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Unknown userMember
MI + cancer = 😵😵😵
Mutual support = yay
@Former-Member , @RMG perhaps you would like to share here, you are not alone. My husband with bipolar ii was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March this year. He had surgery, came home, was readmitted to hospital as he got an infection. He is now home and I am struggling to get a routine going.
In response to: Partner with both MH issues and cancer
Emelia8Senior Contributor
Hi @Former-Member , just about to post an upate on my thread. Will tag you in. Mostly good, but some concerns too.
Emelia
In response to: Re: Partner with both MH issues and cancer
Unknown userMember
Thanks @Emelia8 , you remain in thoughts and prayers. Am hearing you about doing things on your own (not in the same league, I do all my medical/specialist appts on my own) and I would love a shared care arrangement. I certainly couldn't let Mr D do this on his own.
Just remember there is help available through Cancer Council too - although you are probably aware of this - here is a link.
https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/get-support/transport-accommodation-and-home-help/
Can you also get help with things like gardening through hubby's DVA?
In response to: Re: Partner with both MH issues and cancer
Unknown userMember
We have had a run of visitors and Mr D is finding it difficult, he is thinking of pulling the pin on visiting family just after Christmas. His oncologist offered him some more chemo, the goal of which is to try and slow the spread, it is one of two drugs that he had to start with so it is known that it will not halt the disease and we will be seeking clarification as to when a review on this will take place. We had hoped to hear if he had made it into a clinical trial but this is taking longer than expected.
I have been a little emotional myself as we had initial contact from the palliative care team. They might be able to help with pain management which is becoming more of a problem.
In response to: Re: Partner with both MH issues and cancer
Shaz51Senior Contributor
Hugs @Former-Member
Yes we have had visiting all weekend,, MIL birthday with family members coming up now instead of Christmas time
Mr shaz fell asleep after lunch yesterday and he is soo tired and is over everything
In response to: Re: Partner with both MH issues and cancer
Unknown userMember
@Emelia8 if hair loss is a major concern to you, I would be happy to expand a little about Mr D and this topic (he retained his hair).
In response to: Re: Partner with both MH issues and cancer
Sophie1Senior Contributor
@Former-Member @Shaz51 sending you both hugs and hope your respective partners are coping ok with Christmas ... it's a difficult period at the best of times and I am a huge advocate for setting boundaries to prioritise your own wellness and energy levels - of people aren't understanding that's bad luck
In response to: Re: Partner with both MH issues and cancer
Unknown userMember
My counselor raised the need to guard against depression and I have found this chart useful. I fully identify with the grief side.
In response to: Re: Partner with both MH issues and cancer
Unknown userMember
Prognosis is a difficult thing, there are some carer resources such as house cleaning or help with bulk meals prep that I will be able to access but do not want to use them before I need them. Mr D said that while he feels uncomfortable about it, I can ask the oncologist when it would be appropriate to start accessing these services.
In response to: Re: Partner with both MH issues and cancer
Unknown userMember
How are you going @RMG , checking on your progress in your thread @Emelia8.
In response to: Re: Partner with both MH issues and cancer
RMGSenior Contributor
We're doing ok. Mr RMG has no family to speak of. Christmas is just with my family and although a little tense should be ok. Mr RMG has his next oncology appt. mid January. Hopefully good news 🙂
Hugs and best wishes go out to all of you at this time.
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
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