Hi Andreah I am sorry to hear of your Mum's cancer and your difficulties but also commend you for moving home to care for her and support your Dad. Life is not fair and often leaves us with hard choices to make. It is a matter of finding balance and making choices that you are prepared to live with comfortably long-term as well as fulfilling your own present needs. It is possible to be happy and unhappy consecutively; it is not necessarily a case of either, or. Can you move a short distance to allow for frequent visits? Can you study from home (http://oten.tafensw.edu.au/)? Can you make trips away for short periods? Can you get respite from family/friend/organisation? If you can do any of the latter, would you still feel the need to move out? Carers need caring for, too, so they can continue caring. Look after yourself as you look after your Mum & Dad. Don't take others' disapproval on your shoulders. If they can't see you need help, too, they have a problem. When cancer comes many are affected, not just the patient. Be kind with yourself and also with others who may well be struggling and taking their stress out on you. Sending prayers of strength and wisdom - and warm hugs of comfort, Pamela 🙂 ... View more

Hi Josh & Silly I had my pillow plus a couple of sheep-skins for my 11 days in hospital, as after 14 hours on the operation table without moving, I had bedsore areas even before getting to the ward. Coming home was wonderful. Best wishes, Pamela 🙂 ... View more

Hi Cremm Maybe you could have a special early 4th birthday party so your daughter can celebrate it with her Daddy. I'm sure she would be pleased to remember her Daddy had attended her extra special day, even though he may not be at the real one. Warm (((hugs))), Pamela ... View more

Hi Dazza I'm so sorry your so difficult time is compounded by other family members. Feelings are very fickle things that can change so easily. You and your wife both have strong feelings to deal with just now. It can be hard to put feelings aside and deal with facts or situations instead, but I do think it will help overall. What your wife wants is the important thing. I suggest that is a peaceful atmosphere among the whole extended family. Your wife's ex-partner is 'ex' for a reason. The only important people are your immediate family. The 'ex' family is upsetting your wife who needs only loving people surrounding her at this time. Tell the 'ex' family what they are doing to your wife and that the trouble they are causing is making your wife give up. Don't take their negativeness on your shoulders - you have enough to cope with already. And don't make any decisions that you may later regret. Prayers of wisdom and strength to you, Pamela :-) ... View more

Hi Jay may I had 30 radiotherapy sessions and found great relief using aloe vera gel, kept in the fridge for extra coolness. It took away the burning heat immediately and left my skin soft and smooth without blistering. Good blessings and warm hugs, Pamela :-) ... View more

Hi Peanutz I do hope a good night's sleep and a few daily naps is all that's needed for your partner to pick up again. Sending prayers for both breathing space AND miracles - warm hugs, Pamela 🙂 ... View more

Hello Cremm I am so sorry to hear of the awful struggle you and your family are going through. Life can be so hard at times; your story has moved my heartstrings and brought tears to my eyes. It can be hard to hear people say how strong you are when you can be crumbling inside. You can only take one moment at a time and deal with it with what you have. The following links may help you talk to your little girl about her Daddy: http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/death.html http://www.hospicenet.org/html/talking.html http://www.livestrong.com/article/201246-how-to-tell-a-child-about-the-death-of-a-loved-one/ http://www.babycenter.com/0_how-to-talk-to-your-kindergartner-about-death_67095.bc Prayers of strength and warm hugs of comfort to you, Pamela ... View more

Hi Laura I did not know anything about schwannomas or ependymomas so I googled both. That is a lot to handle for anyone, let alone a young woman as yourself. To most people, particularly family and friends of patients, cancer is frightening. Your parents may be keeping calm and low key with you thinking this will help you cope. Openness with questions and discussion would be a good way to go, I believe. Ask them if they realise how serious this is, as you do. Tell them you need to talk about it, not tip-toe around the subject. Ask them to be strong for you because you need their support so much right now. Some people may be a wonderful help; some not at all. It is sad when your closest cannot help you, but doubly frustrating for you if you look for help from those who are unable. You are in a good place on this website for support. Another I have found helpful is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/45891977828/ (Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer) I am glad your hearing is still so very good and I hope it stays that way. I suffered noise deafness as a teen and all my life and now have bilateral cochlear implants. In good conditions I hear 100%. Sending warm hugs of strength and comfort, Pamela 🙂 ... View more

Hi Suzie I am so sorry about your Dad - life can be so hard at times. Could you consider two wedding dates? A special little one at home for your Dad to attend and the other one as planned? I am sure when your Dad is no longer with you, your memories of such a day together would abide in your heart with a sense of thankfulness for having made a special time for him. May you and your fiancée experience the same wonderful love your parents enjoyed for such a long time. Warm hugs of strength and comfort to you all, Pamela 🙂 ... View more

Hi Janine You are walking a very hard path in life, and I do feel for you. But I also thought, who better for your partner to be with than someone who had what it took to cope with what life threw at her the first time and I'm sure came through with strength and courage. You are blessed to have found love again, and I pray you have many wonderful years together despite this oh-so-difficult situation. Stay positive, as your partner is, and enjoy every moment together. Good blessings and warm hugs of strength and comfort, Pamela 🙂 ... View more