My daughter has Hodgkins Lymphoma is half way with her chemo. She recently moved to Ohio from North Carolina had a baby in January. A month after her baby was burn she found out about the cancer. She is very depressed since she can't work . It has been very overwhelming for her. I'm in North Carolina and fincialey unable to be with her very much. She won't reach out to others and I'm very frustrated.
@ [email protected] sorry you are so frustrated, I would be also! I hope she moved in with a friend so they can help out some. Maybe you could research the area where she id going to live and see for yourself. After you know what is in her area make up a list of resources for her. Now she has the info. and can make her choice to come or not. Keep an eye on her and phone handy in case you have to call 911. Please keep us aware!
@[email protected]
Having a newborn and going through cancer treatment is huge, and so is living in a new place. I know you're worried about her and frustrated, but I can also understand why your daughter would not have the energy to reach out to others. But has she talked with her doctors -- oncologist and obstetrician/pediatrician -- about the depression? There are usually services available -- and post-partum depression is more common than we often realize . . . adding cancer on top? That's a huge load for anyone.
I assume that the relocation was either due to a job or marriage/relationship change. Is she there with a partner -- her husband or other partner? And if so, does that partner have family in the area? If you are on good terms with her partner, talking calmly about your concerns with him might help, though with a newborn and the cancer he is probably at his limit as well. But he might be able to encourage her to see if either doctor has any recommendation for helping her through.
It hurts to see our children hurt, even when they are grown (my oldest is 29). But we also have to make sure our frustration doesn't add to their pain, which can be really hard. We're moms, we want to fix it. But we can't always. You are all in my thoughts and my heart. Others may have suggestions, but this is all I can think of. Take care, and stay strong.
@stormdancer Excellent post!