Hi. My husband has Multiple Myeloma. He was due to have a stem cell transplant in April but was postponed and then his levels went up so it was cancelled. He started a 2nd line of treatment beginning of Oct and 3 days later was took into hospital with fluid on his lung, pnuemonia and his white cells really low. He still isnt over it but back home and chemo resumed. We have 3 children, 1 at college and 2 at secondary school. I kept them at home the last few days before half term, I am really worried and anxious about whether to send them back tomorrow or still keep them home. Their college and school have been supportive and just thinking home schooling may be best for a few weeks, I dont know what to do for the best.
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Hi @Pebbles, a welcome to our forum and you have found us a the right time
We are here to support you and you will find several similar posts and similar dilemmas on the forum. It must bring up such a mixture of emotions for you all. I do not envy you all.
Perhaps your husband might want to talk to his medical team and tell them his fears and thoughts and also a family conference can help.
If you would like to talk to someone, although they cannot tell you what to do either, you can contact our Support Services Team on 0808 2080 888 (10am-7pm Monday-Friday, and 10am-1pm Saturday and Sunday) or via email at support@bloodcancer.org.uk. I often find writing a dilemma down or speaking to someone helps me to make a decision.
Please let us know how you all get on.
Hi @Pebbles and welcome to the group. This is a subject very close to my heart and I completely understand your anxieties - I’m exactly the same. It may be worth having a look at the link below. There are lots of discussion around this and how people are feeling.
Shielding and children returning to school
Keep sharing and let me know what you decide. My children are returning tomorrow. I wondered what your medical team have advised?
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My husband is seeing his team on Tues so is going to ask about it, I am going to ring school in the morning and speak to them. He is just worried as he isnt over the pnuemonia yet on top of having the chemo. Thank you, I will have a look.
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Great idea to ring the school. I had to do this to check what they had in place and the children asked lots of questions too as they were really anxious. Let us know what you husbands team says. It’s so useful to hear what advice people are being given. Take care x
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Hi @Pebbles, please let us know what your husbands medical team says on Tues and I expect he is concerned.
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Hi. His clinical nurse rang this morning and she said in her professional opinion is that if the school is happy enough they would be better at home doing school work as with Peters condition she said its too risky as covid cases are rising in our area quite a bit and more sensible for them to be at home. My 13yr old has always been quite anxious about bringing something home. The school were very good when I rang this morning and have sent them online work.
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So glad to hear you managed to get advice from your husband’s clinical team and that the school are being supportive! I can only imagine how worrying this situation must have been for you. How have you and your husband been coping over the past few months?
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Hi @Pebbles, I am so glad your clinical nurse has been so clear and that the school so accommodating. Please let us know how you all get on at home.
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Hi. Its been very difficult as he is struggling with this line of treatment, in hospital for a week ill and the added worry of covid. I lost my mam 5 weeks ago to Lung Cancer and I think it hit home to him about his cancer aswell. Our lives have changed dramatically and some days I can see how much its affecting him but he keeps a brave face for us.
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Hi @Pebbles, I think being a spouse and carer must be the most difficult role in the world, juggling everything and trying to make sure everything and everyone are as OK as they can be.
I bet you put the brave face on as well.
You must be exhausted, be kind to yourself, you only lost your mam 5 weeks ago, you must be grieving so much. Take care of yourself just as well as you do others and please keep posting how you all are, we are here to support you.
Hi @Pebbles. I’m so glad the team were helpful and gave you the advice you needed. Gosh, it sounds like you have had a really tough few weeks and it must be very difficult for you all, and especially you, holding it all together. Please take care of yourself. We are all hear if and when you need us X
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Hi Pebbles, just to say I’m thinking of you and sending you love, tricky situation. I have CLL and school age children and so am interested to hear everyone’s views and progress. Sounds like you’ve come to a sensible decision, best of luck and sending you my thoughts, Firefly
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I’ve received my email confirming I have to stay at home for the next few weeks. I’m very relieved, as are my children. However, it’s hard to convince them that it’s ok for them to go to school and for my husband to go to work. Socially distancing from your family at home - as suggested - is near enough impossible as well.
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