Hello,
We moved from UK to New Zealand in 2008.
My wife (59 years old) had been having headaches and a little disorientation and a bit of nausea for around 3 to 4 weeks.
It started as flu like symptoms and we put it down to the 2nd Covid booster and the flu jab she had a week or so before.
Doctor wasn't happy and referred her for a CT scan on the 27th Sept (Tuesday) which revealed a lesion on the right side of the brain.
Started on Steroids immediately, to reduce the swelling that was causing the symptoms.
Had an MRI scan (to get better resolution) and a full body CT scan (to see if there was another cancer feeding this one).
CT body scan was clear and they are going to operate next Thursday (6th Oct) and then continue with Chemo/Radio.
Myself (70) and my son (22) and of course my wife, are all frightened and very worried and really don't know what to do or what will happen.
We have a meeting for a talk and questions session (in an hour or so, 29 Sept) with the Neurosurgeon who will be doing the operation and I really have no idea what to ask, if anything.
I can't praise Wellington hospital enough for their speed and thoroughness with this issue, I've been in there before and they are beyond excellence and get stuff done properly and quickly and without fuss.
Any help, info or pointers would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
G
Hi and welcome to the Online Community although I am sorry to hear about your wife’s diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis in the family can be such a stressful and challenging time but I do hope you will find the community a safe place to get support and ask your questions.
As you will know Macmillan is a UK based Cancer Support Charity so do remember that the group members may well be talking about treatments that may differ from those in NZ but in the whole there will be similarity’s..
The Community is divided into support groups (discussion rooms) so can I suggest you consider joining our supportive Brain tumours group. This is a safe place to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from family on the same journey.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) link(s) I have created above. Once the group page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go. You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
When it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting family you may also benefit from joining our general Carers only and Living with cancer outside the UK where you will connect with others navigating the same challenges.
We have our Macmillan Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Please do get back to me if you need further help.
All the very best.
