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| My husband's battle with cancer | |
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| Topic Started: 26 Mar 2009, 09:26 AM (1,495 Views) | |
| jakestar | 26 Mar 2009, 09:26 AM Post #1 |
Addicted Member
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After following the journey of Hev's mother and her horrible illness, I thought I'd share our current situation. My husband Andrew is currently in the Alfred. Nine weeks ago he found a lump on his jaw and was sent for CT scans, X-rays and a fine needle biopsy. The Doctors were still uncertain as to what the lump actually was and so Andrew was sent to have the tumour biopsied, and they managed to remove a good piece. Andrew was due to get the results on a Thursday. The day before, on the Wednesday, he received a polite but firm telephone call asking him to return to the Monash in Clayton within one hour. They had diagnosed Burkett's Lymphoma, which is a very rare and aggressive cancer whose purpose is simply to get as big as possible in as short a space a time as possible. After scooping up the children and then dropping them of at a neighbour's house Andrew was in the Monash by 6.00pm that day. It was a flurry of activity. He was visited by blood doctors galore, who tried to explain the journey that Andrew would now be on. It was imperative that Andrew began on Chemotherapy as soon as possible as Burkett's Lymphoma is known to despise chemo, so the sooner the better. Andrew firstly had to undergo a bone marrow operation, full body CT scans and a lumbar puncture test in order to check how far the cancer had spread. The next day Andrew was transfered up to the Alfred. He began chemo that night, after we met with the lovely Doctors up there who mapped out the routine for us. He is being absolutely nuked. His chemo routine is mostly 24 hours, with regular injections into his spine. Andrew has been in the Alfred for two weeks now, and is nearing the end of his first cycle of chemo. He'll then stay in for ten days to be monitored and tested, then he will begin the cycle all over again...it's a three week cycle. Andrew felt fit and healthy when he first went into hospital and he struggled to understand that he was so sick. Now he feels like crap, but at least he can now battle his cancer. Yesterday was a very low point as his blood was just like water, and he ended up having an emergency blood transfusion (which must have been like having a big protein shake). So there we are! The medical treatment we have received so far has been superb and the respect that Andrew has received has been emmense. Burkett's is very rare and so the Doctors have been keeping on top of the condition in text-book fashion. The speed of treatment was crucial and it's that that has certainly saved Andrew's life. It has now been confirmed that the cancer had not had chance to spread anywhere and is isolated in Andrew's neck. I could kiss the medical staff. Sorry for such a long post but it's actually been quite cathartic to write it all down. Me and the boys are trying to carry on lives as normal in Pakenham, but also to sqeeze in two hour trips up to the Alfred daily. But we are all coping. We are moving house next week also, which is an added stress, but again, we will cope. |
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| RUNTOTHESUN | 26 Mar 2009, 09:37 AM Post #2 |
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So very sorry to hear your news, but thank goodness it was diagnosed quickly and more importantly acted upon. We are over in the west so not too close to you but would be willing to help you in any way we can. Unfortunately we know the pressures of illness, hospital visits etc etc and to have all that with little support takes its toll at a time when you need all your strength. So please if we can help you in anyway let us know. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Andrew and your children. Keep in touch Jackie and Dave |
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| koalakim | 26 Mar 2009, 10:09 AM Post #3 |
Legend
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Hi Jakestar Very sorry to hear your news but as above thank goodness they acted quickly and although the nuking will be hard lets hope it does the job. It's a bit scary as you say how quickly these things can develop but he sounds like he is in good hands and luckily it hasn't spread. Will be thinking of you all - take care and look after yourself as you'll be going through it just as much as he is. Let us know if we can help even though we are some distance from you as well. KK |
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| missiemo | 26 Mar 2009, 10:34 AM Post #4 |
Legend
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Jakestar So sorry to hear your shocking news, stay as strong as you can, by the sounds of things so far you are without a doubt in the best possible hands, Our thoughts are of coarse with you, Andrew and the Family, We wish you all the luck in the world and hope Andrew has a swift and healthy turn around, Take Care Mo x |
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| Amanda & Simon | 26 Mar 2009, 10:47 AM Post #5 |
Braiiiiiinnnss
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Best wishes here also. Fingers crossed for Andrew to make a rapid recovery |
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| Petals | 26 Mar 2009, 11:07 AM Post #6 |
A phenomenon
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I am so sorry to hear of your oh illness. The doctors are very very good and I can never fault them. Thinking of you |
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| Gail.C | 26 Mar 2009, 01:25 PM Post #7 |
A phenomenon
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OMG that's a terrible ordeal. Thank god you sort treatment quickly. I had an oral cancer scare a few months ago. I had a biopsy which took 2 weeks to come back. It was the longest 2 weeks of my life. Thankfully it was negative. You're both so brave dealing with it the way you are. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Gail |
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| jond | 26 Mar 2009, 02:07 PM Post #8 |
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Just want to say good luck John |
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| jakestar | 26 Mar 2009, 04:10 PM Post #9 |
