On the 14th August, we were told the worst news that we really did not expect. I had been feeling a few discomforts over the past fours months, with a few incidents ( which I thought was food poisoning), but really thought this was only going to simple haemorrhoids to be honest. Thankfully we have a fabulous doctor, who was obviously in shock as much as we were, as no family history exists of this anywhere, who plans to look after the best way possible. Since then, over the past week I have subjected to a number of tests, from CT's,MRI's and blood tests coming out the wahoo. My arms are full of bruises but I am doing ok. From here it looks like we have an intense year in front of us, the plan so far is as follows; Continue test for further two to three weeks Then commence both radiation and chemotherapy at the same time. The radiation will be daily mon through fri, and the chemo will be through Picu line (or technical cannula that is much longer than a normal cannula),the chemo will be continuous 24/7 through a mini pump in a little bum bag like device as it will permanently attached for the whole six weeks. During this time I will become increasingly tired and may or may not lose my hair etc. I have been planning Andrews 40th party over the last couple of months and plan to continue with this, as I may be three weeks into treatment and hopefully I will be coping well at this stage. After these six weeks then we wait an additional six weeks to let the radiation continue its thing. At this time I will be heading into the hospital to have a bowel resection, which will hopefully remove the whole tumor , I will be left to heal for further four weeks, before commencing an intense 24weeks of chemotherapy, with possible surgery at the end to fix any problems that may come up during this whole period. I plan to attack this situation by looking at it six week intervals and get each one done before thinking or worrying about the next one. while we didn't find this at an early stage the doctor' s are fairly confident that , due to my age and the fact that I generally live a healthy life that all will be ok in the end. ( Thank God for my diligent designated driver lifestyle, I knew there was a reason that I didn't drink or smoke). I am very lucky at this time that Andrew's work is incredibly supportive and have given him all his sick leave as carer's leave so he will be with me through out this first six weeks and after the surgery to help out at home, as all I plan doing is fighting this nasty disease and recovering completely. Also Andrew's father has taken the first five weeks off as annual leave so that he can help to look after Lacey during my treatment and appointments. The two older girls know about most of what's happening but we only just found today about plan so we will let them know in due course. Lacey just knows that the doctors are "fixing mummy's sore bum". I realized after losing my beloved brother-in-law a couple of years ago how important it is to have a blog so that others will know what's going on and know at what times your prayers will be most needed. I have four main reasons to survive this thing They are my beloved husband and my three adorable daughters whom I love beyond all measure. Please have them in your prayers too as they travel through this with me. Love to you all Emma. Thank you to everyone for your support
8 Comments
Hayesey
Not applicable
Oh Emma, you beautiful and courageous thing. I am absolutely floored by this, and I want to send you huge love, support and positive thoughts. You are loved by so many people, and your beauty and goodness have always radiated from you. I have no doubt that you will beat this horrid disease, and come out the other side of it as strong and beautiful as ever. You have loved and cared for so many people through the years, and have brought so much joy and enrichment to peoples' lives - now it's your turn to get some of it back from those who love you and want to help you through this. It sounds as though you are heading into this fight with your eyes wide open and an open and positive mind. I truly believe that this is more than half of your battle already won. There is a quote that I just love. I hope maybe it might help you on the days when you might be feeling down.. Always remember you are braver than you believe, You are stronger than you seem, Smarter than you think and Twice as beautiful as you’ve ever imagined. You and your beautiful family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please give my love to Andrew also. Tamworth people are born tough, and this tumour has no idea who it's dealing with and what sort of army you have. There are so many people who support and love you and are thinking of you, near and far. You'll beat this, no doubt. Kick butt!!! Love and positivity, Karina (Hayes/Dawe) xxxx
0 Kudos
SILLY
Super Contributor
I am sorry that you have this cancer . It looks like an extremely difficult year ahead for you and your family . You certainly have a great attitude to this. It's wonderful that the doctors are fairly confident of a cure,You are fortunate that you have good support from your family . I hope that the chemo will not be too difficult . I have no personal experience of chemo ,only radiation . I like your plan to look at the treatment in stages ,dealing with one at a time .It sounds like a good plan .All the best and I'm sure you keep updating here from time to time . You will get lots of support here ,and from others with the same cancer you have .
0 Kudos
AG
Not applicable
Hello my beautiful wife, You are the bravest person I know, and the best of all of us. I know we'll get through this and find ourselves on the other side of next year with lots of stories to tell and more than a few battle scars to show for it, but I know if anyone is up for this fight, it's you. Always remember though that I will be right next to you the whole way. I love you. Andrew.
0 Kudos
Mel_G
Not applicable
Hey Em, How do you like my chosen avater? Just keep swimming, thats what we do!!! lalalalalala. Love you heaps! Melxx
0 Kudos
little_stitcher
Super Contributor
Hey Emma- I love your fighting attitude. This is a great place to come for support and information, or just to share the tough times. I wish you all the best for the coming year. love Emily
0 Kudos
bbarcham
Not applicable
Emma, Shocked and saddened to hear your news. There will be many trying times ahead, but we're so glad you are already getting small pieces of good news. Long may they continue. We know that you will fight this, and we wish you all the best. Think of your beautiful girls during the tough times, and remember the treatment will be all worth it in the end. You have good people around you, and a positive frame of mind, which is a good starting point. All the best, to you, Andrew, your three beautiful girls, and the rest of your family. You are not alone in this. Far from it, as I'm sure we'll see with this blog. Love and thoughts from Singapore. Braydon, Jenny & Lily
0 Kudos
bbarcham
Not applicable
Emma, Shocked and saddened to hear your news. There will be many trying times ahead, but we're so glad you are already getting small pieces of good news. Long may they continue. We know that you will fight this, and we wish you all the best. Think of your beautiful girls during the tough times, and remember the treatment will be all worth it in the end. You have good people around you, and a positive frame of mind, which is a good starting point. All the best, to you, Andrew, your three beautiful girls, and the rest of your family. You are not alone in this. Far from it, as I'm sure we'll see with this blog. Love and thoughts from Singapore. Braydon, Jenny & Lily
0 Kudos
kenbar
Not applicable
Hello Emma, We were very upset to hear your news. Your courage, strength and determination since your diagnosis has been an inspiration to us all. We know that you have a long and difficult road ahead but try to take strength from all those loved ones around you who are going to be with you every step of the way. Andrew and your little princesses are also in our thoughts at this time. Emma, you have always been an important part of our family and rest assured that we are all behind you and will support you in whatever way we can. Love to a special girl, Ken and Jocelyn
0 Kudos
Post new blog
Talk to a health professional
Cancer Council support and information 13 11 20Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm
Cancer Information and Support

Online resources and support

Access information about support services, online resources and a range of other materials.

Caring for someone with cancer?

Find out what resources and support services are available to assist you.