I think we've reached the end of our road

[EarthMotherImNot]

Title says it all really

Since our last lo left a few weeks ago Dh and I have endlessly discussed whether to carry on as Fc's.

Her leaving affected us both badly, probably due to her difficult start in life and how intensely we worked with her for so long.

I have a supervision meeting due in a week or so and I'll probably tell my sw then.
We very much want to see our current lo on to his adoption next month but I'm worried they'll move him instead so I'm considering just keeping quiet until he leaves

It hasn't been an easy decision and I've dithered about it some days but we aren't getting any younger and the paperwork and training seems neverending and often not even geared to our age group.

I get tired of hearing sw's speak of manditory training when we are, in effect unpaid childcare.

I think the last straw was being "told" I "must" attend a course on "managing difficult behaviour" we foster newborns for gods sake!

Thats such great news EMIN! Well done! Can't wait to hear all about your next placement!

Ours is currently a little 4 month old currently smiling at me!She is our first and we feel lucky to play a part in her life!!Best job in the world! (luckily SW's all great so far - lol)

xx

.

Great! Currently looking after 8 week first placement and your previous posts really helped me have an idea of what to expect! Really pleased that you are continuing!

Agree that it's a great job (especially since I am beginning to get really lovely smiles!)

Phew.. welcome back!!

Great news x

Welcome back! xx

Hello everyone, sorry for the delay but I've had some health issues to deal with.

I was told yesterday that I have breast cancer and will shortly be having a mastectomy. I need to speak to fostering but I'm fairy sure they'll tell me to wait until I'm well before starting again.

Hope everyone is well x

I'm so sorry to hear this xxx

Oh Emin, I am so so sorry to hear your news... bless you

I hope you get the very very best treatment possible.

If there is anything we can do for you, please let us know!!

Take the very best care of yourself.

Much love,
x x x x x

I am sorry Emin and hope your surgery is successful. Quite right about fostering now... concentrate on getting better. xxxx

Sending lots of love emin.Please stay positive xxx

Thanks everyone. Feels very surreal at the moment, as though its not happening to me.

I told my aunty last night, who I'm very close to, and she said "but you've helped all those kiddies, why you" I'm afraid there's no get out clause I told her!

EarthMother, I have nothing to do with fostering but have read so many posts by you and you are an inspiration. So sorry you have been badly treated by your LA, and I really really think they need that feedback, no holds barred - if you can't tell them after 24 years then no one can.

However - I can imagine, quite rightly, that that is the last thing on your mind now, given your health issues. Thinking of you, and hoping for a very quick recovery.

As someone else said down the thread, the LA might not recognise your contribution, but they are second on the list of people whose opinion matters - the children are first and I'm confident you have changed all their lives for the better.

Thank you so much Stealth, that means a lot to me.

Our last lo who left in April is coming to visit tomorrow and I'm so looking forward to seeing him I can't tell you

My brother has just sent me a lovely text (I've asked people not to ring cos I'll lose it) he says I'm the strongest woman he knows.

Pass the tissues

:( hoping your op goes smoothly, and your recovery is quick. Wishing you all the luck I could possibly send.

Your aunt is a wise woman, and I only wished it was the case that bad things didn't happen to good people

Stay strong

Thank you Squidgy.

So sorry to hear that! My aunt had it 10 years ago and has been really well ever since!Wishing you a speedy recovery!! Hope you have a lovely time with FC xxxxxx

Emin, I'm so sorry to read this. Sometimes life does seem very unfair.

I just want to join in with everyone who's already wished you a speedy recovery. My thoughts are with you and your family xx

Thanks everyone. Its been a difficult week and still got another to before I see the consultant who will tell me the whole story, so to speak. Time seems to be going very slowly

Will be thinking about you, keep us updated as much as you can/want to

I will Stealth, I think I'll need to talk, cry, and probably scream so brace yourself.

Emin, I'm really sorry :(

Don't really know what to say because I'm rubbish at times like this, but you are most certainly in my prayers.

Wishing you a speedy recovery and an excellent consultant!
x

Thank you all

May I ask for every good vibe you can muster for 9am tomorrow? Thats when I have my first appointment with the surgeon and get the results of the biopsy. I already know I have to lose one breast, please god, thats as bad as it gets.

I emailed the team manager on the 12th August to tell her about the cancer but haven't received a reply. I'm trying to be charitable and hoping she's on holiday

Hope everything goes well tomorrow, will be thinking of you. Best wishes for a quick recovery and take care, look after yourself and don't worry about anyone else for a while x