I totally feel for you. It's really scary to be in that situation. When the time comes, you will be able to deal with each minute as it comes. For the moment though, just do today. Huge hugs for you (and PA as well)- you're both remarkable women. love Emily xxx ... View more

What a nightmare!! It sounds like now would be a good time to 'call in the cavalry' (if you have one)- see if your Mum can babysit the kids for a bit so you can have some brain space and get some answers. It was a good idea to take the day off work. I really hope you can get some satisfactory progress. Good luck with everything, sending you ((((((hugs)))))) Emily ... View more

Hey Rubes, it sounds like you've really been through the ringer. I'm sending you ((((((hugs))))))) and heaps of good wishes- I hope your scan results are great. ... View more

Hi PA, I feel exhausted for you! You're caring for 3 other people at a really difficult time. I agree that you need to take some time out for yourself occasionally. Are you able to organise to have a 'night off'? If you could get other people to look after your children and husband just for 1 night, you'd get so much more than 24 hrs worth of benefit. Good luck with everything. I hope you all manage to get some beautiful sleep this weekend. Be kind to yourself. Emily ... View more

Hi PA, I feel exhausted for you! You're caring for 3 other people at a really difficult time. I agree that you need to take some time out for yourself occasionally. Are you able to organise to have a 'night off'? If you could get other people to look after your children and husband just for 1 night, you'd get so much more than 24 hrs worth of benefit. Good luck with everything. I hope you all manage to get some beautiful sleep this weekend. Be kind to yourself. Emily ... View more

You certainly don't sound like a whinging princess to me. Just the logistics of what you have to do is exhausting, let alone anything else! The diagnostic process is really really hard and exhausting. It took 3 months for my husband to be diagnosed with NHL. During his chemo, I remember looking back and not being able to say which was worse. Hopefully, this will be some sort of screwed up encouragement for you? I absolutely understand about crafting as therapy, too. I've been a cross stitcher for years, and owe my current level of sanity to my stitching. Embrace it! There are many forms of craft that are particularly portable and practical for hosptial journeys/tests/admissions etc. www.stitchlinks.com is a website started by a British nurse who has researched the therepeutic benefits of stitching and knitting in particular. She has mainly looked at chronic illnesses such as depression, arthritis and fibromyalgia, but you might find it an encouraging read, anyway. I'm wishing you much better times in the future. love Emily ... View more

Woo Hoo!! Congratulations! What a huge acheivement. I hope you're able to do something special to celebrate. I remember how elated I was when my husband finished his chemo (November 2011). Have a wonderful day tomorrow. x ... View more

Woo Hoo!! Congratulations! What a huge acheivement. I hope you're able to do something special to celebrate. I remember how elated I was when my husband finished his chemo (November 2011). Have a wonderful day tomorrow. x ... View more

Thanks Sarah. I don't think I was prepared for how long it would take for the dust to settle (so to speak). I've been a keen stitcher for years, and definitley couldn't have got through the last 18 months without my cross-stitch, so I completely understand what you're saying. My husband describes himself as 'completely not creative', so I'm not sure how he'd go for the idea of art therapy, but some form of self expression would be helpful I'm sure. Thanks for your encouragement! ... View more

Hey Dasha, feel free to email me (I responded to your message before I read this post). It's so hard trying to do everything, but when it's received like that it's million times harder. It is reasonable for you to need a break- is there anyone else who can look after your husband for a few days (or hours?) so you can do something nice for yourself? I also think it's reasonable to try to set some boundaries for your husband- to explain what treatment you will not accept. He may not realise what his tone of voice or language is actually like. If necessary, could you record him? If he's giving you a really hard time, having his outburst played back to him may give him a wake-up call. You say he does have depression- is he getting treatment (meds and counselling?- Look at me giving all this advice...) I imagine counselling would be hard logistically to organise, but it may help him to manage his emotions more effectively. How you would raise the the topic, I don't know.... I really hope things get better for you. I'm sending you a big hug, and feel free to message me or email me about anything. love Emily ... View more