Hi From South Jersey

[caffeinenut]

I was lucky enough to stumble onto this site yesterday. After reading a few posts, I know I'm in the right place. My IS was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 15 months ago. Considering the surgeon was unable to remove the tumor after 7 hours of surgery a year ago, I know we have been lucky to have had this much time with him.

He is now at home on hospice care. I work full time, but I'm close enough that I can come home to give him lunch every day. I've begun using vacation time and taking half days a couple days a week so I can be with him more. He is very unsteady and increasingly confused, so I'm uncomfortable leaving him alone too long. Mornings aren't so bad because he tends to sleep and I wake him up when I call him to take his mid-morning meds

It's so hard to balance work, IS, and my most important job - mom to my 13yo son. Part of me would love to be able to stay home full time, but family leave wouldn't give me my full check and I need every dime I make. On the other hand, my work gives me time to focus on something else, and I find that so important to my sanity.

Anyway, it's nice to find a place where people understand.

Wishing everyone a peaceful weekend!

Susan

[Peggy]

Susan, welcome to our group. You certainly have many things to balance. You will find our family here very supportive. I am glad you found us.

[claudia]

Welcome Susan, I'm glad you've found us.
Your issues ring a common bell with many of us: balancing the needed job, raising a teenager, being there for your very sick IS. Not to mention the sad changes in family dynamics and the emotional upheaval. It is not a challenge for the faint of heart.

You will not only find support here, but lots of good advise based on experience. I believe NJ has quite a few support groups, those are great if you can squeeze it into your schedule.

Hope to see you often on the Forum!
A big welcome hug,
Claudia

[adelle]

Hi Susan. We welcome you here with open arms. Sorry you need us, but I hope we can lighten your step. Adelle

[josh]

WELCOME! I am new also. The bunch of replies I got from my first post did wonders for my spirit. Hope this helps yours too. Good luck with the balancing act.

[wheeliezdryver73]

Welcome and {{{hugs}}}

[graybeard]

Welcome Susan. I am sure that you will find what each of us has when we came to this community ... supportive, understanding, caring souls who get what you are facing.

[LarryB]

Susan as you say it is tough to balance all we do, jobs, care, kids, sanity! But HERE we all get it! Glad you found us - the warmth and understanding here are wonderful.

((((caffeinenut))))

[Dorothy Saunders]

Welcome, caffeinenut! So sorry that you need us, though.
We have support groups in south Jersey if you can steal some time away; it would help you a lot.

In fact, there is a holiday party TONIGHT in Cherry Hill! Can you get out for a bit and meet some wonderful, understanding peers in person while eating and drinking and trying to be merry?? I'm serious -- check our website homepage for the info!

[Bob Ross]

Welcome, Susan. Please join us -- you'll find many helpful, understanding people. Bob

[caffeinenut]

Welcome, caffeinenut! So sorry that you need us, though.
We have support groups in south Jersey if you can steal some time away; it would help you a lot.
Thank you , Dorothy, I will definitely try to steal some "me" time for that.

In fact, there is a holiday party TONIGHT in Cherry Hill! Can you get out for a bit and meet some wonderful, understanding peers in person while eating and drinking and trying to be merry?? I'm serious -- check our website homepage for the info!

I cannot believe this is about 3 minutes from my house and I can't get away tonight. I would love to have joined you!

[caffeinenut]

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome. I can already tell I've "met" some very special new friends.


(((Gentle Hugs))) to all!

Susan

[kitty]

Welcome Susan, glad you found us. I grew up in your area - used to go to the Cherry Hill mall as a teen - wow brings back memories of long ago Christmases.

[Katt]

Hi Susan,

Welcome. You certainly do have a lot on your shoulders. You seemed so organized and have found a way to manage quite a load.

I know you will find a lot of support here. We will be here with you through thick and thin. Maybe we will give you a chance to laugh along the way.

Kat

[tundra lodger]

Welcome, Susan!

Although I'm sad you've need of this place, I am glad you found our little online oasis. You will find friends here.

Given what you must be dealing with, finding balance can be impossible. Especially when there's a very LARGE gorilla in the room....every room. And while hospice is usually a godsend, they can't be everything you need. May you find caring and support here.

Again, welcome.
*bigolehugz*
tl