New here. Intro and questions
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So sorry for your disappointing news on the liver function. I pray for a peaceful nights sleep for you both. Blessings, Susan
We spent twelve hours in the ER today and they decided to admit my dad. I am actually grateful they admitted him. He needs fluids and a few more tests but no bowel perforation, which was our biggest concern. Because he is still under treatment for MRSA, he gets a private room and I get a night of sleep.
On a sour note, his liver function is worse today than it was Tuesday. Not a big surprise, but disappointing too.
I made my escape before I turned 40 actually and raised 3 boys near the beach and bush but 1 hour from Sydney is commutable Janet
addit-we used to have our ages and a bit more about us displayed once upon a time but they were removed for security reasons or some such thing!
Thanks all- Lainy, my sister already thinks I’m a stalker – I think that’s a good thing and Stacey (Highsmith), we are already working out such a plan to make sure we’ve got all the bases covered on making sure my sister’s in good hands and not without us.
kmiller-If I may be so bold, after only seven months, giving your mom a weekend “off” or a break would likely be helpful. Phil has had major complications that have required more “nursing” than many, but the day in and day out without any change take a huge toll.
Magic-Congrats on the escape!
My friends are early 40’s, so it will be a bit before they escape. Her husband is a VP with Westpac and does quite a bit on the telly these days. Another dear friend is an Ex-pat who was born in Melbourne, but raised in Brisbane. Last year, I was lucky enough to have a long holiday all over Australia and take in all the tourist and local sights and sounds!Just let your sister know you are there for what ever it takes or what ever is needed. Since my husband has been in Hospice his children and his sister call him daily and even if its for 2 minutes it means a lot to him. Another suggestion would be to make a “family” photo album for her and tell her that this way if you know she is looking at the album you will not feel so far away nor will she.
Kmiller-I totally understand where you are coming from. I actually live in Denver and have a five year old daughter. I have left her in Denver, as she is in school and has all her activities there and there is no way I could care for my dad and take care of her at the same time. As hard as it is for us to accept Phil’s diagnosis, I cannot imagine that same diagnosis for my sister (or myself), who are verging on 40. I have spent about six weeks of the last seven plus months in the same city as Charlotte and it is brutal. The role of caretaker has fallen exclusively on me and it is taxing.
Thanks, Lainy! The worst part is I”m in Indiana and my sister lives in Arkansas. Fortunately, my mom is newly retired and able to be a main caretaker for my sister and her two kids. My sister’s husband is a very busy doctor and that will be a big help too in deciphering thru the world of medical terms and choices. Maybe it would have been better to ask of how I can be of help when I’m so far away? It’s the worst feeling of being helpless, except for being helpless and far apart.
Highsmith,I am 1 hour south of Sydney in a coastal village but I know Epping of course as we did escape from Sydney 15 years ago,as you do! Janet
Thanks, Stacey! Best wishes to your family as well…it’s very tough being on this side of the fence – lots of conflicting emotions to deal with and it’s so good to have support from other family members who are probably feeling the same way and having difficulty too. It’s still pretty new to us and very raw.
Hello kmiller and welcome to our wonderful family. Very sorry to hear about your sister. You seem to have everything is control for now so here are some suggestions on how to be supportive:
Know that you will get through this.
Link people with what they are good at doing like, child Care, shopping, cooking.
Listen and take notes. Talk to your sister about her needs.
Just a few things that may help you both out.
If you are the main Care Taker….make time for yourself. Please keep us posted on how your sister is doing.kmiller-
Welcome! I am so sorry your sister is fighting this battle. Many thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Have faith that MD Anderson is amongst the best in the world and your sister gets the best treatment choices she that are out there.
Stacey
Hi! I’m Kim and my just 40-yr old sister has CC. I’m happy to have this website for info and resources. My sister had a resection earlier this year and had an all clear after a summer long chemo regimen. But, in just 3 short mos and her first check up at MD Anderson, it’s back and is in both the liver and lung. Back to chemo again. It’s so frustrating to have such a rare cancer in what is an otherwise healthy mom. Here’s hoping for some much needed research on CC and support of this great foundation. Not sure I have any questions at this point except for how to be most supportive. Thanks everyone!
Thanks Janet!
My dad, Phil, was in really good shape for his age. He is an ex-football player (US style) and was very “fit” for 61 years old going in. We thought we lost him three or four times and my sister, who was 38 1/2 weeks pregnant the day of his surgery, had to fly to St. Louis and deliver here, to make sure she got to see him. Luckily, he defied the odds the last seven months. I am just trying to gather as much information as I can these days, as the battle seems to be “on” again.
We had to wait for his abdomen to be closed to get back in line for chemo and now the MRSA has totally set us back. I appreciate the insight. We have been warned the MRSA will complicate everything and his reconstruction surgeon was visibly upset when the diagnosis came back. She is a pro at what she does and was just crushed for him.
As a side note, I have a dear,dear friend in Epping! Are you in Sydney?
Hi there,the chemo can be a bit risky with the MRSA,there is a good chance it will flare up again when the immune system is compromised so get plenty of advice before travelling that road.
Your dad may recover some strength,he has been through a terrible time with those surgeries and infections and must have been strong to survive all that.
Janet
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