Living alone

Hi, HapB -- I just joined the network.  Yours is the first post I respond to because I can relate to your situation.  I have been taking myself to most appointments in an effort not to inconvenience others.  I am having a lumpectomy at the end of May, along with a breast reduction and then radiation.  I am 60 and still working but I know the recovery and treatment will sap my energies some days/weeks.  I think it IS doable alone but anticipate times when you will have to enlist the aid of friends and family.  Talk about it with your closest allies and let them know you may need their help.  "Can I count on you?"  I've learned to ask.  If you need to talk, I'm here.  -- Christi

HapB,

I just want you to know that I will be thinking of you tomorrow.  I am praying that things go well for you tomorrow!

Hi HapB,

I live alone and went through a lumpectomy in a hospital about 45 minutes away. I had my radiation treatments in my home town Cancer Center for which I was very grateful! My best friend drove me to the hospital for my surgery and follow- up visits there. I was able to get to my radiation treatments on my own as it was close to my house. I didn't have chemo so don't know how you'll feel dealing with that.

I suggest that you find at least one person who can drive you to your treatments. You won't feel up to driving 2 hours each way. You may want to call the ACS's Road to Recovery. They could match you up with volunteer drivers who can drive you to your treatments and appointments. That would be a great thing. My uncle had that service and really appreciated it! It's worth looking into. The service is free as far as I know. Give them a call.

Your family may be able to help you with going to the grocery store or providing some meals for you. That might be more convenient for them instead of the driving back and forth part. And it would really help you out. 

Good luck with your surgery at the end of May. The lumpectomy for me wasn't difficult. 

Wishing you much good luck and lots of prayers. You have time to figure out the ride part. That to me is the biggest hurdle.  Bye for now!    Kats2

HapB said:

Peony

Thanks for responding! Were you able to get yourself to and from treatments in the city? The hospital is in Boston and I could arrange a 2 month apartment if I thought I could maneuver the city alone. 

Ask about social workers in your cancer clinic.  Mine helped me with any transportation issues and a group called The Red Devils helped me because I was taking AC.  They gave me $300 in gas cards!  I also had access to vanpools and  taxi vouchers. There may be more help out there than you know.  Ask at the hospital.

My chemo treatments were spread out 3 weeks apart (before surgery).  I had a ride and company, but honestly, after the first treatment I felt I could go alone.  Side effects did not kick in until day 4 - extreme fatigue, etc.  Radiation did not begin until 3 months after my surgery - doctors wanted full healing first.  I drove myself each day.  It all depends on how your body reacts.  I would take someone to the first treatment if possible, then see how you are.  The first time we are all a little extra nervous and probably not sleeping well the night before.

best wishes for smooth transitions between steps of your treatment.  I thought I would be finished 1-2-3; expected  in 4 months I would be finished and back to work.  It took 13 months altogether.  No one told me about the waiting/recovering time between each step.

Kathy

2 hours each way? wow...sorry to hear such a long journey. (thankfully my treatments were 8 mins from my job and I was able to go on my lunch hour)

I am sure others will ahve advice-But ask for help-ask for a ride...ti's hard, but I TOLD  people do NOT offer me anything, because I WILL take you up on it. AND I DID take help from others-

Denise