A New Carer's Perspective!!

1 minute read time.

FormerMember

31 Mar 2010

Hi Blog World

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Pixiewoo xxx

KateG over 15 years ago

You sound like a very supportive niece. You don't say how old your aunt is and what is her general state of health. I have had experience of dealing with someone who is bipolar so I understand a little about the problems. How good is your aunt at taking her meds? I am not being nosy for the sake of it, but it always helps us to help you if you give as much information as possible.

Ask us the right questions and someone will be on hand to help and support you.

Best wishes,

KateG
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FormerMember over 15 years ago

My aunt is 61 at the end of the month. She is really good at taking her meds at the moment, she has her anti-psychotics by injection once every 2 weeks and her mood stabilisers and anti-depressants she takes daily and for the last 6 years has been really well and been taking her meds. Fingers crossed that this continues!

I don't feel you are being nosy at all, I understand that the more info the more support....ask away

Thanks

x
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KateG over 15 years ago

It is good to know she is taking her meds, especially if some are by injection. My experience with two of my friends was they would often pretend they had taken their meds because they said whilst taking them they felt 'zoned out'. It might be wise to make sure her psychiatrist is aware of her diagnosis so that, if necessary, they can adjust her meds. The diagnosis of breast cancer can screw up even normally placid people.

Hope the treatment won't prove too much of a strain but she is being treated at the best possible place. I know that because I'm being treated at the same hospital!

Best wishes,

KateG
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FormerMember over 15 years ago

Thanks Kate. I will contact her Mental Health Team. I know psychological support is available through the Marsden but guess it would be better for the team that know her to support her in the first instance. I spoke to her oncologist last week about contraindications of chemo etc with her medication and he is checking it out for me.

Good luck with the treatment,

Best wishes

Pixiewoo
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FormerMember over 15 years ago

good luck pixiewoo.... your aunt is very lucky to have you ...

liz xxx
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