Australian Sisters
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Hi Carla.. I've been living in Brisbane for nearly 20 years now, but am originally from.rural N.S.W as well.. I know how hard it can make it when you need to travel for treatment.You'll feel so much better once you meet with the surgeon and get a plan put into place...(( Hugs))
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Hi all.
Earlier I wrote a long post and it vanished into cyber space. Oh well, never mind.
Hi newbies good to see so many coming on to a great thread. I am actually an interloper - I am one of the Kiwis who like coming over here.
I have LE which is sort of under control at present though it flares badly at times. I do massage every day and usually wear a sleeve and gaunlet, sometimes a glove. I have several coloured sleeves which I enjoy wearing and happily inform people about LE after BC.
Just to cheer you folk up I am now 8 years out and getting used to the new me because that is what it is. i have other health problems which haven't helped and still do have issues with BC but life is good.
So big hugs to you all
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hi lovely ladies
im so glad the rain hit adelaide yesterday!!! supposed to only be 22 degrees tommorow yay!!! I dont do well in this heat especially with my lymphadema thank god its only on one arm! Going for my third fill on the 22nd Jan so only one more after then im done until exchange!!!! i actually look forward to going to hospital which I thought i would never say lol
Hope the rest of you are travelling ok
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Hi to all, though I don't write often - I do read! Today I am sad......as I lost my last little chickadee, Kellie has flown the family nest after 37 years.
It may seem a long time to wait to see her fly away at last but, having brain cancer at ten and being disabled by surgery and radiation, this day had to come eventually.
This time last year, we were planning to put her into her own little flat with the support of family and other care systems but, it seems, it wasn't meant to be, as she had a 'super stroke' at the end of May.
She spent the rest of the year in the hospital rehab section as they tried to restore her functions and abilities to a reasonable level.....alas....they couldn't get all her functions back.
Her speech was affected along with the loss of her right sided movement which added to the loss of her left hand side at ten. Thankfully, her brain was not deficited this time and she can still reason and joke to a 10 - 14yr old level.
She could not come home after the normal 12 week rehab period provided by our Gov't because our house is a high-set Queenslander which would require major renovation - bathroom, doorways and long staircases front and back - and I am no longer the strong woman I was when she was ten. She was 29 kgs then and it was a lot easier to get her out of a car or bath into a wheelchair until she was back on her feet after nearly 12 months of rehab - speech, occupational and physical therapy - in a home for crippled children.
She has spent 34 weeks in hospital and she is as good now as she'll ever get - in a wheelchair for life along with very little independence in doing the things we all take for granted
My own health is deteriorating and I am currently awaiting a decision from Orthopedic and Oncology drs as to whether they will give me a couple of new hips this year as mine are like stones grating on one another, with the same sound effects, with every movement. Kellies father is suffering from depression and, due to E.C.T. treatment in October, has lost a lot of mental function. Some days he can't remember who Kellie is and everything takes detailed instructions at least 3 - 4 times, this is very frustrating for me as I get quite cranky with him and some days just seem to be snapping at him all day and then have to figure out how to do those same things, while pushing a 'wheely-walker, around.
The hospital social worker has been trying to find an assisted-living facility for Kellie all last year and, finally, two weeks before Xmas, told us they had found a place that met all our criteria for Kellie.
So.....today......with much rushing around for the last two weeks, doing a P.O.A., buying therapeutic beds w/ linen to fit and paper signing etc, Kellie moved from the hospital to a lovely house in Hervey Bay, close to her two brothers and their families, who will eventually be her main carers, besides the ones who run the house where she now lives, of course.
It didn't help this morning that I had an appointment with the Orthopedic surgeon at 11:15am and then had to wait 2 hours to be told that my hip would have to wait another two weeks because they had not communicated with the Onc dep't and didn't know what level my current health was at. So, 9am pick up K at Maryborough hospital, take her to the new house, rush to the Hervey Bay Hospital for a two hour wait for nothing, then rush around buying food etc for Kellie for four days because she wants to settle in this weekend without us around....and that made me sad enough to start tearing up one minute before my name was called to see the Ortho Dr.
There will be no more daily, sometimes three times a day, visits to the hospital for DH and I....and no more long sessions watching movies or trying to find a cool/warm spot for a picnic of take-away lunch on the weekends either.
She will have a new family now with three other patients and four carers to live her life out while hubby and I will watch from the sidelines.
Sorry about this tear-jerker post but have no-one to talk to who understands the stress that the big little 'c' puts on us all at times.
