That is so awesome - I love it - being a celebrant will be great.  How cool ! ... View more

Hi DJ, your post and in particular many of the replies brings many upsetting feelings to the surface for me. Although I'm not technically a survivor, everyday I wake-up I remind myself that I have survived another 24 hours. I no longer disclose my medical state nor any detailed personal history. Past relationship experiences have clipped my openness and honesty and I dump all obvious symptoms on my increasing age. Actually I look quite normal, whatever that is. Attempting to rekindle relationships with old  buddies has been surprising and in a few cases really shocking. Some simply dont wont to go anywhere near a discussion and others already have their opinions. Seems that some even have more knowledge about me than I do. My general attitude is if you dont wanna friend me because I'm sick then your're not worthy of my friendship anyway.  I hope everyone here is doing ok today and survive another day. My LOVE to you all. ... View more

Hi Ashes    are you still there?  ... View more

Yes I swam with the dolphin and one kept pushing on my left side with its beak. I later found out I had cancer in my left kidney. ... View more

I've been in remission from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma for the last ten monhs. I work in child care and it has been challenging to deal with the physical part of my job. Emotionally I find it very rewarding, that's what keeps me coming back. I'm enjoying being part of a dynamic team and I like working with the other girls. My specialist told me the neuropathy in my feet will eventually subside so I deal with the stiffness and tingling in my feet.   The stiffness in my right leg is mostly from falling twice during my chemo treatment and my leg is still not quite right but the doctor said that will also get better. I'm nowhere near 100% but I feel lucky to get another shot at life and to get back to the job I didn't get a chance to enjoy when I was diagnosed in October last year. I work on a permanent part time basis for the moment and have asked that I do no more than 4 shifts a week until I am better.    It's also great for my family to have me back after all those health problems, I have two children in their late teens and their lives were turned upside down when I got sick. All in all I am happy and look forward to the future, I still fear the lymphoma coming back but I try not to focus on it as it will detract from the quality of my life now that I am trying to get on with things.  ... View more

Sorry to hear that you are receiving a hard time from idiots at your work. Unfortunately, I know how you feel. Whilst I was off working trying to work out what was going on with my health (before my cancer was found), I was made redundant by a manager that I had a love-hate relationship with for a number of years. One good thing came it of it all though. The redundancy payout gave me enough money to be able to take the 6 months off work that I needed to recover (leaving me with a tidy nest egg left over). If you are concerned about your managers attitude (laughing at you and your illness) I suggest that you report your concerns to your HR department. They have a duty of care to address his behaviour, especially under these circumstances. Another avenue you may want to investigate would be to contact Fair Work Australia. They will be able to provide advise as to what your options are as well. Good luck to you, both with your recovery and with your place of employment. I hope it all works out well for you. The Rowan xx ... View more

Hi Jules, So sorry to hear your latest health scare, best to get it sorted out as quickly as possible. Sad to hear about your cousin too, may he rest in peace, it does remind us though, we have a 2nd chance and some aren't as lucky, so we should live life to the full, in memory of those, no longer with us. Take care & be gentle with yourself. Sam ... View more

My prays go out to you my friend and i do hope that you find a beautiful place for your sister and please take care of yourself as well All the best Smellingtheroses ... View more

Thank you Jules. I thought the pic was pretty special when I found it too. It just seemed so appropriate as an Avitar for a site like this. It goes towards the strength we have to find within ourselves to keep going about our day to day lives whilst dealing with our particular forms of cancer. ... View more