishes her WBRT today. She is still totally unaware of her prognosis, which is very hard on the rest of us, but we're applying the platinum rule until after her 8 week scans. She's so excited to be done treatment, but my family looks at each other with concerned eyes - all we can think is, what now? No more treatment. Last July, the idea of treatment was absolutely frightening. Now, the idea of NO treatment is even worse.

I'm struggling at the moment to figure out how to approach these next 6 months practically. I live in Brisbane, but family is in Newcastle. I want to be down there as often as I can. Work will be flexible to a point with me working remotely, but I do feel like I'm flying blind a little bit. It is difficult to juggle such personal trauma with necessary realities... how do I pay for rent? How can I stretch what little leave I have? Can I financially make it work? What about the end - I will need weeks... how can I make that happen?

My boss asked if my parents could support me financially. I'm sure I gave him an 'are you insane?' look. Mum hasn't worked for a year.

Those things aside. We're enjoying family time immensely. We're planning a birthday party for Mum in early June - she is beyond excited! Plus it's given us a project to work on that is life-giving. A celebration - exactly as it should be! What a wonderful opportunity we're creating to make her feel special, with her family and friends around her, happy together and having fun. So far, this life-affirming celebration is the best idea we've had!

Have/how have you coped with juggling financial responsibilties/work with wanting to just be with your family? I sure do wish there was a guidebook for this!!!

Much love,

Rochelle

1 Reply

  • Mich_x's avatar
    Mich_x
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hey Rochelle, there is that lovely name again :-)  I am so glad you have such a beautiful postive thing for you and your family to look forward to.  I am going to my Aunty Flo's 100th birthday this month which will be so lovely.  She is an amazing women.I am so sorry that you find yourself in such a quandry about moving to be with your mum.  That must be so tough.  I wish I could flick a wand and make it all better for you.I do know that if you were my daughter I would understand that you have a life and you need to get on with your life and be there when you can whether by phone, email, messages, flowers etc.  I live 400klms away from my children and I would never expect them to put their life on hold because of me and I would feel guilty that I have made them do that.I think doing your work remotely when you can is a great idea but if you moved to be with your mum wouldn't she start to wonder why?It is a tough one sweety and I am so sorry you find yourself in this situation.  I am sending you comforting hugs and I hope you can work things out so you can feel better about the situation.I hope your mums party is a blast.Lots of love, Mich xoxoxoxo