[BigSis]

Hey All.

I've not been around much but have been dipping in to the boards to stay in touch.
I've struggled a bit lately with the horrible flu that's been around followed by a chest infection:worried:.

Just before christmas my dad was diagnosed with cancer and I've been accompanying him to appointments and stuff. Bit of a shock to us all. He's 76 but never been old to us.
We are a large and close family though and will rally round to take good care of him.
My hubby's poor old aunt (whom we seem to have become carers for) is deteriorating fast mentally.
She's 93 and has vascular dementia and as she says, is ready for the lord to take her. Bless her.
All this plus the usual stuff from lupus
I'm sure the stress increases my foggy head, so I'm trying to deal with each thing as the problems arrive and not anticipate too much.

May I say hello to all the newbies I haven't greeted.
Happy birthday to those I've missed and wish you all a good new year.

Ps If anyone has any experience of radiotherapy I'd be glad of some advice in helping my Dad.

 

[Katharine]

Hello there BigSis,

I had noticed that you hadn't been around much. I'm sorry to hear that life has been so hectic and that you and those close to you have been having health worries.

Although my Dad went through both radiotherapy and chemotherapy at one stage I really can't offer any advice as I was over here in Belgium and not really "on hand" to see how he coped with it. If I remember rightly he found the "targetted" nature of radiotherapy very painful and for men that have never been ill in their lives and never been to a doc that can be quite distressing.

It's going to be very hard by the sound of it but I can't stress enough how important it is that you also look after yourslef through all this. Sometimes even when there is chaos one can force oneself to go and have a nap at a quiet time of the day. You might actually feel fine at the time because adrenaline etc. is keeping you going but you really musn't run down the reserves (no matter how small they are) that you have.

Sending plenty of strengthening hugs :hug:

Katharine

 

[BigSis]

Thanks Katharine,

My dad is also someone unused to illness and doctors. Cancer care is well funded locally with good facilities and support groups and specialist nurses all over the place making themselves available to the family. Not like rheumatology
I confess I do find it difficult take time out for me, and also have trouble with switching off my brain from worrying.
My painting group recommences tomorrow which is good.

Take care

BTW love the updated picture of your beautiful collie.

 

[Joandublin]

Hi Bigsis

Im sorry to hear about these happenings in your life. Its very scary when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. I dont have direct experience of radiotherapy but my brother in law had several rounds of it some years ago. He had a tumour on his spine. The radiotherapy did help ease his pain and symptoms considerably. The tumour was pressing on his spine making it very difficult and sometimes impossible for him to walk but after his radiotherapy he was much more able to get around.

What kind of cancer has your Dad got? I think the outcomes depend a lot on the type of cancer but its good that its being treated at this stage.

Sorry to hear about your aunt as well. It will be a difficult year ahead for you all :hug:

Luv n stuff
Joan:rose:

 

[BigSis]

Hi Joan,
He has a tumour in the lung but not a common type apparantly. Not a smokers cancer.
They have sent bits of it various places because it is a rare type. It is inoperable, but Oncologist hopes for improvement in his symptoms with the radiotherapy.

As for expecting a difficult year......my hubbies brother is not too good either following years of severe alcohol problems.
I think the old adage of seven good years followed by seven lean may apply.

Thanks all...........no doubt I shall be needing a listening ear quite frequently.

 

[LolaLola]

Hello Dearest Big Sis,

I know you are an intelligent person so are probably worrying yourself sick about the outcome here. Sometimes I think I was blessed with not being close to my family. Sounds to me like you are doing a lot to help all round.

Love Lola (Dawn) x

 

[Sage Hen]

Dearest Big Sis,

I am very sorry, your life has been so stressful and hectic lately.

I hope you can find some time, to rest during all this difficulty..

I am very sorry to hear your dad is ill.

I hope the radiotherapy is very helpful to him Big Sis.

We miss you, and will look forward to hearing from you again.

Please know..we are always here for you friend.

Love,
Sandy

 

[BigSis]

Thank you so much for your kind wishes.