Struggling with mobility

1. I’m 62 nine years ago diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, spent four months in RDE hospital, having chemotherapy etc, at that period i could walk or even sit myself up in bed. With everything failing family got me home, I had a wheelchair and walking frame, hospital bed in my living room, care team four times a day to help get me up wash etc. My memory has been affected so unfortunately don’t remember the medical term used. Over the last nine years started to get stronger, and getting around got better with the first goal ditching the wheelchair. Because of memory I rely on my kids for what happened etc, wife had affair, and because of memory loss blamed me , so we are divorced now. I now live on my own, no care needed can look after myself, cooking, cleaning order groceries online. Make model kits to give me a hobby during the long days. The tumour has gone from terminal to inactive and because eight years have passed with no new symptoms etc. It’s now in remission, so Graham2 was born to make new memories, with kids and grandchildren. 
   sorry to hear about your partner hope my story gives you a lift there could be a light at the end of both your journey. Stay strong for him , my family were told what I had was rare , and from chemotherapy not working to it’s hung back and helped with my recovery. I still take a lot of pills, but still hear and having the kids and grandkids give me strength. Yes miss not having a partner, married by x at 17 and after thirty plus years she did this. I wonder at times why me , but seeing the photos my son has got , I’m lucky to me here , my son has power of attorney and looks after my bank etc because of memory loss blamed, had to retire due to it and time etc. 
   Hope my story gives you some hope for the future and hope with your journey . If you want to talk contact me on here or I will give you my email. 

You’re an absolute trooper, what a struggle but what a triumph .  My partner had colon then liver cancer, we thought we’d come through it only to learn of the brain tumour two months after a liver resection - was that a kick in the teeth or what. He is self employed and hasn’t been able to work or drive for over a year which for him has been a massive hurdle, he loved his work. I’m working full time and have had to work from home lately due to his mobility issues. Unfortunately family are few, so we have little support in that regard. Reading your story made me smile this morning. What you have overcome is remarkable.

Hi

a warm welcome to the online community. So sorry to hear about all that's going on with your partner. I supported my late husband through the 3 years of his Glioblastoma journey so I can empathise with what you are going through.

Have you spoken to your partner's medical team about the mobility issues? They will be the ones best placed to give the most accurate guidance. G had to take steroids at various points in his journey and the dose was also varied depending on the symptoms. It might be that a medication tweak could help matters here.

It may also be worth asking for an occupational health referral as they are the ones who can support with aids for around the house to help too. I think that's something your GP should be able to organise.

This is a safe and supportive space so please reach out here anytime. There's always someone about to listen who gets it, someone to hold your hand and to offer a virtual hug when its needed. You're not alone. We've got you.

It’s always good to talk so please remember that you can also call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service provides lots of cancer information, emotional support, benefit and financial guidance or just a listening ear.

For now though I'm sending you a huge virtual hug and lots of positive energy.

love n hugs

Wee Me xx

Thank you WM and I am truly sorry for your loss. We have an oncology appointment coming up soon, but my partner has lost faith a bit in the person that we see who has been his consultant since his colon cancer diagnosis in 2022. We reside in a first floor flat (rented privately), which is causing all kinds of problems because of the stairs (inside and outside). My partner doesn’t want to go out because of the fear of going down the external stairs which he has fallen on before, this really knocked his confidence. Christ, this is all so difficult. We have seen a physio who recommended a couple of items for the flat, but any adaptations require our landlords permission and I have been trying for 2 months to get their permission to install a few poxy handrails. It’s like pulling teeth from a chicken! I’m trying for a move with our local housing authority but that’s not a quick process either.

Have you trued to rent sheltered housing through one of the specialist housing associations? I was able to do this for my mother. She didnt qualify for social housing as she owned a property which was fair enough they couldnt have been more helpful and she was soon settled in a nice one bedroom lift access flat close by to me. The house manager was very nice and it gave me peace of mind . I used Anchor housing but there are many more