A new carers confused perspective!!https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-blogs/b/a_new_carers_confused_perspective/atomTelligent Community (Build: 12.1.2.21912)2010-03-31T18:42:28ZProgress so far....https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-blogs/b/a_new_carers_confused_perspective/posts/progress-so-far2010-05-04T18:08:43Z2010-05-04T18:08:43Z<p>Hello Mac World</p>
<p>Things are going well with Pats so far. </p>
<p>First lot of Chemo was ok, was scary as no one knew what to expect. It was quite a surreal experience just to accompany someone! Surreal but not in a bad way, was actually a remarkably calm experience for Pats. The nurses in the Medical Day Unit were so nice, chatting and made Pat feel so comfortable. Pats was sick a couple of times the day after but other than that all has been fine for her, which is a big relief.</p>
<p>Finally managed to see someone about a wig, which was really good for Pat's confidence, she picked one called "Gloria", so now "Gloria" is part of the family too! It really is so nice and looks so natural looking, i was not expecting that to be the case.</p>
<p>"Gloria" has become a permanent fixture very quickly. I had no idea how someones hair would fall out with chemo, i thought it would just gradually thin but this time last week Pats had a full, thick head of hair, now she is completely bald at the sides and back and its coming out in clumps, this has been a little shocking for her but she has taken it in her stride, like she does everything! So "Gloria" and the rather glamorous turban's will be with us for a while now!</p>
<p>Went back to the Marsden today for bloods and to see the doctor, the appointment has been split this week because of the bank holiday, so chemo number 2 is in Thursday. This appointment started rather dramatically when i had a call on my phone from Pats' phone, which turned out to be a police officer in her flat because it had caught fire! Thankfully all was ok and the cat was fine, which was Pats' biggest worry. Unfortunately, my sister and I had to break the news to Pats before her appointment, as she was totally unaware and all was well when she left home!</p>
<p>Anyway after our initial drama, the appointment with the doctor was both enlightening and positive. The doctor said that the tumour last time they measured was 10cm by 7.8cm, which was a bit of a shock because we thought it was 7.8cm by 4cm!!! Anyway, the positive part is that the tumour is now 9cm by 7.8cm, so the chemo is working!!! </p>
<p>Things are going in the right direction and lets hope this will continue to be the case.</p>
<p>x</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="https://community.macmillan.org.uk/aggbug?PostID=335572&AppID=30587&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Former Memberhttps://community.macmillan.org.uk/members/formermemberA New Carer's Perspective!!https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-blogs/b/a_new_carers_confused_perspective/posts/a-new-carer-s-perspective2010-03-31T17:42:28Z2010-03-31T17:42:28Z<p>Hi Blog World</p>
<p>This is a blog of firsts; first ever blog, first addition to the Macmillan site and my first attempt tas a primary carer for someone with cancer!</p>
<p>My aunt has recently been diagnosed awith grade 3 brast cancer. The tumour is large (7cm x 4.8cm) and isgoing to be blasted by 8 weeks of chemo, Herceptin, then surgery once the tumour has shrunk, then radiotherapy and hormone treatment. </p>
<p>In addition to her cancer diagnosis Pats (my aunt) has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and psychotic epidsodes. Her diagnoses along with her medication mean she has some issues with her memory and understanding. I have been going to her appointments to translate, she she puts it! Pats has appointed me as her PA, she says they tell me the science stuff and I put it into terms she can understand.</p>
<p>Pats is being cared for by The Royal Marsden in Sutton. The hospital staff have been incredible. There is not one member of staff we have come into contact with who could have been more helpful. Everyone has been so understanding of her mental health issues and have been keen to ensure she has the support she needs in place. </p>
<p>I am getting to grips with the masses of information that has been given to us and am managing to translate it to Pats so that she has understanding without being scared still!</p>
<p>Its gonna be a bumpy ride for Pats but I will be there with her every step of the way and am hopeful all will go well!</p>
<p>Pixiewoo xxx</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="https://community.macmillan.org.uk/aggbug?PostID=328158&AppID=30587&AppType=Weblog&ContentType=0" width="1" height="1">Former Memberhttps://community.macmillan.org.uk/members/formermember