Taxis back to basics...debt and mortgage free before 50(feb 2014)

InaPickle

taxi73 wrote: »

I didn't get upset yesterday as I knew in my hearts of heart that it was breast cancer but at no time has the thought of death crossed my mind.

That's a good start. I have no doubt that you will pull through this with flying colours: you are too strong in mind for anything else. Having said that, you are allowed as many wobbles as you like on the way to your final destination of fully healthy again!

taxi73 wrote: »

I've forgotten quite a lot of what she said actually and need to phone as I forgot to ask what sort it was.

I'd have been in such shock there's no way I could have remembered half of what you remembered. Take a little notepad around with you and write down any questions which come into your head, as and when.

taxi73 wrote: »

Sorry about these long posts .....

What on earth are you apologising for? This is your thread and you can waffle as much as you like...and none of this is waffling, rather getting your head in order.

Glad to hear you have critical illness cover, BTW.

taxi73 wrote: »

My breast cancer nurse is lovely and said I can have a wig if needs be and has also put me through for complimentary therapies...aromatherapy and reikki etc....

I hope that you get all you can to help you feel better, however, how would they administer the aromatherapy? The most common way is via massage, and massage is normally not recommended for people with cancer as it helps to move the lymph around the body, which is how the cancer spreads, so be careful of falling into the trap that 'it can't do any harm'. That's not necessarily the case, and I would be very careful to check that out with a doctor before starting any treatments involving massage. I'm not saying that to alarm you, just to make sure that you don't undertake anything which may counteract the treatments you will be undergoing. I know this cos my mum is a fully-trained masseuse and aromatherapist (and many other things besides!), and I often hear her advising people against massage when they have cancer, unless in very specific cases when a doctor's note has been provided. (That's another point, no decent aromatherapist will give you a massage when they know you have cancer if you don't have a doctor's note.)

Best of luck Taxi, and waffle away whenever you feel like it!

babyhead

((hugs))

Sorry to hear your news taxi. It sounds as though they have a plan for you.

Best wishes ((hugs)) xxxxx

urg123

My Dearest Taxi

I was so sorry to hear your news. I know that you will fight through this and you willl succeed because you are brilliant. Keep posting - and lean on us when you need to.

urg x x

Rainy_2

A lurker de-lurking to send you all of the positivity and giant squeezy hugs I can muster (and it's A LOT )

xx

taxi73

Have had a productive morning....nothing like keeping the mind occupied...lol

(1)Phoned the BCN ....found out my tumour is 28mm by 22mm....how much of that is cancerous we don't know.They do not not know what sort it is until I have the operation.
I also discussed the pain in my ribs and she is asking the Dr this afternoon if I can have a bone scan,chest x ray and liver scan!!!!...(better to be safe than sorry... but that's scary)...she will let me know later.

(2) I have phoned the benefits place and put in a claim for ESA as it's now called and they are also sending a claim pack for DLA..which I'll get a professional to help me fill in.

(3) Went to the DRS and got a sick note for two months

(4)have dug out my insurance policies and read them(boring) and have spoke to the claims line ...who will be phoning me back this afternoon to do a claim...they seem very efficient...it will certainly help if they pay out...it's not a huge amount but quite a bit.(it's adecreasing one).



Some body (sorry I can't remember who) asked when I'll be starting treatment....it will be my operation first and they are hoping to do it within 4 weeks but I should know more on tuesday.

hypno06

Re the therapies - if they are being administered or arranged by the cancer nurse or local cancer centre (for example we have a Big C centre in Norfolk which does them), then they will be keeping a close eye on what you can or cannot have at each stage of your treatment.

If you pay to see anyone outside of those services, then def get a letter from your oncologist first, but if you are seeing anyone within the NHS remit, then you should be fine.

Aromatherapy can be used in scented candles and bath oil too, so find a scent that is relaxing for you, and use it at home. If you are using it as a bath oil, just check first as some can be very strong (eg rosemary) which might be a bit uncomfortable. A few drops of essential oils on a pillow or handkerchief are also great.

Keeping_Motivated

Taxi I am so so sorry that your news was not positive, I have tears rolling down my face reading your brave and strong posts. It seems to be the case that the person facing the illness is the one who keeps it together while the people around them feel so out of control and useless that they struggle to cope.

Fantastic that you have been so productive today it will all help once the treatment starts (and if it makes you feel poorly) that you have things in order as much as possible.

Lean into whatever help you can and lean into any friends or family that want to help you.

Take care xx

hypno06

Oh, and another thing.....

People often say "if there's anything I can do, just ask....." and for 99% of the time, we never do ask - we plough on ourselves. That's great if we are trying to keep busy, but remember that these people are offering to help and you CAN take up their offer.

so, never be afraid to ask someone to nip to the shop for you, to walk the dog, or even to make a Shepard's pie for dinner.....I have got a friend who is always happy to make a double batch of casserole, and take half round to anyone who needs it to save them having to cook a meal when they really are not up to it, and it is always much appreciated.

Equally, even if they haven't offered specifically to help, don't be afraid to ask. All too often we struggle on, then when we have done what we are doing someone says "oh you should have said!".......I'm sure we have all done it! So ask away, don't try and do everything yourself!

Souk08

Taxi only 'know' you from Hypno's thread but just wanted to say that I'm sorry and it's great that you're being so practical. Huge hugs and I'll ask the more religious folk in my family to pray for you X

Lemon_Tree

sorry to hear your news Taxi, like you it's not the news we'd hoped for but you have my prayers and support if there's ever anything i can do for you.
You've been given a lot of good advice and you'll get a lot more from doctors and nurses, just take your time to take the bits that you need as you go along. If you ever feel you're being hounded or pushed along a route then don't feel bad about sticking your heels in and saying 'stop' until you've got your head around things.