Melanie, you are a wise and beautiful woman, stronger than you can perceive. I wish you well in your life. lots of love, Emily ... View more

Hi Julie, I still regularly frequent this website, although my husband finished his chemo 2 years ago. I just thought I'd send you a note to say 'Hi!'. It can be so hard dealing with some of this stuff, especially if none of the people close to you have experienced it firsthand, and therefore don't really understand (much as they'd like to.) Feel free to message me if you want to chat. Hugs of friendship, Emily ... View more

I'm with you Melanie, and sending big strong hugs. I so get the 'recording the snoring' thing- I was thinking of doing the same at one stage. I think you should do it, and even if you never play back the recording, you'll know you have it. lots of love, Emily ... View more

Hi Rachel, I don't really know what you're going through (my husband had cancer), but I do think it would be a shame not to take this job. It obviously excites you, so I reckon you should go for it! Maybe you could address the issue in stages- say you need this time off, then if asked why say you have medical appointments. Objectively speaking, the details are irrelevant to your employer, as long as you can do the job. How much your employers should know about you depends on what type of field you are in. Obviously medical type jobs create much more understanding of your situation than something completely unrelated, which may or may not come with misconceptions. You have a responsibility to tell your future employers about anything that will effect your ability to do your job (including not being able to attend the workplace), but nothing further. I hope this has helped somewhat. love Emily ... View more

I have no words, Melanie, but I'm sending you and your husband many hugs. Make sure you look after yourself, too- that way you'll be in the best shape to look after your beloved husband. love Emily ... View more

Hi Nicole- I can only say "Argghh- enough already" on your behalf. Sending you hugs. Emily xx ... View more

...yes, I have really bad mood swings on my HRT : s I have been on HRT since I was 18, for premature menopause (not cancer related), and I get really moody when I'm taking the progesterone (I take separate tablets for the oestrogen and progesterone, as this was the best regimen for me.) I've found that taking 2 evening primrose tablets morning and evening stablises my mood and makes me less emotional. There are many different styles of hrt, to encourage your husband to ask his doctor for different type if this one is making him overly moody. He will feel more content and relaxed once he finds one that really suits him (as long as it also fulfills his medical requirements, of course) hugs and good luck to you both, love Emily ... View more

...gulp-- my hand is on your shoulder. x ... View more

Hi Catherine, I certainly can't relate to what you're dealing with (my husband and I don't have kids- he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma at 39, I was 35- 3 years ago) However, while he was going through chemo I can distinctly remember feeling intensely grateful that we didn't have kids. I don't know if this is encouraging for you at all! Please just consider this a bit of a cheer from the sidelines for you- I know you're doing it really tough, and really admire what you've already achieved. If you are wanting a bit of practical help, The Warwick Cancer Foundation was set up to help people with cancer in our age group. (25-40) thewarwickfoundation.org.au They may be able to organise a few things to make your life easier, or even just put you in touch with other parents who have cancer. (They have a peer support program called 'Mates in my Shoes'). They're based in Melbourne, but have branches in all state capitals. In the meantime, I'm sending you gentle, supportive hugs. love Emily ... View more

I'm sending you hugs over the internet. It's so hard to watch someone you love suffer- this is a great play to come to vent, ask questions and share ideas. love Emily ... View more