I'm afraid I've fallen prey to the whole 'seasonal stress' thing this year (maybe to take my mind of my job insecurity- I find out on 8th January if I'm going to be sacked!) I've been so busy organising everything that yesterday I just got over the whole thing, and wished Christmas would go away. I feel very sad about that, as usually I love this time of year, and, as a Christian, I know better than to worry overmuch about externals. It doesn't help that my husband has never been one for making a fuss about things, so if I want something to be festive, I generally have to do it myself. I guess I've just put so much pressure on myself to make Christmas special, while I'm pre-occupied with my job, that it's all fallen flat. However, tonight I'm just going to relax and remind myself that I have plenty of time, and that Christmas isn't about what we do anyway, it's about what was done for us. Now that makes me feel more merry! Have a blessed Christmas everyone. xx ... View more

Yay Denise! Your craft room sounds fantastic- embrace it. I'm lucky enough to have a craft room, and it's brilliant, as it means you don't have to pack up your bits at the end of the day- just close the door (or not even). It can be really handy to leave things where they are and come back a few days later for a fresh look if you get stuck. I'm so glad you understand your husband will always be with you. It's so important to know that those we love never really leave. Take care of yourself my friend, love Emily ... View more

I'm so glad you have stitched before! I really wasn't sure if craft was your 'thing', and felt a bit silly suggesting it, in case the idea made you yawn or gag. I'm sorry you haven't been able to stitch recently,but I can pretty much guarantee you'll be able to find something that you'll be able to do, and enjoy. Maybe even something like photography- still creative, but much easier on the joints. With love and craftiness, Emily ... View more

Hi Reny, my husband was diagnosed when he was 39. He was usually the youngest patient in the chemo ward by several decades too(but not always.) His moods seemed fairly stable throughout- he's never been a particularly moody person. I think he was able to express as much of himself as he needed to, although he is English, and was bought up with a 'stiff upper lip' etc, so it wouldn't have been easy. He was very practical and resolute throughout. He is now 2 years post treatment, so it seems for the moment like that part of our lives is over. He is really busy just living- he's just started a new job, has developed some new hobbies and is just getting on with things. Unfortunately his cancer was diagnosed in the context of a couple of years worth of really severe job stress, culminating in redundancy earlier this year, so I think he's coped remarkably well with all the s*** he's had to go through. Maybe you just need to give your husband time. He will react to this the same way he's reacted to bad stuff in the past, so unless he isn't following his usual pattern I wouldn't worry unduly. Take care of yourself, too. It's definitely true that cancer effects the whole family- I used to feel like 'we' had cancer, it just happened to be in my husband's body. Take care and keep in touch, love Emily ... View more

Hi Reny, my husband finished chemo for stage 4 NHL 2 years ago. Feel free to message me if you want to compare notes, vent or ask any questions. He's doing really well, and has been in remission for 2.5 years so far. I hope this is encouraging for you. love and hugs, Emily ... View more

Hi Gretchen, I'm so sorry to hear that you and your family are going through this. Family relationships can be so difficult anyway, but to have this added dimension is just awful. I'm sending you big hugs, love Emily ... View more

You certainly have been going through the wringer. If you are looking for a therapeutic activity, can I recommend some form of creative activity? Knitting or cross stitch or embroidery have been found to have therapeutic benefits for depression, anxiety, stress and even some chronic physical illnesses. (See www.stitchlinks.com if you're interested in finding out more- started by a British nurse researching the therapeutic benefits of craft). I started stitching years ago, and found it really helped me to deal with my husband's cancer (especially his chemo, when I just had to be very passive and watch.) If you're not sure where to start, have a look around your local craft shop (if you have one?) to see if anything strikes your eye. The staff will be only too happy to answer any questions if you want to get started on something. Whatever you do, I hope you can find beauty and peace this week. love Emily xx ... View more

Hi Amanda, I'm sorry it's so hard. We're all cheering you on. love Emily xx ... View more

Hi Rachel, I can't believe how unreasonable your boss is being! I don't know what you're going through (my husband had cancer), but I do know that even though I was not the one having chemo, I still found it hard to work full time. I really admire what you're doing. Is there any way that someone from HR can mediate communication between you and your boss? I imagine the atmosphere in your office is quite strained at the moment, and, as you said, this is the last thing you need right now. If your boss can be helped to understand more of your situation (even if she has to be forced into it), she may be more flexible and compassionate in the future. Good luck with everything. love Emily ... View more

Hi John, just a quick comment ( I don't want to crowd your writing) but can I really encourage you in your resolution not to goggle anything. It's surely a gateway to anxiety. love Emily ... View more