Had My Letter Today
It reads that when my husband goes to work we must then sleep in separate rooms, use separate bathrooms and not be in same room unless window is open and we must keep 2 meters apart feeling scared . Having a scan on thur so have to go out for an hour or so xx what has happened to our already tough life stay safe ladies take care xx
Mandy x
Yep, I've had the same letter. I had a chuckle at the bit where it advises against sharing shared spaces and includes bathrooms. I've been going to the bathroom by myself for years! Well at least since the children started school!
I know this is sensitive, but is that a standard letter (a sign of the times) or because of something more specific? Is it for anyone with METS who is living with someone who still has to go out to work, etc.??
Yes was a standard letter sent out to cancer patients with low immune system makes it so real to see it in writing . I'm missing my grandchildren so much, did face time 2day which was lovely . Keeping myself busy at home with some decorating if I dont will end up with to much time to think about things xx
In melbourne Australia, we have now been told no one (who doesn’t self isolate) in the one household is to mix together. So for instance my ex husband and my adult daughter live together. If he goes out to visit his other two daughters, he and my daughter should be separating. And yes, he is not well, but even if he wasn’t, it’s to safe guard possible cross contamination.
It’s important to do this Mandy! Very sad but true! We have to know that by taking these measures we are getting closer to seeing our grandchildren and making the world a safer place again!
These posts/replies from the U.K. and Australia are so interesting...In the U.S., we seem to continue to be taking it less seriously. Experts in other countries are issuing advice that we're not receiving...
I seem to go back and forth between sort of forgetting about the threat (as I isolate, cook, do origami, etc.) and then thinking "Can I really do this for 12-18 months until a vaccine is available?".
A lot of the current concern seems to be about "flattening the curve" so as not to overwhelm hospitals/ventilators. There are credible predictions about what % of people will end up exposed to the virus, regardless of the timing/"curve"...I've seen scenarios fro 25% to 75%. So, in reality, will most of us at some point be exposed and then put in a position where we just wait and see how our bodies deal with it? Unless we are able to isolate for a year or more....
I throttled back a bit on my Ibrance, i.e. extended my break by two days, to boost my immune system a bit. I am mildly concerned about being triaged out of a ventilator, in a worst case scenario.
I'm thinking of asking my SO, in the event that I get COVID, to take me to a different hospital from where I get treatment and not mention my cancer treatment. Would this ethically wrong? Yes, so I'm on the fence. I've read up about the ethics in place re: allocating scarce treatments and most recommend a "utilitarian" approach, i.e. who will get the most additional years out of it, which makes me a lower priority. I guess I'm changing my mind now, typing it (so useful in clarifying thoughts! ); I'd not want to take a ventilator from a young mother, e.g. Ugh! This is really just awful and brings things into play that I never imagined we'd have to deal with!!!
Lynn
What a thought. Going to a different hospital hadn’t occurred to me. That said the insurance co has our records so I think the truth would get out.
I am in the US and am in remission. I hope you can bring some peace to your heart, You won't get the virus if you stay home. If you need to go out, wear a mask and/or latex gloves. Take wipes with you and use them on anything you touch-shopping cart etc. If anyone from your family goes out, they need to scrub hands well when they come home. You will be fine. When thoughts make you anxious, pray or repeat a calming phrase until they are gone. Pray Hope Don't Worry! You will be here after the virus is gone! God bless,
Hi Lynn,
When I saw my GP last month for my zoladex injection he said I was "likely" to develop COVID -19 and that about 80% of the population will probably contract it! Not the best statistics, but then nor are the survival statistics for metastatic breast cancer. It is hard to carry on as normal when everything around us is changing and the things we once took for granted like popping to the shops for bread or milk are no longer routine errands. Rather, you have to queue for everything, keep a 2m distance from everyone and wonder whether your next treatment will be cancelled. That's how it is in the UK. I'm not sure what it's like where you live.
As for mentioning your cancer if you do (and that's a big if, remember!) contract this virus I would say yes. In the event any of us are admitted to hospital the doctors and nurses will need to know about any underlying health issues. Please don't view yourself as a "lower priority" if you do become ill. Why is your life any less valuable than the young mum you mentioned, or anyone else for that matter? I don't think I matter any less than someone else who may require treatment. I value my life very highly and so does my family.
So even though I'm not thrilled with all the restrictions and measures put in place, they are here for our protection. We will get through this ladies! Let's stay positive and strong!
Sophie ❤
They are ONLY admitting in NYC (and the boros) those who have the virus and its most severe symptoms at the time you go to hospital. I doubt very much they would be asking questions about your health and if you have the most severe symptoms, it would not make much of a difference.
Otherwise they are sending you home. If your temperature is not 104 or above, they would just turn you away.
I am not sure if you live in NY, but it would not matter if your SO took you to a different hospital. And you cannot just be infected, YOU have to be in full blown mode.
They are not working as if in "normal" mode.
NY now has enough ventilators but they are turning away people who show up at hospitals "thinking that they have the virus." They can only taking in people who are in severe symptom mode.
