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

How did it all pan out?? ... View more

Yes, the same situation I have faced earlier. I have my cousin who was suffering from cancer over 2 years. And at last he left us giving us a great shock. Right now I can clearly remeber my cousing. 🙂 ... View more

Hi Maggie, I am just wondering if you are still with us? My family member from overseas is going through the same as you and would like to know the results. Hope you are here ! ... View more

Hi Peanutz, You should not bin any of the medications. Please take them to your local chemist to be disposed of properly (at least the opened packets anyway). You never know who may find them in your rubbish, or what some people may do with things. Your heart is in the right place, not wanting the unopened packets to be wasted, however, health regulations will prevent any medical facility from accepting your kind offer. I'm sorry to put a dampener on things for you. Regards, Rowan ... View more

Thanks jan As you as said DEFINITELY I expect a full and detailed report of the Saturday lake happenings. It is written Hugs Geoff ... View more

I would have said do and act as you feel . Then I read Peanuts' reply and she said it so well . My thoughts are with you . ... View more

Thanks for your reply Geoff. It has been quite nice being back on the site. I have been re-reading some of the posts. I can read them now with fond, loving memories. You and Lorraine certainly went through a lot together. You were very blessed. I think we will always be caring and have a sense of fragility about us. I know I can take my experiences of grief and caring into the workplace as a massage therapist and carer in a dementia specific unit. Kevin is always with me. I often hear him saying "hang on that's not fair what's happening to that person" and I feel compelled to act. I think Lorraine and Kevin were lucky to have us as we were them. Take care...Hugs back....D ... View more

Hello, I came to realise early in the piece with Pieter that I was working along side the medical staff providing palliative care, at first that scared me but then realised that people diagnosed with GBM are already (once diagnosed) under palliative care. Essentially it is another form of caring. I agree that getting equipment, papers and funeral in order, even if you only start the processes are a great help. Equipment such as the hospital bed, incontinence aids, food supements for when taste buds change or when food becomes difficult to swallow. Power of attorney is great but also make sure all papers are in order (for after) as power of attorney stops the moment someone passes away. Funeral arrangements, Pieter had always indicated a cardboard box and BBQ, but as he progressed Pieter asked if he could have music, then asked about poppy service (having been in defence force), and as Pieter wanted the changes I worked with the funeral director to make sure Pieter got his wishes. Pieter also wanted to stay home, which worked well for him. My children assisted with Pieter' care, with my daughter was with Pieter and I on his passing. You need to do what you believe is the best for you and your family, all of us here understand what you are going through and we can provide information on what worked or did not work for us, but you have to decide your next step. We can only support you in your decision. Our thoughts are with you. ... View more

Hi Peanutz, so sorry for your loss, it is so hard to go on, I am still struggling without Gary, Lorraine ... View more