Awake and up all night

Hello Robin, and another warm welcome

Most of us here know exactly how you feel sweetheart. My own mam was diagnosed with breast cancer but that was several years ago. Still, it's not something we forget but we're all here for you lovey and we've got you whenever you need us.

Sending warmest hugs and love xxx 

You are in a safe place to let out your feelings and start to organise your thoughts. 

It is a very confusing and emotional time. If you have been feeling like you have to be strong for mam then this is a good place to start opening up, to say you need help and someone to help look after you.

Have you been going to mam's appointments with her? Do you feel you understand enough about the type of cancer she has and the treatment plan she is about to start?

It is perfectly natural to still feel shocked, angry and scared. Angry that it has happened, angry that treatment takes time to be decided and to begin, scared to see your rock become vulnerable, scared that you can't see certainties in the coming months.

It is very hard to accept that there are some things we just can't control.

How is mam at the moment? Does she live alone? 

Take care

Thank you and i just feel vulnerable if that's the correct feeling how to feel and thank you so much xx 

I haven't been able to get to some appointments due to my partner working away for work and no child care for kids over holidays and my dad there at home but he ill himself with his health problems very hard when only child and mam of 4, 

Mam is ok now she on her correct pain management which has took awhile for the GP but McMillan nurses in area helped loads to get correct medical 

Robin, just so you know sweetie. Don't feel pressured to answer every post as we can see what you've written to other members. There's also an unavoidable delay which makes things a bit clunky.

In your own time lovey, and if you get sleepy or the kids wake up or something, you just do your own thing xxx

Please don't add guilt to your worries. You still have your own little family that need you and I am sure you are tearng yourself in two trying to be in both places.

It's good to hear that she is already in contact with MACMILLAN nurses. Have you spoken with anyone on the Macmillan helpline?

There is lots of help there, just someone to talk to, or to get information. You could check out if mam and dad are entitled to any benefits or carer support etc.

Macmillan also do lots of easy to read leaflets on different cancers and treatments if you think that might help focus your thoughts.

Medical staff understand that what is said in appointments is difficult to take in and remember. It can be hard to remember to ask all your questions at the time.

Does nam have a named cancer contact like a nurse at the hospital?

Hugs

Hey Robin, no guilty feelings if you can't make every appointment with mam.

I couldn't as I worked full-time back then and my dad was also at home and not in great health either. He was 91 so wouldn't have been able to go with her.

Just do what you can and I'm sure mam will understand and love you more for being a fantastic daughter. Things will improve dramatically once treatment starts, promise. Once mam's treatment finishes, that's maybe when she'll need you a bit more as she'll be in recovery. It'll work out sweetheart xxx

Sshhhh. Robin might have settled down and I don't want to wake her - 4 kids are a handful. 

I'll send you another post xxx

 Gill H umm in the middle of all this important serious stuff... can I apologise for the remnants of my enthusiastic strawberry munching being left decorating your kitchen. 

I got distracted but would have cleaned up if you hadn't got there first    

Cheers

Well just to inform you that my pseudo narcolepsy is fab!

Out like a light and even after my allotted 2 hours expire, a quick swig of water and back in the land of nod.

The secret? I have no idea but it's brought some sanity back xxx