Times is tough around here ....

[Artyrosie]

I just wanted to apologise for the fact that I'm not around much at the moment - although I do read posts when I can.

Not only does my hubby and carer have cancer of the bladder, but we are shortly moving house to live in a flat which has been specially adapted for me. We move in two weeks and he starts chemotherapy tomorrow. No idea how its all going to go but we have a professional removals company booked to pack up our stuff, and good friends around us to help with everything including the unpacking, so somehow we'll manage.

I can say here what I'm kind of scared to say anywhere else, which is the looming question "what happens to me when he's sick" which of course he will be! Not sure of the answers yet but hopefully once we arrive in our new home (about 45 minutes away) our new GP surgery will be able to advise how to put some help in place if we need it?

The chemo will last until mid December, and then in the new year he will start radiotherapy once he's fit enough. The strain is already worsening my condition, I'm fighting a cold type virus and on my 3rd week, but obviously with all the stress my immune system isn't doing very well.

Anyway, for a while I'm not going to be able to spend much time on here, but its not because I don't care any more and once the dust settles somewhat I'll be back!

[Royalspec01]

wow you have loads going on that will increase your stress for a while so please don't worry about it in fact how considerate, to lets us know when it sounds like it must be very tiring for you and hope you feel settled soon . Congrats on the new flat I had mine given to me last year and just starting to feel like home. I was in my last one for 18 years and thought id miss it but the bonus of being on ground floor walkin shower etc it kinda relieves me . Hope all is as well as it can be for you today and hoping well hear from you when your settled and feeling whatever...........xx

[Hidden in reply to Royalspec01]

Hi Artyrosie,

So sorry to hear that you're having such a rough time of it just now and I hope once you move into your new flat and the dust settles that your life gets back on an even keel.

A close family member of mine was recently diagnosed with Cancer, and on the same day his wife was diagnosed with Dementia. He had to start Chemotherapy immediately that was to last until Jan. 2016.

I was amazed at how quickly a Care Plan was put in place for them both. It was all put in place by their Surgery, and Adult Social Care. She has her own Carer, and he his, plus the District Nurse who visits as needed, and the McMillan nurse who visits every day. So please, speak out your concerns to your Dr. and anyone else involved.

I hope when you settle into your new flat that you will be happy there, and that with the adaptations done, will make life a bit easier for you.

I hope and pray that things get better for you both, and you will be in my thoughts. Take care of yourself, and pace yourself when you can, and try and eat healthy food to keep your Immune System strong, and pop in here when you can to let us know how you are doing.

Love & hugs.

GP. 😊😊

[Betty67]

Oh what a lot to cope with. You are moving to. A more helpful environment that I am sure will be helpful to you both, and your friends are helping so accept and say thank you, often.

Please post whenever you feel up to it in the meantime, gentle hugs and all the best to you both. X

[Fibrofoggiest]

Oh golly what a huge amount you have to cope with😕😕 but I'm glad you can come here and share what is so difficult to say elsewhere.

I wonder whether it might be a good idea for you to contact the new surgery where you will be registering now and letting them know about your situation so that they can have a care package in place ready for you as soon as you move in. I'm sure due to the circumstances they will be more than happy to help you, as you will need it.

My father had bladder cancer and the chemo they gave him was directly into the bladder, which meant the side effects were minimal, I hope that the same goes for your dear hubby, nonetheless of course you are worried and as you say it is impacting on your already depleted immune system.

I so so wish there was more I could do to help, but know that I am sending lots of positive vibes for both of you 🙏🏻 and we are here for you whenever you need some words of help or encouragement !!

Muchly Foggy xox

[Artyrosie in reply to Fibrofoggiest]

No Foggy, this is "proper" chemotherapy given intravenously, so its possible that he'll be made quite ill by it.

[Fibrofoggiest in reply to Artyrosie]

Awww I'm so sorry, I know Daddy's wasn't too serious but kept coming back and requiring the chemo I mentioned.

I didn't mean to offend in any way, far far from it and I really really hope that your hubby doesn't suffer too much, as I said, both of you will be in my thoughts and prayers !!

Muchly Foggy xox

[Lruk]

Having recently moved house, you have my sympathies. I am still - 5 weeks on - working my way through boxes. I do have a horrendous amount of stuff though. Good luck to you both and I hope that your new GP surgery are able to put the correct care package into place without too much fuss.

[Artyrosie in reply to Lruk]

I've got lots of stuff too - a whole craft room full of it! Luckily its mainly in plastic boxes so shouldn't be too bad ....

[Poppy-poppy]

Lost for words I just think that you have such a lot on your plate at the moment and you will need help and I hope that it is forthcoming, I just wish you and yours a speedy recovery and you all feel as healthy as possible very very soon. Best wishes.

[Artyrosie]

Thank you all - I'm just praying that I hold up under it all, but if I have a bad day my poor daughter will just have to take charge. Luckily she's good at that! We're people of faith so I believe we'll be in God's hands.

[Hidden]

Hi Artyrosie,

I am so sorry to hear all that you have going on. No wonder you are not about much!

The move is probably the least of your problems as you have packing and unpacking sorted, well mostly.

My Mum had chemo for bowel cancer and although she was sick it was mostly on the week she had it. From memory she had one week of chemo and three weeks off. Don't quote me on a that. The week she got her chemo she would be extremely tired and would feel quite nauseas, the rest of the time she managed quite well. Losing her hair was difficult for her but funnily harder for my dad to watch. I was with my mum for all of her chemo sessions and the only advice I can offer is, humour, ice cubes and a shoulder when needed. The ice cubes were sucked during her sessions.

I sincerely wish both you and your hubby a stressless move and a successful result in your fight

[rosewine]

So sorry to read your post. My brother in law has recently been diagnosed with bladder cancer and my OH is taking him for his third dose of chemo on Thurs. It must be such a worrying time for you especially with the move on top of it. We shall also be moving soon so I know how much stress and hard work that a!one causes. Accept any help that is on offer and I do hope that you settle into your new place straight away and that you find it eases things for you. My thoughts are with you. X

[TheAuthor]

I am so genuinely sorry to read this and I sincerely hope that both of you will be okay. There is so much going on for both of you right now and I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you both. I want t genuinely and sincerely wish you all the best of luck.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken