Cancer at Christmas sucks.

[Mrs_Elton]

To use the words of a wise man....bugger. Hubby had a follow up chest/abdo/pelvic ct scan today, oncologist didn't even pull the scans out of the envelope. The report said it all. Hubby's primary cancer has grown significantly in 7 weeks, and that combined with his new secondary tumour on the right frontal lobe mean that his life expectancy is reduced to 3 months. Anything more is a bonus. Cancer sucks anytime, but at Christmas it sucks even more.

[Jules2]

Jill I am so sorry to read this news. I am lost for words and yes i agree having cancer sucks especially so at christmas time!! Have the best day that you can on christmas day. sending cyber hugs and wishing i could do or say more Julie

[Mrs_Elton]

Hi Julie, Thanks for the cyber hugs, can use all that we can get right now. We will be doing our best to have a good day on Christmas day, I've just been wrapping presents, Greg helped with some, I think we have gone a bit overboard this year, not just with our boys, but with the whole extended family. The presents aren't what really matters but to the kids they do. We will have to take lots of photos and video.I will probably be behind the camera for most of it, cos I think I will be a blubbering mess if I think too much about it. I'm not intending to tell the boys until after Christmas, I want to try and get some family counselling sessions organized and in place. This time of year it is difficult as so many people/services are taking time off, naturally. I'm thinking a weekly session for the boys might be helpful. Better try and get some sleep, Jill.

[larn75]

Hi Jill, I am with Julie and at a loss for words. Counselling sessions are a great idea for the boys. Cherish everyday. Thinking of you. Alana oooo more cyber hugs

[WishingStar]

I have been trying to think of what to say, without sounding trite or 'stay positive' (I hate that by the way), There is nothing to say, Enjoy each moment for the moment if you can, It is just not fair!!! Stay strong, but cry and sleep if you need to - let your mum or somone else look after the boys and your husband for a few hours every now and then a catch a nap - you need it! Nicole

[Jules2]

Hey Jill If i can help with some information re counselling. I have a friend who is a child psychologist (dr) and although he works out of a private practice he may be able to offer some alternatives to you. If so, just email and i will see what i can do. Sounds like you have a wonderful day planned and its great that greg has been able to help with the presents. I would be behind the camera too and exactly as you say a blubbering mess if i wasnt. Just see what works for the boys, you will know you are their mum. :) more cyber hugs and thinking of you Julie

[Mrs_Elton]

Thanks Nicole and Alana, Your acknowledgement is appreciated, I know there are no words to say, just having you message is something I am grateful for. I got a few hours sleep, Greg is having a lot of his hiccup/belch/burp stuff happening and it doesn't stop while he is trying to sleep. There are lots of strange bodily noises going on as a result and it is difficult for either of us to get a decent rest. I ended up going to the spare room for a couple of hours (Dad didn't stay here last night, so I could use that room)and while I was in there I did get a bit of sleep. I went back to our bed around 4.30am but have to be honest, just lay there thinking and then tried to stop myself thinking. Thought I might as well get up and come online and see what I found. A friend is taking Greg to radiation treatment today, so her two boys will stay with me and our boys. Our boys are looking forward to that. Jill xx

[Mrs_Elton]

Thanks Julie, What are you doing up at this time of the day??!! I will see how I go today in making contact with some counsellors that I have already been too earlier in the 'journey'. I felt comfortable with both of them and having started a 'relationship' with them, would probably be easier to keep going with them if I can. Obviously it will depend on whether they are going to be available when I need them, so will get back to you once I know a bit more. Thanks so much, Jill.

[Jules2]

Hey Jill Up early as always and have been known to be up very early 2am lol when stressed out. Thanksfully, i havent done that one in a while as it makes for a very long day. I tend not to nana nap unless its a 2am one and then i do, so i usually am in bed early. Being in the country here the sun is up and so am i pretty much with the birds. Thats great that you have people you are comfortable with and the kids are also. Hopefully they will be around when needed. By all means if i can help. you take care and it sounds like all your chrissy preparations are well under way. I still have present to wrap and buy ... ugh! haha Ok time for one more coffee for me. have the best day that you can Julie

[samex]

Hi Jill, Your experience unfortunately takes me back 5 years ago when cancer first hit my immediate friendship group and a wonderful friend was in your situation with her husband.Consequently I only have more cyber hugs to offer and cancer certainly sux anytime but this time is the worst. Allow the following days to unfold and as long as the kids have their pressies and enough chocolate they'll be happy at this stage and the grownups can just manage and be grateful for the time as this is what is important. Lots of hugs, S

[#11]

Hi Jill, Yes cancer does suck, but at Christmas it sucks large!! I don't think you can overdo the pressies and family events at a time like this. I have a very dear friend who lost her husband in July, just before Warren was diagnosed in August, we got together the other night and had a quiet 'tipple' and cry together, it did help. I Wish Greg, youself and your boys a wonderful day together, and hope that the memories it leaves will be strong and good in the future. Sending out huge - huge cyber hugs to you all, take care and have a wonderful day Lesley

[Versaillon]

Hi Jill I'm sorry to hear about the news (that sounds so crappy) - how shitty to find out just before Christmas. I guess the only thing you can take out of it is that you do know before Christmas and you can make it the best Christmas ever, especially for your boys. I've been so busy lately so haven't been around much. Rob's treatments (cycle 7 and 😎 have hit him hard in the fatigue department so I've been picking up the slack on the Christmas front. Then somehow, I've managed to sprain my shoulder. I wish I knew how cos then I could at least be mad at something or someone! I must be the most accident prone person on the planet. Last Monday while at the hospital for Rob's treatment, I slipped on some water in the hospital foyer, went ass over tit and landed on my knee. Off to the emergency department (while Rob was wondering where his breakfast was) to have it x-rayed and checked out. I sprained my knee - same side as my shoulder. So along with my munted left arm, I have a sprained right shoulder and right knee. I feel and move like Quasimodo LOL. Hopefully my stupidity gave you a chuckle. I feel it's something you need right now and for the coming months. I have to admit, your strength here is admirable - I have no idea how you keep it together the way you do. Merry Christmas to you and your family Jill. I know it's not much but it's all I got! 😞 xxx