just john Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 With our experience we also found it difficult to use the 'C' word, so we didn't; we made a point when necessary to refer to it, to use the terms used by the Consultants and give it the blunt (and therefore a bit more clinically distant) medical term. We also made the point of telling our son and daughter the full names and treatment detail so that they could see it from the medical instead of the personal view point, which helped a little, we wanted them to understand it without any lack of knowledge so that if they got into any discussions with friends or colleagues they could show they were fully included in the knowledge. Our daughter had the benefit of advice from the Hospital child psychologist in how to deal with giving her children (2 & 6) the full details in small chunks. I can't say that there weren't still many emotional moments and tears (and still) but not through any lack of understanding. Anyway I bis sure thees'll overcome ital, Good Luck Cath. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renaud Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 Cathy, I have just caught this thread.My very best wishes go to you in this predicament and sincere hopes for the best possible outcome.Lots of love Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cendrillon Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 Cathy, I echo the good wishes from all the friends on the forum, hope you received my email. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russethouse Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 Cathy, I am so sorry to hear your news and wish you all the very best for a speedy recovery - on a practical note, would you welcome books or magazines to pass the time, or even DVD's if you have a portable machine that plays them. Just let us know what genre you prefer and I'm sure we'll be able to help out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooperlola Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 R/H certainly kept me well supplied with anti-boredom devices when I was in hospital!So sorry to hear your news, Cathy but everybody on here is rooting for you. I don't believe in god but I do believe in the power of friendship and we are your friends and we all care about you (and all the other cancer sufferers on this forum, of course) even if we have never met. When you're feeling down (which I am sure you must be at least some of the time) just remember that you can ask us for any help or support you need - we are always around and on your side.[:)]Courage! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catalpa Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 Oh Cathy, what a shock for you. And for friends and family. Now you're on the road to getting it sorted, remember you need to put yourself first and when people volunteer their help, take them up on it. It will help you (providing you don't then spend free time brooding!) and people really appreciate being able to help in a tangible way. Cancer isn't the horror that it once was, you sound as if you've been diagnosed early and you're in a very good country for efficient and effective cancer care. And the more you talk about it, the more you discover people have had it and recovered and the more "cancer - the word" loses it's power to scare you. Take care of yourself. [:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russethouse Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 Catapla reminded me - when anyone offers help - say yes please ! And never be afraid to ask for help, especially here.BTW I'm just back from a break in Savannah where I shared a room with my friend from the USA . In 2008 I was with her in France between her surgery for breast cancer and ongoing treatment, now she is back to not only taking a full part in the fairly high pressured family business and being a great Mum to a young adult but has also started getting involved in mediation, especially for young people who come into the justice system.....something completely new for her.Bon chance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitty Posted November 11, 2010 Author Share Posted November 11, 2010 Thank you for the offers of help. I shall say if I need help - promise. My husband is allowed to stay with me in my room and so I shall not be bored, although he does tend to bury himself in the Daily Telegraph. [Www] I have a hitherto relatively unused Nintendo DS these days and I have stocked it up with Scrabble, a Poirot game etc (if I have the time or inclination to use it). My children will also be visiting.I am also grateful to those who have also sent me PMs. There are far more people who have cancer on the Forum that I realised - your stories are profound and moving. It is a roller coaster and I am glad that I have 'come out' so to speak. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