I am NOW allowed to receive my opiate medication much earlier than the legal requirement. All things are changing.
It really won't matter or make a difference. As of two weeks, ago NY did not have enough ventilators, now they have, but do not have enough beds.
Don't worry about taking a "ventilator" away from someone who is younger. If you are in full blown mode, they will take you, if not, they will just turn you away.
I have not left my apt. in now 16 days. The best thing you can do is self-quarantine. And as they have said thousands of time, wash your hands, and do not touch your face. You can have the virus and not even know it because you do not feel sick. But you can still infect others.
They are coming down on NYers who are not doing social distancing.
May God show us mercy bc it is just getting worse every day.
OH, my, I hadn't even thought about isolating myself from my husband! Even if one of us gets the blasted convid19 (am I spelling that properly, I have always been rotten at spelling)! His brother has been living with us, too, for most of the last year. None of us are going out except to get groceries and pick up meds and keep medical appts. We live out in the country in the middle of 10 acres, so we have that going for us. The thoughts I have had that I'm rather ashamed of are about that "utilitarian approach." I wouldn't be upset about a young parent getting medical supplies instead of me, but I'd feel very misused if a person who hasn't followed the rules about how to live with this virus floating around, been to prison for something nasty and been just generally irresponsible got medical treatment instead of me! Shouldn't having lived a life of service to others, being a good parent and a responsible citizen count for something? I don't like having thought of that, but I have. I've felt crappy enough that I haven't been going out much even before this virus, but I liked having the option.......what crazy times we live in!
I feel that everyone who has ignored orders to stay home except for essential workers and essential errands should go to the bottom of a list for respirators. Playing basketball with your buddies at the park, you are at the bottom, going to a party, another bottom dweller! They just don’t deserve it, no matter how many more years they have to live. I have more years to spend with my grandchildren, important years! I’m really angry with those who aren’t following the rules!
Elaine
Most of those who are not following the RULES here in New York are teenagers and young adults. Because they think they are invincible as I did at that age. A bunch of US high school grads went on a spring break in Mexico regardless of the warnings, bc young people think it can't happen to them.
They now find that 32 of them tested positive upon their return. They may very well have had the virus bf they went but maybe it was just one or two teenagers and now bc they had it and did not do social distancing, they infected another twenty of their friends.
NY Parks are now closed. Police are monitoring situations where people are not six feet away from others. They are out there and seriously monitoring if people are following rules as being told to us on a daily basis. They gave a citation to a 99 year old man.
They are teenagers or young adults who do not get how serious this is. If one of them get sick, should they be denied hospital treatment because of their decision. NO.
Even if they went against the rules, you cannot deny them treatment because of their naivete and lack of maturity about how serious this is. Most younger people that have the virus to them it just feels like a severe case of the flu.
The young people though, because they are younger and healthier, would probably just be home and feel like they are sick with the flu when in reality it is the virus. And never having to even wind up going to a hospital. But they can infect numerous others without even being aware of it.
Thank you! It helps me feel better to know that I'm not the only one who has had thoughts like that! I was on my way to a doctor's appt this morning and saw a utility line worker part way up a pole--I rolled down my window and thanked him for working. He seemed very surprised, but thanked me. I really admire all the folks who are working at essential jobs!
Totally agree with this Elaine. It's like here in the UK now, stats/deaths went up by over 900 yesterday - it's significant that 2 weeks ago lots of people were ignoring the instructions, blatantly flouting the rules and flocking to the seaside and country beauty spots, all mingling and mixing, and saying let's have one last night out before they shut the pubs. Well, it'll be them and/or their nearest and dearest who are paying the ultimate price now!! And it was on our Good Morning Britain TV yesterday morning talking about if there was 1 vent and 3 people needing it, the younger one without underlying condition would get it and the other 2 would perish - that'd be us!!! And the younger, fitter one could have been one of the morons out spreading it while I've been at home doing everything I can to stop the spread, forfeiting seeing my family including my poor autistic daughter who has no clue what's going on and my brand new baby grandson. Obviously not saying they deserve to die, far from it, but neither do I!!! I'm 55 and other than MBC perfectly fit and able and yes, I have many more years to live and see my grandchild grow up.
xx
Thanks Mindy! It’s not like I want anybody to die, but I feel like people need to reap the results of their actions. We all had the same information and instructions!
Hi Josie,
I know what you mean about people ignoring the rules and carrying on as if this is just one big holiday. I've seen signs up in the local nature reserve letting people know that it has been kept open so that people can continue to get their exercise, but that they should also practice social distancing.
I have been doing my best to stay away from people, observing the 2m rule in supermarkets and to not go out unnecessarily. I was actually stopped by a police officer while I was hunting for some paracetamol today. She asked the purpose of my visit to Savers, so I told her I only had six paracetamol left at home (I don't have a headache right now, but I would rather have a supply if I need it or my husband or other family members do). I had been to Lidl, Sainsbury's, Wilko's and then Savers before I got everything on my shopping list. Well, most things! I forgot to buy lentils. I also had to go to the pharmacy to collect my brother's prescription and put my prescription request in at the doctor's surgery. So I made sure I took care of all these necessary errands in one day, so I am not having to go out multiple times.