Sheila.
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Oh shit Sheila!! What a time for you! It's always sad when our last child flies the nest but even harder for you as you have been her carer as well as a Mum to her and I feel your pain as you get used to her not needing you as much. That batten change can be super hard but it sounds like she will be really well cared for and it's now time for you and your DH.
Sure hope you get some good news on those hip replacements, knowing how hard it was for me with knees I can only imagine what it has been like for you with two hips that feel like marbles on glass.........UGH!!!! Keeping my fingers crossed that the ortho can give you great news in a couple of weeks,
Never feel bad about sharing your inner thoughts here as we hear and get where you are coming from.
Love n hugs. Chrissy
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Thanks Chrissy, I guess the worst is over now as far as I am concerned, probably not so much so for DH and daughter. I was dreading having the op and leaving DH in charge of K while I recuperated but no need to worry so much now. It'll be a good way to find out how they all cope when I'm not around at all.
Looks like 2015 will be a much better year for this family, for a while, at least.
Would you believe I'm looking forward to your next trip almost as much as you are? Hope it goes the way all your other travels have and both of you have a great time.
Hugs back to you too.
Sheila.
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Sheila, I think it will surprise you just how quickly everyone will adjust to the new regime although a little tough for the first few weeks as everyone learns the new routine, especially for K. At least now you don't need to worry about K's care when you have your hip ops and that's a good thing.
It sure sounds like it's time for you and your DH to have some alone time without the stress and worry of all that travelling. I really don't know how you have managed to keep doing that as well as deal with the stresses and treatments of BC........you are amazing!
My first trip for this year is to Cairns for the middle two weeks in March.........I got such a good deal on air fares I couldn't believe it.....lol......$95 one way just blows me away.......lol. I will definitely have my camera with me and I will share pics while I'm away as I will take my computer this time.
Did I mention to all that DH has finally put in motion to get his passport and is planning a trip away for both of us?!! I am so excited about this one as I didn't think he was very interested in travelling but this just proves that you never know......lol. He apparently been saving for quite a while and now has enough for both of us to travel to the south of France, the Dordogne region to be precise for about four weeks......all I can say is WOW!!!!!
That will probably happen around the end of September/beginning of October this year which will mean that We will be back in time for the grandsons Birthdays as well as the Aussie Get Together in Melbourne at the end of November. I really am going to be a gad about this year!!!!.....lol.
Take it easy all!
Love n hugs. Chrissy
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Sending big hugs Sheila. Do hope you settle into this new regime quickly and life is easier for you and DH. It will give you some space to focus on ypurselves.
Hot sticky might here and something has upsets stomach so having a cup of tea and listening to the radio.
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Alyson I'm enjoying the drop in temperature at the moment, a lovely cool to cold breeze blowing through my open front door. It's about 13 degrees right now with a top forecast for tomorrow of 20!! Loving the cool after all that heat!
Take care of that upset tum and I hope you can get some sleep.
Love n hugs. Chrissy
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Hi All!
Chiming in to let you know we are looking for your "stories of love for February.
Each and every person who encounters a diagnosis or illness spawns a collection of love stories around them. The stories come spontaneously from partners, parents, siblings, friends, nurses, doctors, community, Breastcancer.org members, peers, and even pets. Sometimes it happens organically and without notice.
We'd love to hear and feature your "love stories" in the month of February. Please share a story of love that enriched you, may have surprised you, made you feel stronger or supported during your breast cancer experience.
Please email us at community@breastcancer.org or PM the Moderators, and don't forget to include a good quality photograph that best represents you or your story. We will be posting the stories here:
http://www.breastcancer.org/community/acknowledging
Thanks!
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Sheila, what a heart wrenching story and thank you for sharing. I had no idea about your situation and I had tears running down my face reading your post. What a strong and amazing woman you are and I certainly hope that this year will be a great year for you as you deserve it!!
Chrissy, enjoy your travels, as March will be here before you know it. And congratulations on your DH for organising his passport and wow, even going away together, that will be wonderful.
Mel, I hope your lymphedema is a bit better now that it has cooled down, I got my lymphedema bra in the mail yesterday and I can feel the difference already, I hope that I get some reduction soon.
Speaking of this cool weather, would you believe that I am making beef and vegetable soup for tea tonight as that is what hubby feels like ?????? I will take some to mum later on as well, as I am sure that she will enjoy it.
I hope everyone else is enjoying their weekend and keeping well.