londoneye Posted November 12, 2010 Share Posted November 12, 2010 Hi CathyI don't know what you are going through, but can sort of imagine, because 5 days before we were due to move to france i found a lump in breast. Had all tests done in uk etc but could not get results for a week or so (new owners moving into house day we moved out - not good). Had my first week in france frantic with worry and had to walk to a public phone booth to call uk and get results.I was very lucky - all clear.You are not so lucky, and I am so sorry.But one of the reasons why we did not back out in the 5 days prior to moving was that the woman that we had purchased our french property from (french lady) had breast cancer and I had talked to her about it prior to moving, and I was confident that she had received good treatment.Fingers crossed everyone goes well for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Posted November 15, 2010 Share Posted November 15, 2010 Oh Cathy, I do feel for you, and I hope your operation this week is a complete success.Like Londoneye, I can well imagine the things that must be going through your mind. I was told just last week that the lump that was found in my mammogram two years ago (and that was thought to be benign) is almost certainly breast cancer.I'll be thinking of you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted November 15, 2010 Share Posted November 15, 2010 And I shall be thinking of YOU, Cat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Théière Posted November 15, 2010 Share Posted November 15, 2010 Cat, that's another shock, thinking of you too.Cathy, good fortune tomorrow, everything is crossed although going slightly numb already. On the plus side at least you haven't had to get your bits shaved [blink][:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitty Posted November 15, 2010 Author Share Posted November 15, 2010 So that's it for the time being. I'm off for surgery now. Thank you ALL of you for your Forum messages, your emails and your private messages. There are far more cancer sufferers on this Forum than members can realise, many of them regular contributors. We are not alone.... Some of you have chosen to keep your cancer a secret (which I can understand) but have helped me with information.Once again, the Forum has been a mine of gold for me so that I am better prepared for the procedures. This place here (the Forum) is wonderful. You are a great bunch. Talking of which, I have been singing this all day:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf670orHKcANo, Theiere, no "bits" shaved - well, on the outside, that is. I'll let you know how many male nurses there are - I hope to goodness that there are not too many on a breast surgery ward but they do seem to get everywhere.Cat - it looks as if I am a couple of weeks ahead of you and so I can help you with some info once I am back home. The worst thing for me (so far) has been the emotional side, especially with the children.I'll say this for cancer. It does bring out the best in people - the warmth with which I have been surrounded has been fan-tab-a-dozy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Théière Posted November 15, 2010 Share Posted November 15, 2010 Cathy check your PM's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony F Dordogne Posted November 15, 2010 Share Posted November 15, 2010 Go safely Cathy, be thinking of you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gardengirl Posted November 15, 2010 Share Posted November 15, 2010 Take care, Cathy - I'll be thinking of you too. xx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rose Posted November 15, 2010 Share Posted November 15, 2010 Dear Cathy and Cat - everything is crossed for you both and you'll both be in my prayers xx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemonimo Posted November 15, 2010 Share Posted November 15, 2010 Cathy and Cat... will be thinking of you tomorrow and the days to come.xxxx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sprogster Posted November 18, 2010 Share Posted November 18, 2010 Cathy,All very best wishes for a speedy recovery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christine Animal Posted November 18, 2010 Share Posted November 18, 2010 Have been thinking about her this week and you too Cat. [kiss]I wonder how long she stays there before going home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitty Posted November 19, 2010 Author Share Posted November 19, 2010 I am back from hospital with slightly less than me before I went in. [:D] All is well. The worst thing is an awfully sore throat from the tubes shoved down my throat (a male anaesthetist [Www]). I'm waiting for a nurse to call to change the dressing and then shall be back online this evening to answer the PMs and emails. And maybe to comment on the Royal Wedding, which was announced while I was under the knife (good timing Kate and William) ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patf Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 Glad to hear from you, Cathy [:D]Take it easy during your convalescence.Pat. x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gardengirl Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 It's lovely to hear from you Cathy; relax and take it slowly; no need to rush - we'll all be around whenever you can make it out to play! [:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 Bravo, Cathy! That's the surgical bit over then and you will be able to tackle all the rest....Be assured that we are all still here rooting for you. Indeed, no need to strain yourself. We don't mind waiting till you are strong enough to come back amongst us again!Allez![:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christine Animal Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 What a brave girl and posting as soon as you get back. Well done Cathy, now just let everyone take care of you and continue to smother you with warmth! So glad to have heard from you already. Take care. xxx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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