May 2013
I just came home from a service at a church I've been going to for 17 years, and felt completely disconnected. The minister asked people to think of the last traumatic thing that had happened to them (for a sermon illustration), then drew a lesson from it- the assumption seemed to be it was something like job insecurity or relationship problems. The really frustrating thing was the minister has known me and my husband for about 15 years (he did the sermon at our wedding, even), and should have been aware of the issues we were facing (he is not the minister for our congregation, though, so he may have forgotten).
Surrounded by people I'd known for years, I felt like I didn't belong-it seemed that their problems were no worse than work stress, or a crisis of faith. My 'new normal' is not something they could understand, or relate to.(I guess I should be glad that my friends have not had a first hand experience of cancer.....!) Even though my husband is now in remission, I'm different, the 'landscape' of my life is different, and other people need to accept that, because I can't change it.
It's so nice to come here and share with people who do understand, and can relate. I hope everyone has a few beautiful suprises this week. xx
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May 2013
Hi Rubes, I'm really sad to hear about your experiences. I can't believe your counsellor did not keep those phone appointments (twice!!) I would have thought phone appointments would have been the easiest to keep, as the counsellor presumably doesn't even have to be in their office. I'm sending you big hugs, and hoping for you that tomorrow is much better. love Emily
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May 2013
I don't know what to say either, but I'm sending you big cyber hugs. love Emily
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May 2013
Hi Amelia, I'd love to be able to tell you it's going to be ok, but I just can't. I can tell you there will be times of happiness that you never would have imagined, regardless of your circumstances. I wish you all luck and good things for your husband's next chemo round. love and hugs, Emily
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May 2013
Hi Amelia, I'd love to be able to tell you it's going to be ok, but I just can't. I can tell you there will be times of happiness that you never would have imagined, regardless of your circumstances. I wish you all luck and good things for your husband's next chemo round. love and hugs, Emily
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May 2013
Hi Sezzy, I can't imagine what you're going through, but one thing that struck me as I read your post is that you may be eligible for some sort of government assistance. There is a scheme which gives people a certain number of hours a week of help around the house etc. The Cancer Council will probably be able to point you in the right direction if you're interested (Centrelink could also tell you, but dealing with them may just be too much stress). I'm sending you hugs. Emily.
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May 2013
Hi Sarah, I'm glad you posted. This forum is a great way to share experiences with people who will know what you're talking about. There is also an organisation called The Warwick Foundation that supports people with cancer aged 25-40 (an often overlooked demographic). They have a peer support program which aims to link up people of the same demographic with the same cancer. I think they also have a dedicated bowel cancer group. The website is www.thewarwickfoundation.org.au if you want to check it out; and keep posting here, too! love Emily
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April 2013
I really feel for you. Don't forget to be kind to yourself, and give yourself time to adjust- grieving is a process, not an event. Gentle hugs, from Emily.
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April 2013
Hi Roni, the word 'hyperthermic' just means hot. Basically they're talking about heating up the tissue (Burning, I guess, when applied to a very small area of the body). I haven't heard anything about this treatment, or NIIM, but do check their results and the side effects carefully. Also carefully check their full list of charges- make sure you're not being charged a lot of money for something that is not particularly effective. I hope you find some good news. love Emily
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