Warm hugs
Mandy xxx
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Sheila that is a sad yet inspirational story and I wish you and your family an amazing well earned 2015. Chrissy looking forward to your photos I love the south of France so exciting for you. Enjoy the rest of the weekend girls we have had floods here in Bendigo
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part 2 ladies. I am so glad the really hot steamy weather has eased I am running 2 times (4km) per week and walking 4 times doing about 7km.each walk It does make me feel better and more positive with my life. I have also started weights at home so here is to a fit 2015
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Sheila, so much love in your story. I hope it has eased your mind that things seem to be getting in to place for the future.
Delvzy, congrats on a great start to 2015 fitness wise. I'm also concentrating on my fitness with a cancer survivor dragon boat race coming up in March and a couple of breast cancer runs in March and May.
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Thank you ladies for your unconditional support, I really appreciate it.
Dd is doing well in her new environment, so far, and her two brothers and their families visited her each day. I spoke to her on the phone and she was very cheerful so, fingers crossed, they will stay that way.
Just a short story on hubby's problems:- One day went to visit K in the hospital and, after getting a handicapped parking spot we had to walk up a slight hill to get inside.
Hubby got my walker out of the boot, locked the car, and walked off with the walker! I am left standing at the car hanging on to the door handle, watching him walk away in amazement!
After a couple of shouts and a whistle, he turned around and waved me to come to him. I took one step away from the car and almost landed on my face.
I think that's when he realised he'd done something wrong.....and turned to come back.....with the walker.
By this time I was hanging on to the car again with clouds of steam coming out of my ears. When I asked him why he needed the walker more than I did, he replied, "I thought I would help you by pushing it up the hill for you, so you didn't have to push it."
Can someone tell me why I have the walker in the first place?
Sheila.
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Hello girls! Sorry I've been MIA lol.
All's good with me, just been on holidays and having a lovely time
Not getting onto the computer too much - well that's actually a lie - been on the puta a lot, but just not on here lol.Welcome to the new girls, Carla Elaine and Terry. You'll find this thread is amazing - we are all here for you in good times and bad.
Shelia - thank you for sharing your story with us - yes we are all here to listen and support you - we "get" it. You are an amazing woman - you have so much to deal with. I loved your last post - you have a pretty good sense of humour too lol.
Mandy - hope your hubby loved his soup - the things we do for them
But it's usually worth it. I hope the Xeloda is still working for you? Is your nausea getting any better?Chrissy - girl you are a traveler aren't you!? Hope you haven't forgotten you are supposed to be coming to Canberra this year (early in the year I hope) for a visit and more camera work???
Mel - I've been thinking of you - hope your next fill goes smoothly (((hugs)))
I've been busy with the pet photography (have a look at the two cuties I did last week). Also been pretty busy with a new business idea that I'm looking into - it's all very exciting and has great potential. Sorry to be a bit mysterious about it, but once I have things locked into place I'll let you all know about it. Not photography but working with animals lol. It really has great potential, and as I'm not sure I'll have a job after 30 June (government has decided it doesn't like the vocational education training system and is doing its best to close us down) this has the potential to keep me in food and water lol. That's what I've been busy on the puta the last week or so - lots and lots of research. I'm also helping a friend set up a new website, and that's been a lot of fun.
I'm feeling really well, I'm hoping that 2015 is going to be a great year. I really hope it is for everyone on here too.
Love to you all
Trish
xoxo
And for the two cuties:
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Trisha.. Great photos !! Hope all your plans for 2015 work out for you !!
Sheila..Had to laugh at your story in your last post.. .. Even though I'm sure it didn't seem at all funny at the time.!!
Just wondering what tests you girls do at your yearly check up appointments..? The American girls all seem to be all different.. So I'm interested to see what is the "go" here..
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Trish, they are beautiful! Great that you have an exciting opportunity and I too hope it goes well.
Sheila, funny, funny story!
Lucy, my 2 year check up is next week. I will be having a mammogram and ultrasound and a physical exam.....I'm a little nervous as you can imagine....
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Hello ladies, lovely pics Trish! I hope 2015 is a great year for everyone. Chrissy you're amazing! Sheila, I hope everything continues to work out well for your Daughter. I had to smile at your husband taking your walker up the hill for you, but totally "get" how frustrating for you! Delvsey, that's a great exercise routine, good luck for 2015! Hi, to those I have missed.
Lucy, I just had my 2 year checkup on Friday with my Surgeon. This was just a good check of remaining breast and the scar line of the Mx. I have my U/S and Mammo done in September each year and the Surgeon appointments in January and July.