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Thanks everyone for your good wishes. I've been thinking some more about our situation today. We are lucky to have a lovely circle of friends and the local community who have really rallied. With Andrew being likely to be in hospital for up to six months, so many people have taken over our lives and I have gratefully let them. Jake's Primary school has been sending home casseroles, pies and bags filled with morning tea items so that I don't have to take care of menu planning. Elliott's kinder have rallied and provided masses of childcare so that I can whizz up to the hospital during the day. It really has made me understand how far away from our family we are and how much you count on people during a crisis. But the people of lovely Pakenham have been superb, along with many Britvicers. Even our Real Estate agent....she is a local lady and has been fantastic. Not only did she sell our house, which other agents failed to do, she juggled her rental list around to find me a gorgeous home right around the corner, available three days before settlement. If anyone is considering selling a home in Pakenham then look no further than South East Real Estate. They are great. |
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| True Blue | 26 Mar 2009, 04:34 PM Post #10 |
Elite Member
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this terrible time. Take care. Di x |
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| tam_n_brett | 26 Mar 2009, 05:16 PM Post #11 |
A phenomenon
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It always suprises me to see how strong people are when faced with terrible situations. Just so glad that you seem to have a fab support set up around you. Wishing Andrew all our best wishes for a speedy recovery and love and good carma to you all x |
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| haley77 | 26 Mar 2009, 06:58 PM Post #12 |
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Thinking of you guys, please just shout if you need anything - Haley and Family x |
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| Bordy | 26 Mar 2009, 08:01 PM Post #13 |
Administrator
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Thinking of you all to Jo. Fingers & Toes crossed that all goes well. |
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| Joanne | 26 Mar 2009, 08:07 PM Post #14 |
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Hi Jo, I've just pm'd you. xxx |
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| The Buffys | 26 Mar 2009, 08:30 PM Post #15 |
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Thinking of you all and sending positive thoughts and vibes your way - fingers crossed the worst is over and you'll all battle through this toughest o f times x |
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| Kaz62 | 26 Mar 2009, 08:30 PM Post #16 |
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So very sorry to hear that you and your family are going through such a horrible time. You just never know when life is gonna turn round and bite you on the bum and it is surprising where you find the strength to get through the difficult times. It sounds like Andrew is in good hands and they have caught it in time, it will still be a hard few months, I am sure but it also sounds like you have some very good support from your community which is really good to hear, please take all the help you can get and know that there are people here who will also help. Don't forget to look after yourself too!!!! Sending you all lots of positive thoughts take care. Karen |
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| OzTennis | 26 Mar 2009, 10:19 PM Post #17 |
Legend
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Yes, as the others have said, best wishes and thoughts are with you. At times like this you realise how precious (and fickle) life is and clearly you've also found how people will rally magnificently to help in what way they can. I can't speak highly enough about the staff at The Alfred that my father came in contact with. He had a form of cancer which meant that his kidneys 'packed up' so he went through a tough regime of dialysis and chemo for 3 years via The Alfred and the local Williamstown hospital. Considering he was given a '1 year maximum' prognosis it speaks volumes of the care he received and the positive attitude and fight he put up. Your husband is young, fit and healthy and is in good hands so you have every reason to be optimistic that he will pull through after no doubt some tough times. Take care! |
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| bradybunch | 27 Mar 2009, 01:20 AM Post #18 |
Bradybunch
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Crumbs, what a nightmare for you all; so glad the diagnosis and subsequent treatment has been so rapid. It really does remind you just how much we all take our health for granted. We wish Andrew a speedy recovery. Best wishes to you and your family. Lorraine P.S. Good luck on your move too! |
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| Lindsay Clan | 27 Mar 2009, 07:30 AM Post #19 |
 
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Sorry to hear about Andrew and so glad that the doctors have started the treatment early . Our thoughts are with you. |
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| Bookie | 27 Mar 2009, 07:47 AM Post #20 |
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Thinking of you all. Sue and Gary |
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| P and M | 27 Mar 2009, 08:12 AM Post #21 |
Fabulous People
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Sorry that you have had such news but really glad to hear that the doctors acted so fast on this. Hope all will be well |
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| jakestar | 27 Mar 2009, 08:57 AM Post #22 |
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Thanks everyone. Spoke to Andrew this morning. He's not having a good day. His sister is arriving on Sunday, from the UK, and so no doubt that will cheer him up. It's lovely to know that so many of you are thinking about him. |
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| hevs | 27 Mar 2009, 12:16 PM Post #23 |
Forever Ignored.
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Oh my God, reading that send chills down my spine. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this terrible time. People will tell you over and over how strong you are...they just don't get that you really don't have a choice when you're here by yourself. Stay positive, even on the worse days, is the best advice I can give you... :crazy: This is for you :flower: (crap, but its all I can do for now!) and all the very best of luck to you all xx |
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| MandyR | 27 Mar 2009, 06:33 PM Post #24 |
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What a horrendous time you are having just now. Thank god they have caught it. I saw my Dad go through chemo and it was just terrible. Can't imagine how hard it must be for you both, especially with the children and moving house. Thinking of you and thanks for sharing. Best wishes. Mandy and family. |
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| stuckinblighty | 28 Mar 2009, 07:41 AM Post #25 |
make love not war
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Very best wishes.We live in the same 'neck of the woods' as you so if you require any help just pop us a line. regards, Lee :flower: |
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