Reality bites

My colleague, boss and friend Vicky Bannister published a blog last year called "When carers go bad" it's brilliant and you can read it here http://vickyandclem.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/when-carers-go-bad.html

I've recently encountered the same sort of thing. My Myeloma appears to be pointing towards the start of chemotherapy. My light chains are up significantly, I've got increased bone pain and my para-protein levels remain high. On top of that I have had repeat infections but more recently a chest infection that has knocked me for six.

So what do you do when you are battling all of this and your main carer, your rock, the person who maintains the equilibrium, the person who makes the house run, the person who also looks after her 82 year old mum falls ill. Well it all falls apart.

Jen has been really poorly. I don't remember her being quite so ill - even after emergency c-section which involved blood transfusions. The same chest infection has knocked her for 6, I would even say it was 7!!

So this week I've tried to, had to, do more to help. I've done a bit of cooking - was quite proud of my fish pie with potato and leek mash. Done some washing - didn't manage to run the colours, as well as do packed lunches, school runs and bits and bobs of shopping - we don't half go through milk - on top of not being A1 myself a having a trip to Manchester Royal for a scan.

It's made me realise how much Jen does and how she never stops, how running the house, looking after her mum, and me, and the kids, as well as working full time - eventually the tank becomes empty. It's also made me realise what good friends we have, friends who took time off work to pick Al & Cal up from school when I was in hospital and Jen unfit to drive.

It does make me worry about the future and how we will cope if Chemotherapy comes. But that's a worry for another day. The main thing now is to get Jen fit again. And I must help more to relieve the burden on her.

Next clinic is Friday 14/2 - Valentines Day. Update to follow.