OP "OCF Down Under" Contributing Member (25+ posts) Joined: Apr 2014 Posts: 40 | Thought I'd take a brake from posting BUT because I don't post doesn't mean I don't read them. I always value your input and need it too.
I found communication can be added stress as well that means keeping family and friends informed abroad and in Australia. I managed to create a Facebook page just for Simon in order to do that. It turned out to be a brilliant idea now I don't have to text everyone.
I managed to get consent from Simon to discuss his health with the health professionals except mental health - still working on that. I'm glad that I don't have to worry about it anymore.
He has completed 10 out 33 and the side effects have started to show. The forum has helped me greatly concerning these as I was prepared and didn't come as a surprise. Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed.
Unfortunately, Simon is still smoking. It seems as if he's smoking even more. It is sad to see but what can one do?
He is not keeping up with looking after himself and when at the doctors he even lies to them. The care is shared between my oldest daughter and myself, we are just managing but are exhausted coming Saturday. It seems life gets taken over by Simon completely and little time is left for us. The day starts and ends with him. No time to 'shut off' so it seems.
I find myself being cornered. By that I mean the health professionals are looking at me as if they are saying what the ??? Mentally, emotionally, I'm drained. I want to take everyone by their shoulders and shake them so hard so that they wake up. Mental health is a real problem and needs to get addressed while undergoing treatment but unfortunately, they are not equipped for that.
Enough of my whinging � the weekend is here, better refuel and be ready for week three. Thanks for listening again.
Heike
Working caregiver of my husband (51) Simon
03/2014 oropharyngeal cancer, stage IVB, T2N3M0, HPV 16 + 04/2014 Neck dissection - 39 lymph nodes removed, one node positive greater than 6cm, tumour in tonsil reaching into soft palette 28/04/14 begin of treatment 33 x RADS 66 Gy, 33 x chemo cisplatin 13mg each 29/04/14. pick two lines 12/06/14 finished treatment 09/ 14 Pet scan clear
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