spouse of scouse

Sorry to hear that you're having to go through this, Caroline. It's human nature to think of the worse possible outcome, even when all the signs are positive, as they are for you. I'll be thinking of you on Monday, do let us know how you get on.

Gawd, your family has been through the wringer in the last few years. Hopefully your sister has learned some coping strategies which will help while she's caring for your Mum. Some time out is so important - what are the home care/respite services like where your Mum lives?

My family is a bit like yours at the mo - as well as my sister's breast cancer, my brother was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx 3 years ago. He has a scar you wouldn't believe, ear to ear! He had chemo and radio, and has been clear for 2 years. He was only 50 when diagnosed.

And, my mad Austrian step-father has lung cancer and is getting palliative treatment. He's 86 and my Mum is 81 - they're both stubborn old coots and it's really hard to get them to accept help. Mum still bakes cakes and biscuits every 3rd day for a women's shelter, takes in any waif or stray and gives them a good feed, and minds the whole street's homes and pets when they go away. That's as well as looking after my step-dad and cooking for 'her chickens' (us kids, not one of us under 45 years old!) She's a wonderful woman

spouse of scouse

Thanks Molly, I really appreciate you taking the time to tell me about this. My sister, my ex boss (female!) and I are all taking off down south in the morning, for a 3 night break. A lovely Queenslander style house with enormous balconies all around, overlooking the ocean! I'll tell her about the Manuka honey over G&Ts (her oncologist said she's fine to have a couple of drinks). Looking forward to it so much!

carolinephillips

Your mum sounds amazing. My mum is vehemently against any "social services" or carers, calls them Nazis - in fact she has rude notices on her door telling everyone to go away. She said she would hit them with her broom if they dare to show their noses round the door, and she is so OTT that I believe she would too. I don't know how my sister puts up with her- I've had enough after being in the same room for half an hour. Yet she can be so caring towards her elderly neighbours- or was until they died, now she complains that they have a black family next door with their jungle drums. (Yes she is very racist and bigoted.)

Molly Coddle

Wow! How cheap is that!
Hubby's just bought some on Thursday to take back to the UK for my dad, $70 at Singapore Airport.

Personally I think at the latest it should be 40
As breast cancer isn't an age issue as far as I'm aware?

Regarding family, we don't get to choose them unfortunately, there is always one that has to be difficult.


No worries, hope you all have a lovely break, it sounds idyllic.

old.sparkles

I think you can get free screening from 40 not 50 - Screening - How do I arrange a mammogram?

Molly Coddle

Thanks for that.

So it looks like I can go and ask for one 40 onwards but they call for you 50 onwards. I think that's a similar set up to the UK.

old.sparkles

No probs - I had looked it up recently for SA so knew I was good here, just had to check for the rest of the country (good old google )

carolinephillips

All squished and photographed. Brand new machine with very clear imagery. To my untrained eye there were no obvious lumps or bumps. Going to hang tight for the results now.

Molly Coddle

Glad it went well. for you.

asher

Mammograms are not good in pre menopausal women the tissue is too dense.

irishbloo

I get called yearly for one and I am under 50.We have family history so that may make a difference.It is painful but I'm very glad of the service.

curly

Sorry to hear about your sister, have a look at this site with some great information Breast Cancer Choices - Innovative Research and Patient Advocacy

''As iodine consumption has gone down, breast cancer rates have gone up. But the research goes far deeper, exploring the effects of iodine supplementation on breast disease and breast cancer. This important breakthrough has been in the research pipeline for years but only recently found momentum. After sifting through 50 years of iodine research and corresponding with researchers around the world, the editors report that abnormal iodine metabolism, due either to bromide dominance in the environment or a dietary deficiency of iodine, must be addressed as part of a preventive and or a therapeutic strategy.''

Molly Coddle

Ahh, that explains the reason for being called up later on in life. Thanks asher.


Yep, no pain no gain as they say. I think it's a great service. I'm sure it's saved plenty of lives and boobs!

spouse of scouse

Waiting for results is the hardest time, Caroline. I hope it's not too long before they're in - do you have an appointment booked with your GP or will they just call you if there's a problem?

spouse of scouse

Thanks Molly, unfortunately it didn't turn out well. My sister woke up early Monday morning with a horrifically high temp - I called an ambulance and she was taken to the regional hospital before being transferred via ambulance to Perth.

Tests have yet to confirm the cause of the fever, her doctors suspect a viral infection but have started her on 2 IV antibiotics as a necessary precaution against a possible bacterial infection. She also has sudden onset of a prominent heart murmur and an abnormally high heart rate. She's not critical, but she's seriously ill.

Thanks for all the lovely comments and suggestions above, really appreciate it.