You're all so right! I read an article about Mindfullness today. It talked about accepting life as it is at that moment, and accepting your thoughts and recognising them but not getting caught up in the negative chain of thinking that is so easy to fall into. Thanks for the tip about ringing the cancer council, Pimbok. I thought about it but after reading all the posts here I found that my perspective has shifted. I went to the pool today and swam a few laps. It felt good. I used to swim a lot but since my neck dissection I have reduced ability to use my left arm and usually find it very dis-spiriting to be unable to do the things I used to. Today I focussed on what I could do. Silly's right. It's about enjoying the life you have. I just need reminding. I think that finding so many people who have similar thoughts and experiences has made me feel less isolated. Thanks. ... View more

Hi Stace, I am so sorry that you are suffering from this disgraceful disease.. I am a carer for my beautiful fiancee, so i can tell you from that point of view only, I know that most people only ask how you are out of concern and some people are just beig polite, but with those closest to you, in my opinion, i know how i would feel if Terry wasn't honest with me about how he is feeling, although we are very close and i don't even have to ask how he is, i just get a sixth sense about it and i know even if he tries to lie to me and say "no im fine"i know that its not the whole truth, being a man he is very much the strong one and he hates that i have to look after him and he is fighting me all the way with his eating etc, but i just say to him, well you know what, tough cookies, im here to stay so you can love what i do or hate what i do and i will still do it cause i want you well and healthy.. we laugh at it most of the time, and i call him a whinger.. in a loving way of course, but i find thats the best way to deal with it.. my thought will be with you and hope that you have a good prognosis once you are through all your treatments, take care and let those who love you... love you.. they are strong enough to take it .. trust me. ❤️ love and best wishes from Debstar ... View more

Thanks for the greetings. I've since found out a little more info after the CT and MRI. I will have a colonography the day after tomorrow as the CT images weren't very clear. At this stage the cancer is confined to the lower rectum and is in a few of the nodes. I'm scheduled for surgery on the 25th and will be having a lower rectal resection. I've been doing a lot of reading and a lot of talking to others who have been in a similar position. Had a counseling session and I am doing ok. Just starting to get a little nervey about the surgery as the date gets closer. ... View more

House -hunting is one way to concentrate on something else,something that is important to you also. ... View more

Hey Shirley Hope all went well for you with your surgery. I had my op for rectal cancer last year. How are you doing now it's over? Cheers Eta ... View more

I think click on a name and their profile comes up ,then click on "Add me as a friend". I am only guessing. ... View more

Thanks all. I am writing, painting frantically and having been counselled before for ptsd it never occurred to me to use the same methodology here. This may help my husband and I understand why certain events in our house trigger certain emotions. Thanks for your insight! ... View more

Hi Sylvia, thank you for your reply, we are on to day 11 of treatment, and so far so good.. Terry has fared remarkably well so far, with no pain, except the occasional headache which thankfully panadol will ease. He is however having a bit of a rough time with his throat feeling very tight and that closing in feeling.. They keep telling us to make the most of it and that it will get worse, but for now we are thanking our lucky stars that he is still so well.. Eating is going well as is his weight only fluctuating by a kilo or so either way, depending on what he has eaten for the day, I have been in my element cooking up a protien based storm for him, last night was an omelette with chicken, ham and cheese, that went down well apparently, Terry has said that his tastebuds have changed though and every thing has to have sauce or lots of salt and pepper on it for him to enjoy it.. so if thats what it takes thats what we do.. Tonight he felt like mince so i have made a nice kind of pie filling mix with gravy and he is having that with mash potato with lots of milk and butter.. just the way he loves it.. and its guilt free for now 🙂 He has tried the drinks the hospitals have given him with out much luck, he didn't like the taste or the texture but im sure when he needs them (when he has no taste buds) im sure they will be ok We have been very impressed with all help and support the hospital have given us. They truly are a special group of people.. thanks for the support as well Sylvia, its very much appreciated by both terry and myself. take care and stay well.. Debstar ... View more