Have a good weekend!
Sophie x
Hi Sophie,
Hope youre keeping safe and well.
Have you seen the news today, the parks in London full and no social distancing. Boils my blood. Grr.
My son's in the police force and in his area, they have been told to have a common sense approach. There are genuine people going about their essential business but the number of people flouting the rules is ridiculous. He had to go break up a hot tub party and they said well its only the next door neighbours, its not a party 🙄. You just cant argue with stupid can you.
Take care x
Hi Josie,
I'm keeping well, thanks, and hope you are too!
Oh, I know! I heard the news about London! How can thousands descending on London's parks think it's OK to do so and still keep a social distance of 2m? It's just not possible. No wonder several hundred are dying on a daily basis in the UK. I saw a sign on the gate to my local nature reserve saying that it had been kept open so that people could continue to get their exercise and walk dogs, but to keep a distance from other people. We have to be sensible and exercise common sense, otherwise many more lives will be lost.
Your son must be feeling the pressure with having to deal with people during these difficult times. How can all those people in a hot tub excuse their behaviour?! Of course it was against the rules! Wait until life gets back to normal and then have a hot tub party, but now is not the time!
I was questioned by a police officer recently as I was about to go into Savers. I had been to Wilko, Lidl, and Sainsbury's just to get all of my shopping, and all I still needed was a pack of paracetamol as I was very low on supplies. The police officer understood and advised me to go home after that. That was my plan anyway. But I did need food and medicine!
By the way, I finally have an appointment through for my PIP assessment. It's a telephone consultation on Thursday. I'll keep you posted! I was getting ready to give up, as I applied on 1st October.
Sophie x
This is NOT about people who think they have lived a "better life, good parent, or a responsible citizen." That is the way one should live their life. And no, human life is human life. No one person's life is more important than anyone else's.
ASSUME you have been infected. That is what we are being told by our Governor. But if we stay home, stay six feet away from those you do NOT live with, then you are good.
If you have been with your husband in self-quarantine, then you are safe. Many people are home with their entire families. Just be extra careful if you have to leave the house.
If you are in an area where medical appt. are still going on for something other than the virus, you are more blessed than we are in NYC. Most medical and dental appointments that are NOT a necessity, are cancelled. Most of the staff at my cancer center has been sent to hospitals to work.
You may feel fine and still be infected but bc you are home and staying around only your family that is living with you at the time, you will not get it.
NY has enough ventilators now. They are running out of beds. They are not putting people into (the good people category vs. the bad people category) to decide who they treat.
If your temperature is NOT over 104 here in NY and a prisoner in jail has a fever of 104 and over, you will be turned away and the prisoner will be admitted.
It is about people who are in FULL BLOWN mode that are admitted to any of our hospitals at this time.
Where are you, as they wont let me have a letter maybe its east rwgion
Hi
My letter also arrived today! At least I can now get a supermarket home delivery.
Stay safe
Jo xx
I keep seeing this, am I missing something. Can we get priority on the home deliveries then. I've had a nose around the website but can't see anything. When I go on Morrisons, it throws me into a humongous queue, think last time I checked I was no 25,800 in the queue .
Go on to the Sainsbury’s website as they are giving us ‘ extremely vulnerable ‘ or those over 70 , a priority slot for home delivery , once a week . You need to have registered on the U.K. gov site as being in this category .I just got my acceptance text from Sainsbury’s today and it said that I should be able to see available home delivery slots within the next two days.
Iceland do a delivery service for us too but you have to keep watching their site as only book 6 days ahead , so they go quickly .
It will just mean we don’t have to take unnecessary risks going out or sending family . Take care ! x
Thanks x
yeah, I actually got my NHS text on the first day 23rd March - think my area must have been quick off the mark. Followed by daily texts and a letter later that week, Thursday I think. Saying all the same things - separate bedroom, bathroom, cutlery , towels - well, everything really. My husband is a delivery HGV driver so has been going out to work which is very scary. He has to come home, strip off immediately - clothes straight in the washer, hands washed first then straight upstairs for a shower. It took a while for me to make him understand the "immediate" part as he was coming in - he's always washed his hands straight away but he was sitting down, feeding the fish, getting a drink out of the fridge - I was like no no no, get upstairs, literally following him round with the disinfectant spray gun!!! I'm not prepared to take any chances. He was even on about taking our trailer tent and pitching up on his allotment (I suspect he would probably relish that idea lol). Not gone to that extreme just yet but this is horribly serious isn't it. Not taking any chances whatsoever. My son's moved out to his girlfriends because he's in the police force and has to be out and about too so he came and took his TV and x-box (priorities obviously 
) and off he went. I was very sad but it has to be done!
Everyone take care and stay safe. xx
Memory books; letters to family for after I pass on (which I hope is a long time)!
Barbs visit to oncologist today
FOR PERSEVERANCE TODAY
