Fri Jul 1, 2022, 07:14 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
Our world came crashing down yesterday.
After beating kidney cancer AND Stage 4 Lymphoma, wifey has been diagnosed with Leukemia, probably caused by the chemo from her Lymphoma treatment.
She/We are devastated. We went to the doctor's office thinking that she would be treated for a blood disorder with oral medicines and left knowing that she will have to undergo allogeneic stem cell transplant. To top it all off, her treatment, which will last 3 months (one complete month in the hospital and two months in a apartment adjascent to the hospital) is 4 hours away from our home. So, my question to the group, does anyone have any suggestions on how to acquire a "caregiver" for the two months she will need one at her side 24/7? We have no one to turn to and will need to try to HIRE someone to assist us. Agencies, gov't assistance or any references would help tremendously. To be honest, we are both still in shock. We thought we had beat her cancers ( and have because her kidney cancer and lymphoma are clear) and now this. It is almost more than we can bear. thanks for any help. 
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69 replies, 4093 views
 69 replies |
Author | Time | Post |
 Our world came crashing down yesterday. (Original post) |
Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | OP |
| Walleye | Jul 1 | #1 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #2 | |
| secondwind | Jul 1 | #3 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #8 | |
| 2naSalit | Jul 1 | #4 | |
| mopinko | Jul 1 | #5 | |
| 2naSalit | Jul 1 | #11 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #9 | |
| 2naSalit | Jul 1 | #12 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #19 | |
| magicarpet | Jul 1 | #6 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #10 | |
| Tetrachloride | Jul 1 | #7 | |
| WA-03 Democrat | Jul 1 | #13 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #20 | |
| ancianita | Jul 1 | #14 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #26 | |
| KatyaR | Jul 1 | #15 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #27 | |
| 3Hotdogs | Jul 1 | #16 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #22 | |
| 3Hotdogs | Jul 1 | #17 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #23 | |
| Cozmo | Jul 1 | #18 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #24 | |
| róisín_dubh | Jul 1 | #21 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #25 | |
| wyn borkins | Jul 1 | #28 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #32 | |
| Joinfortmill | Jul 1 | #29 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #34 | |
| Lonestarblue | Jul 1 | #30 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #35 | |
| 70sEraVet | Jul 1 | #31 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #36 | |
| LaMouffette | Jul 1 | #33 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #37 | |
| NNadir | Jul 1 | #38 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #39 | |
| sinkingfeeling | Jul 1 | #40 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #48 | |
| Marthe48 | Jul 1 | #41 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #49 | |
| jaxexpat | Jul 1 | #42 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #50 | |
| MLAA | Jul 1 | #43 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #51 | |
| cate94 | Jul 1 | #44 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #52 | |
| plimsoll | Jul 1 | #45 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #54 | |
| LoisB | Jul 1 | #46 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #55 | |
| niyad | Jul 1 | #47 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #56 | |
| Botany | Jul 1 | #53 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #57 | |
| erronis | Jul 1 | #58 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #61 | |
| Rebl2 | Jul 1 | #59 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #62 | |
| cilla4progress | Jul 1 | #60 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #63 | |
| live love laugh | Jul 1 | #64 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 1 | #65 | |
| applegrove | Jul 2 | #66 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 2 | #67 | |
| applegrove | Jul 2 | #68 | |
| Ferrets are Cool | Jul 2 | #69 |
Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 07:16 AM
Walleye (17,076 posts)
1. I wish there was something I could say...
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Response to Walleye (Reply #1)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 07:17 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
2. Thank you Walleye
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 07:22 AM
secondwind (15,747 posts)
3. Your wife sounds like a fighter.. I hope she beats this, too..
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Response to secondwind (Reply #3)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 07:43 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
8. Thank you secondwind.
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 07:32 AM
2naSalit (61,832 posts)
4. Are there any...
Response to 2naSalit (Reply #4)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 07:44 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
9. We got back home very late last nite. We will be calling and beginning our investigations today.
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Reply #9)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 07:53 AM
2naSalit (61,832 posts)
12. Seems so daunting...
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We care about you here, gather what strength you can from that.
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Response to 2naSalit (Reply #12)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 08:21 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
19. The ONLY group that I can count on to be there.
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 07:35 AM
6. Your wife is fortunate to have such a good planner/fighter,...
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.... for her emotional and health support.
Soon you folks will move beyond these health issues and return to a state of normalcy and calm.   |
Response to magicarpet (Reply #6)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 07:44 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
10. Thank you magicarpet
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 07:43 AM
7. Public libraries might have leads to actual caregivers
Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 07:54 AM
WA-03 Democrat (2,468 posts)
13. I am so sorry to hear this
Response to WA-03 Democrat (Reply #13)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 08:22 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
20. Thank you WA
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 08:03 AM
ancianita (27,956 posts)
14. Ferret, you've both gone through so much already, and
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yet you sound as if you might have light at the end of this tunnel. The help posted here are good starting points. I wish you and wifey the love and strength you'll both give each other to get through this. Health care givers are fine people and will help bolster your spirits, help you work out arrangements.
We're with you both. Get over here as often as you need so we can give you all the love, hugs and support we can. |
Response to ancianita (Reply #14)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 08:25 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
26. Thank you so very much
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 08:06 AM
KatyaR (3,391 posts)
15. I am so very sorry to hear this.
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You and your wife have been through a lot.
