I love your ATTITUDE! 😁 ... View more

Hi maria69, I understand how you feel, but I can also understand the doc saying 'no' to more blood transfusions for your dad. Blood IS a very limited resource, unfortunately. May I ask how old your father is? If the cancer is still progressing, the doc may not have much hope for your father lasting too much longer, & probably feels the blood could be put aside for someone who is younger & can receive more benefit from it than your father. I am very sorry if I am sounding blunt, & like I don't care. I do care & I understand exactly what you mean. Why should your father have his right to life taken from him & given to someone else? What makes one person's life any more valuable than another's? I suppose it's because, as horrible as it may be, your father is probably going to succumb to the cancer, regardless of how many blood transfusions he is given. Whereas, someone else may live another 50 years from the bloods that could have been given to your dad. Try to understand that sometimes doctors are put in situations where they have to make a choice between two peoples lives....Who will society benefit from the most by receiving the blood? That is the horrible choice some doctors have to make. I wish your father all the best maria69. Budgie ... View more

Hi Mary_O_ Try not to stress! Firstly, you need to ask him if he minds talking about it. Personally, I have to talk about my cancer. It's the only way for me. My husband & I are like you & your partner in the way we joke about it, but it does help. Any talking about it helps. If he doesn't want to talk with you, you should seek help with a counsellor. Just someone who will understand what you are going thru. The Cancer Council has a number you can call, or Lifeline. They are both good options for you. Fingers crossed that it's not cancer. Best of luck to you both. Budgie ... View more

Hi there lyana271, I wouldn't worry until you find out exactly what it is that's causing the lumps. Go see your GP as a starting point 🙂 Good luck. Budgie ... View more

That's wonderful news @aina_abdullah & I hope you heal up well & quickly. 💐💐 Budgie ... View more

Great idea about writing things down to take with you.  When the doc asks you next time how you are, just bite the bullet & be honest with them & yourself - it certainly can't hurt you.  Actually, most of us lie when we're asked how we're feeling.  We usually say that we're fine, when in reality, we're not.  😉     Good luck 🙂 ... View more

Oh Mandy, I'm glad you've reached out. Everyone has their breaking point & you've reached yours by the sounds of it. I think you really need to download to someone who can offer you suggestions as to where you can access some help in your region. Maybe get some help to do some housework for you, or some other way to free up your time. That way, you can have time to spend either with your family without having any stress; or time for yourself to do whatever you want, get some pampering, or take time to soak in a hot bath; have a mani/pedicure; have your hair done, etc. You have done a marvellous job of holding yourself up, but now it's time you had someone to lean on. This site has links to people you can talk to, or you can go through your GP to get a referral to a community health social worker, or call lifeline. There are plenty of options of people to choose from, but you definitely need to seek some help. You've carried alot on your shoulders for long enough. Help is not a dirty word & you're not weak if you need it or ask for it. Take care of yourself 🙂 Budgie ... View more

Hi Shaun, the fact that you are talking about getting help with your drinking is a great step in the right direction and as I said before there is nothing to be ashamed about as we all have our coping mechanisms. Unfortunately I don't know anyone to recommend to you, but certainly touching base with the people at PeterMac again is a great place to start. The key thing is to stay positive, as you are looking at making some major lifestyle changes. There will be some good days and some crap days, there will be a few forward steps and probably a few sideways and backwards ones, but stay positive and keep trying. The other real important thing to remember is that you have taken a great step forward by indicating that you want to change, and don't feel that you have to do it alone. Budgie ... View more

Hi RealGirl, I can't understand why the doc hasn't given you an answer. You could ask her GP of what to expect at your mum's next appointment. They may be more forthcoming with answers than the oncologist. Short of that, & Frostling's suggestion, I suppose it would be down to Dr Google to help guide you through. If you can research what happens to the body when a particular part/organ fails, you MAY be able to prepare, in some way, for what is to come. But the big thing is, try not to let it consume you so much. Make sure you look after you! Budgie ... View more

Hi there ShaundenBakker, There's no need for you to feel ashamed - we all have something we're not proud of in our life. The good thing is that you have acknowledged your problem and are wanting to do something about it. That is half of the battle! It would be advisable for you to have some counselling, so they can give you ideas of coping mechanisms to help you along. You need to find something to do to replace the drinking. It will be tough at times, but, if you can stick to your guns you will feel so much better for it, as it wouldn't be helping your body to heal from, or deal with the chemo/radio side effects. Don't forget, you can always download on this site anytime you need to - there's always someone listening. Best wishes to you Budgie ... View more