Can We Have a Forum For Friends Helping A Friend With IBC

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lovemyfriend
lovemyfriend Member Posts: 35
edited June 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

How I hope there is a place here for helping one dealing with a friend who has IBC?   She wants me to be with her and I am honored to do so, but she is not yet ready to discuss so many things affecting her now.  She has almost a burned look to her face and neck area.  She is going through radiation, hormone chemo and is taking steriods.  She is losing her taste for food and yet is very hungry all the time.  Her diagnosis was just about 4 weeks ago and is Stage IV in her bones, lungs, and brain.  I am so concerned but feel helpless.  Thanks for looking at my post.

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  • Caseysmom
    Caseysmom Member Posts: 507
    edited April 2009

    lovemyfriend:

    It sounds like the steriods are making her hungry I gained 88 pounds while going through chemo due the to steriods.   She might want to ask the radiation onc about a cream to help with the burn.  I cannot remeber the name of the cream that my rad onc gave me (chemo brain).  I used this cream during the day and when it was time for my therapy I washed it off and re-applied it after treatment.

    Hugs

    Laura

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  • lovemyfriend
    lovemyfriend Member Posts: 35
    edited April 2009

    Dear Gg08,

    Thank you so much for your reply and all the great advice.  The SS Disability is something I wouldn't have thought of and is so very important.  The forms information is a big help as well.  Praying is something that will come soon. 

    My friend did talk to her doctor about some sleeping meds but all they allow her right now is Benedryl.  Slowly she is starting to ask for more help.  You are so right, just going to get her things means a lot since she can't drive (brain cancer's threat of seizures).  Hugs are in plentiful supply as are "I love you". 

    These posts from all of you brave wonderful ladies is such a testament to what is important in this life.  It gives one a completely new perspective.  You are all my heros and I send hugs to everyone.

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  • Jadai
    Jadai Member Posts: 182
    edited April 2009

    Hi lovemyfriend,

    You are such a wonderful friend!  Since my mom's major setback this week I have seen people's true colors shine through and it isn't pretty.  They have all pretty much headed for the hills leaving my sister and I to do everything.  Keep doing what you are doing, I know she appreciates it!!!

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  • lovemyfriend
    lovemyfriend Member Posts: 35
    edited April 2009

    Dear Jadai,

    So sorry to hear about your mom's setback.  Your experience with people not being willing to help you and your sister is terrible.  Real friends wouldn't do that. 

    Just a question and PLEASE don't let it upset you, just a thought.  Do some of these folks truly understand how frightening and wearing down all of this can be on you?  Are you okay with honestly opening up and asking?  Sometimes it's truly hard to do.  I know my girlfriend didn't ask for much at first but I just kept hanging around and now she has opened up to me much much more.   

    If you have been honest and they still didn't help, it's a real loss for everyone.  Helping others is what life is all about.  Wish I lived closer to you.  I don't know you, but I feel so for your anguish.

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  • Jadai
    Jadai Member Posts: 182
    edited May 2009

    Hi,

    Thanks for the kind words and helpful hints.  I haven't asked but the things needed are very simple and common sense in my book.  It would take forever to go in to detail so I won't.  I have looked in to a very good local organization and am sure that I will utilize some of their services.  I think it is time to have a sit down with my brother and sister and clarify who will be responsible for what!  I just can't take it all on.

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