You may be able to talk to your wife's treatment team to find some help. If this is standard procedure for treatment, you will not be the first to have these needs. Love, peace, and patience to you and your wife. |
Response to KatyaR (Reply #15)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 08:26 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
27. Thank you Kat
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We will be making lots of calls.
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 08:07 AM
3Hotdogs (8,659 posts)
16. ... nothing you probably don't already know.
Response to 3Hotdogs (Reply #16)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 08:23 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
22. Thank you so much for your suggestions
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Every avenue will be investigated.
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 08:10 AM
3Hotdogs (8,659 posts)
17. Maybe more specifically... Where do you live?
Response to 3Hotdogs (Reply #17)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 08:24 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
23. Mobile, AL The treatment center is in B'ham which is 4 hrs away
Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 08:19 AM
18. Can I suggest that you contact your local Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Response to Cozmo (Reply #18)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 08:24 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
24. Thank you. We will be doing so today.
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 08:23 AM
róisín_dubh (11,541 posts)
21. I'm sorry I don't have any suggestions...
Response to róisín_dubh (Reply #21)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 08:25 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
25. Thank you so much.
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Response to wyn borkins (Reply #28)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:12 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
32. Thank you for your suggestion
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 08:29 AM
29. I am so sorry. Try calling your state's social services dept
Response to Joinfortmill (Reply #29)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:12 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
34. Thank you
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 08:53 AM
30. If you are on Medicare, it will pay for room and board for hospice care.
Response to Lonestarblue (Reply #30)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:13 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
35. Thank you Lonestar
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Yes, she is on Medicare. We will check into that.
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:11 AM
70sEraVet (1,551 posts)
31. Can't imagine what you're going through. In our household, its been my wife taking care of me
Response to 70sEraVet (Reply #31)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:14 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
36. Thank you
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It's been a difficult journey. We will continue it as best we can.
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:12 AM
33. Ferrets, I am so very sorry for the devastating news you and your wife have received!
Response to LaMouffette (Reply #33)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:14 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
37. Thank you so much
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Yes, DU is the best.
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:15 AM
NNadir (29,843 posts)
38. I'm very sorry to hear of your struggle but have no insight to...
Response to NNadir (Reply #38)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:16 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
39. Thank you so much
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:17 AM
sinkingfeeling (46,287 posts)
40. So sorry to read this. I have no suggestions for assistance,
Response to sinkingfeeling (Reply #40)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:43 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
48. Thank you
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:23 AM
Marthe48 (9,732 posts)
41. Does the hospital have social services
Response to Marthe48 (Reply #41)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:43 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
49. Thank you Marthe
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:25 AM
42. The shock of it has got to be rough.
Response to jaxexpat (Reply #42)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:44 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
50. Thank you. Yes, one step at a time.
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:28 AM
MLAA (11,837 posts)
43. I used care.com for my dad and a different local company for husband.
Response to MLAA (Reply #43)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:45 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
51. Thank you for your post.
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We will certainly look into this. |
Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:29 AM
cate94 (2,243 posts)
44. Lots of good advice upthread
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Sending healing thoughts and
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Response to cate94 (Reply #44)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:45 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
52. Thank you Cate
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:35 AM
45. First off, I hope things go according to plan for you.
Response to plimsoll (Reply #45)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:46 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
54. You are most likely correct.
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:35 AM
46. I am so sorry to hear this, especially after having overcome so much. Does the hospital in
Response to LoisB (Reply #46)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:47 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
55. Thank you. We got in very late last nite and will be contacting resources today
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:36 AM
niyad (89,824 posts)
47. (((((((((ferret /wife))))))))) all the suggestions upthread were excellent, and
Response to niyad (Reply #47)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:47 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
56. Thank you so much.
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:46 AM
Botany (64,722 posts)
53. I would suggest you guys look @ staying in some kind of residential care facility for those months.
Response to Botany (Reply #53)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:48 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
57. Thank you Botany
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 09:59 AM
erronis (11,450 posts)
58. There are some new treatments for leukemia. And look into clinical trials.
Response to erronis (Reply #58)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 10:32 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
61. Thank you erronis
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I have those sites bookmarked.
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 10:03 AM
Rebl2 (7,896 posts)
59. I would
Response to Rebl2 (Reply #59)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 10:33 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
62. Yes she is
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thank you.
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 10:04 AM
cilla4progress (20,111 posts)
60. All my best to you and your wife, ferrets -
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scary and disappointing.
Holding you both in my heart. |
Response to cilla4progress (Reply #60)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 10:34 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
63. Thank you cilla
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It is very frightening.
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 12:12 PM
live love laugh (8,803 posts)
64. I'm sorry.
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I have no answer just sending good vibes.
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Response to live love laugh (Reply #64)
Fri Jul 1, 2022, 04:55 PM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
65. THank you LLL
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Original post)
Sat Jul 2, 2022, 01:53 AM
applegrove (108,296 posts)
66. We got great people from an agency that was recommended to us
Response to applegrove (Reply #66)
Sat Jul 2, 2022, 08:52 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
67. Thanks AG
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For 24/7 care, that would add up fast.
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Response to Ferrets are Cool (Reply #67)
Sat Jul 2, 2022, 11:24 AM
applegrove (108,296 posts)
68. I have a friend whose kids have all grown up. She's lovely. She is single.
Response to applegrove (Reply #68)
Sat Jul 2, 2022, 11:37 AM
Ferrets are Cool (17,576 posts)
69. We are still gathering information
