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Support loved ones
Sasha aged 28 was the primary carer for her mother.
My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at 45, and had
a bilateral mastectomy. I had just moved back home with my
partner, after being away for 3 years. When Mum came home
from hospital, I became her primary carer, and as nerves in
her arm were damaged in the lymph node removal, she needed
everything done for her in the early days, progressively improving
with physiotherapy. She also required radiation therapy every
weekday for 2 months, as she could not have chemo because
of other pre-existing medical conditions.
I was caring for Mum, keeping house & cooking for the family,
and trying to keep sane. I relied heavily on the assistance
of a dear family friend (I call him my honorary uncle) who
took over driving Mum to hospital (at least 1 hour each way),
to give me a break. I also saw little of my partner, but he
was there every night as a shoulder for me to cry on, which
I often did.
After nine months Mum had recovered enough that I could resume
my job search. She later had a reconstruction using the tummy
tuck method, and I again tended to her, but it was much easier
(emotionally) the 2nd time around. Six years on, she still
has problems with lymphoedema, but is clear of cancer. I tried
my best to support her in every way, but it was very hard,
and I think I would have had a nervous breakdown if it had
not been for my own support team. I am ever grateful to them.
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