Friday, June 28, 2013

Road Ahead

It has been a crazy month for me, ever since mum was diagnosed with lung cancer on 31st May it has been non-stop doctors appointments. I've had to take a fair bit of time off work to take mum to her appointments and help out at home. So then the days I am at work it has been long hours trying to catch up on all the work I have neglected.

I am actually doing really well with everything. After the initial shock wore off I have just kept myself busy getting the house set up for mum, doing the garden and sorting out things like mum's will and power of attorney. Plus we have only been in the new house for 2 months so there has been a lot to set up and get organised with internet, pay TV, fencing, lighting... and about a billion other small things.

We found out yesterday that mum is going to start 6 weeks of radiotherapy in 2 weeks. They hope that the radiotherapy will shrink some of the tumors on her lungs and make it easier for her to breath and talk. They are concerned that she may not be strong enough to get through the treatment, but it is worth the risk. Mum is only 51 years old, but she has lost a lot of weight and has been very fatigued over the past couple of months. She has been through a lot in her life, so I feel like she has a good chance of making it through.

I'll be staying with mum for the duration of the treatment and taking her to the radiotherapy appointments. The treatment only goes for about 30 minutes every day so I will try and work from home as much as I can in between looking after mum. Thank goodness for working for flexible and kind hearted bosses!!!

I am so lucky that I have had so much support during this time. The doctors and nurses have been beyond amazing, everyone at work has been generous with their support and with picking up my slack, not to mention my lovely friends (including online friends, most whom I have never met) who are just so sweet and have reached out to let me know that I am not alone.

Oh, one little problem... I stupidly fell down the stairs in my apartment yesterday morning and tore some ligaments in my ankle. I managed to crawl to the car and drive the 90 minutes to my mum's house so I could take her to her appointment (thankfully it is my left ankle and I can still drive) and then it was straight to the ER for me to get X-rayed. I am still in a lot of pain today and have about 6 weeks of rehab ahead of me, but at least I can hobble around on crutches to look after mum. I honestly couldn't be more frustrated at myself for being so clumsy and doing this to myself right when mum needs me more than ever. What a freaking idiot.

I obviously tempted fate by letting myself go a month without a pedicure... of course this would happen when my feet look gross!

12 comments:

  1. You sounds strong and positive, which is the best support your Mum could have. Take care of you too xx

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  2. Oh my gosh u are a trooper, maybe falling down the steps is telling u to slow down a bit :) well u have no choice now rest up and keep hugging your mum

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  3. Make sure you take care of yourself as well. I wish all the best for your Mum.

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  4. Oh Dear! You really are a rock star with your positive attitude! Sending you love, hugs and prayers.

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  5. I'm so sorry about the ankle, I too have stupidly fallen down the stairs, bah...what can you do? I hope it heals nicely and you are amazing...STILL taking your mum to her appt. and THEN getting fixed up yourself. I'm sure she appreciates each and everything you do for her. And yay for wonderful bosses!

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  6. Sorry about your ankle, worst possible time. Sending good wishes to you as you look after yourself and your mum, funny how role reverses, and we find ourselves becoming caregivers to those who cared for us. X

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  7. Oh honey, you're doing great, falls down the stairs and all. I'm sure your Mum is grateful for al the support you've been able to give her, and that can go a long way. Here's to a speedy recovery so you can get back on your feet asap xx

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  8. Thinking of you. I am a lurker of many years. What a strong woman you are. Best wishes and energy xx

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  9. I think of u and your mum often and hope u r ok. hang in there. your strength is amazing and inspiring xx

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  10. Thinking of you....hope you are feeling better soon. Your strength is amazing, you will be on your feet again real soon x

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  11. I know that I'm one of the strangers, but if you ever need anything while down my way, drop me a line. I would be more than happy to help out, as my work hours are pretty flexible too.

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  12. very bad timing re your ankle. Hoping the treatment helps your mum and thinking of you xx

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Awww thanks so much for the comment!