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Tammy good luck with your appointment in 2 weeks. I'm sure I'll be a wreck when mine gets that close.
Ariom.. Hi.. Do you get your results of the mammogram on the same day as the test?
Also do you ladies have blood tests as well?
I'm doing O.K.. But still going to Cancer Council for councilling.. Still get waves of fear come over me.
Thanks ladies.. You're all the best xx
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Hi Lucy, no I don't get the full results at all, on he day, they go straight to my surgeon and unless there is anything untoward, I don't hear about it till I go to the next appointment with him. I was able to stay in the Breastscreen system for the first year, with a great Radiographer, but unfortunately, they only send the letter to the patient to say all's well, or you have to go for a call back, which was good for me, but they don't send a detailed letter, or copy of the mammogram to the surgeon. My Surgeon was unhappy with that, so now, I go to my local Hospital, for a private mammogram once a year and an U/S, so my Surgeon receives everything, in those tests. In saying that, when I had the mammo and the U/S in September, they kept me there, till the Mammogram had been sighted by the Head Radiographer and he told me all looked good, but it wasn't a detailed result.
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Ariom, glad to read your follow up was good.
Lucy, I am having the mammo and ultrasound at 10am and then I see the surgeon at 1.30pm for the results. It is actually next Tuesday.....best not to think about it
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Hi everyone and hello to the new people on here AussieElaine and AussieTerry and carlaau. Just letting you all know I am reading about once every three weeks at the moment. Have already been over to Auckland twice since December and heading back again with hubby next weekend to hopefully finish up clearing my mothers unit ready for it to be listed for auction in February.
I'm still taking the Femara and it seems to have given me this really painful right foot. Hurts so much each time my foot hits the ground that I'm spending a lot of time avoiding walking too much :-/
Had my annual CT, bone scan and ultrasound (no mammograms allowed on the reconstructed breasts) on Thursday and Friday. So far I only know that the ultrasound was clear. Will phone the Onc office tomorrow to find out about the other two. Of course I'm paranoid about it...
My mother is still very angry about being in a dementia unit so visiting her each day when I'm over there is pretty stressful. Oh, and our Rachael had surgery this past Wednesday (eardrum reconstruction) and has had us up every night since as she has been in pain and doesn't understand she has to wait for the meds to work...
Regards from Jen
PS I only get the CT and bone scan because of the clinical trial (D-Care) that I am on for five years. Otherwise I don't think I'd get any testing at all
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Dear Jenn, I hope you results are clear. I also hope that2015 improves for the family.
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Jenn.. Hope you get great results from your scans.. I hope Rachael is recovering well, and her pain is gone.. It's hard for all of you.. I work in aged care.. Your Mum's reaction of anger about being in dementia is very common.. As time passes, so will the anger.. and she will start to feel "at home " where she is.. ((hugs))
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Thanks Tammy and Lucy!
Turns out my Onc is away until next Tuesday. In his absence the staff can't give me the scan results. The research nurse was apologetic and said she will email the reports to me next Tuesday after he has seen them. When I told her he should phone my mobile if he needed to discuss anything with me she said "oh I doubt that will be necessary". I took that as a hint that all is OK...
Rach is getting better very slowly. Pain meds have now led to constipation of course :-/
Jenn
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Jenn, I hope the results were good today.
I had my 2 year mammo, ultrasound and physical check today and it was all good....phew! A bit of an anxious moment though....I had the mammo and then ultrasound and when I was waiting in the queue to pay the mamographer called me back for a spot scan.....on the non Cancer breast....she was apologetic but I said I preferred it now rather than a call back.....just a thorough check.....I'm celebrating now!
I am so relieved I just want to hug everyone now.....
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Tammy...Yay.. So happy you got great results today.. Must feel so good.. I don't have my 1st yearly check until.August, but I'm already petrified when I think about it.. Does your doctor do blood tests as well?
Jenn.. Hope you got good results as well.
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Tammy that would have been a bit of a blow when that happened, but I'm with you, would rather it was there and then than a call back.
Jenn - sounds like all is ok with you too.
We all get the scanziety - mine isn't as bad as it was, it does seem to get a bit easier with time.
Chrissy! Where are you girl? We miss you.
Trish
xoxo
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Lucy, this appointment was with the surgeon. I do regular blood tests with the oncologist.....who I don't have to see for 6 months now!
Trish, glad to read the scanziety gets better with time.
Chrissy, I echo Trish's comment....we miss you
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