Cancer Support Thread

Robisere

I feel great sympathy for everyone here affected by this terrible disease and I salute with great respect, all those battling the effects themselves.
I first thought that it had been exceptionally hard upon my family, but thanks to all you smashing people here, I see I am not alone.

In order from the age of 9 to the present, I lost my granddad, favourite uncle, big brother, dad, one nephew and a much-loved 'second dad' my FIL, before losing another nephew and a childhood mate, at Christmas last. All to cancer. The nephews were cousins to each other, my brothers were 15 and 17 years older than me, so their kids were more like younger brothers and sisters to me. The first nephew was only 7 years my junior and we grew to be great mates, he lost his wife at 26 due to breast cancer and he died many years later, it was like losing a kid brother. I was with big brother, dad and FIL when all 3 passed away, that is something that never leaves me. Second nephew was just 51 when he passed at Christmas, the original black sheep who was estranged from all the family except his big sister and myself. His sister was a Staff Nurse who suffered double mastectomy a few years ago, then a stroke. She has battled her way out of that and I love her determination to live.

Looking back on all of that, and comparing stories here, it seems that a disproportionately small number of families seem to suffer the most. I make a DD donation every month to Macmillan, whose nurses cared for my dad and my FIL. If it had not been for the nurse who looked after my dad, I would not have been able to cope: my mum was also ill (Angina) and I was working, trying to support a family.

Thank you so much for starting this thread, I have never been able to say all of that before. I sincerely hope that you are able to face this awful disease with courage and I hope you have as much time as possible to enjoy your new granddaughter, bless you.

Janetta

Dear all,

Hugs for you all & thank you for sharing your cancer treatment / or support journey of family & friends.

Excellent idea for a thread very brave of you op to start the thread - well done. Learnt so much already on how cancer impacts ones life and the people around you.

The last 16 months have been horrendous. With chemo, surgery, radiotherapy and on going hormonal treatment, with my last herceptin last week.

Simply didn't see cancer coming, in which it has made me totally evaluate my life, people around me etc Never did i put such faith in God, prayed, questioned why me - acceptance & as I have come out on the other side - i pray God orders my footsteps.

Its a great idea for a thread and just reading each post gives me hope for the future.

Hugs for you

Janetta

Gigervamp

Thank you everyone for your posts, I hope this thread helps in some small way.

Minimad, I'm so sorry that you've lost your Mum. She will be at peace now. Sending gentle hugs.

GlasweJen, I'm glad to hear you're going to book a test. It's much better to catch it early, if you do get it. One of the treatments for advanced stage CC is a full hysterectomy, as well as having part of the bowel and bladder removed, which means having to have stoma bags for both those functions.
I was unable to have that done, hence why I still have the cancer and my treatment is palliative.
I've been really lucky so far, in that it hasn't spread yet, but I'm dreading that time coming.
The jab is great, but I've read posts by parents who don't want their daughters to have it! I cannot understand that mindset.

Pondskater, gosh, that must have come as a complete shock! Do you have a partner or friend to go with you to your appointment this week?

Vintagebrighton, sorry to hear that it's come back. I look forward to hearing of your adventures in Scotland. It's good to have something to look forward to and get excited about.


Speaking of looking forward to things, husband and I are having a weeks holiday in Swanage later this month. It's actually our second holiday this year, and after having no holidays since our honeymoon 11 years ago, it feels really decadent! :rotfl:

I've always loved Swanage, since going there as a child and taking my own children there when they were small. My husband had never been, so when we went earlier this year, I took him to all my old haunts and he fell in love with the place too.
We've booked the same flat that we stayed in last time, as it has a terrace and is right above the beach. The sound of the waves lapping on the shore is soooo relaxing and just what we need. It will also be my birthday while we're there.

pickledonionspaceraider

This thread has pushed me to get a lump checked out

candlelight_2013

Thank goodness for that, as Gingervamp says the earlier the better.

I saw my nail technician today and her Mum had gone to the GP with what she thought might be a lump in her right breast. She was sent for a mammogram, was told the right breast was fine but they were concerned about the left. After all the tests and biopsy she has been told she has a grade 2 tumour and will be having a lumpectomy at the end of September.

I remember something along the same line some years ago when a lady went with a problem with one breast and it turned out to be the other.

Make your appointment pickledonionspace raider soon and good luck

Candlelightx

DJS1988

Sat here with a lump in my throat. My thoughts are with all fighting this awful disease, or sharing a loved ones journey through their battle.

This thread has too come at a good time for me. My Grandad was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer about two months ago, and unfortunately his care is now only palliative, with a prognosis of 3-6 months. He was given some radiotherapy to shrink the tumour to help with his swallowing and breathing, but the after effects of this have knocked him for six. He also now knows his prognosis (which we initially decided to keep from him..) which has really put him into depression. It's hard as a family as he's such a "mans man" and he is struggling with the lack of dignity he now has.

My Mum is an only child so bearing alot of the care herself (my Nan is fairly unwell also), and doing amazingly - she's very emotional as a rule so I've been shocked by her strength. However, my brother and I feel a little lost as to what we can do to help....as much as we want to do anything we can.

Again, great idea for a thread and hope everyone can get support here, it does sometimes feel much easier to speak to people you don't know.

x

DUKE

Thinking of you & your dear Mom minimad x

sillyvixen

Today we lost Mum, she died at home -we (Dad, Brother and myself) were with her. I was holding her hand. She was not only my Mum but my best friend.

Georgiegirl256

So sorry to hear that sillyvixen My sincere condolences to you and your family.

My Dad was my best friend too, we were so alike, like two peas in a pod my Mam called us. Me and my Mam held his hands when he passed too.

Gigervamp

SillyVixen, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm glad that she was able to pass at home, surrounded by the people she loved.

Gentle hugs sent. x