Read both of your replies and yeah - I'm just as shocked by the doctors response.  I'd probably keep an eye on them and request print outs of all the drugs/etc they're doing.   Unfortunately (in regards to chemo and radiation), it will probably be a new norm of feeling really bad after the first week or so of chemo/radiation but then feeling better for the week before the next treatment (because that's when her body will be on the mend).   I'm not an expert on it myself but based on my own research - chemo and radiation aren't good at being specific in terms of what to poison and kill so there is always going to be 'casualties' of good cells.   Good luck to you and yours - just remember the important question of asking "how will this impact her quality of life?" and with any luck, the doctors will hopefully not be so hardcore in their attempts of being curative or extending life as long as possible despite side effects.     ... View more

Seriously - good on you for doing your best to work through this! It's never easy to talk things out especially in such a horrible awful situation. And honestly?  All the feelings and responses that you've described are understandable and completely human - I'd actually be more worried if you all 'okay'.   It sounds like the doctors are going to start him on pallative/hospice care which will hopefully help with the pain your dad's going through.  You and your family have been through a HELL of a lot that perhaps it's time to call reinforcements such as a counselor/psychologist to help guide and support you?   If one isn't available to you and/or your family then perhaps you might consider this link to a list of Australian anonymous phone and help lines that operate free..   https://aifs.gov.au/cfca/publications/cfca-resource-sheet/helplines-and-telephone-counselling-services-children-young-people in particular http://griefline.org.au/online-counselling-service/ might be of assistance to you, they even have online options.  🙂   And look - even if you don't decide to go ahead with this route, that's cool too.  I would recommend trying to spend time with your dad and family but don't overdo it.  The point isn't for it to be an obligation but rather a chance for you to try and enjoy as much time with each other as you can.  So know your limits! You are not a bad person for needing to step away from time to time because you deserve as much as anyone in your family to be looked after too.   You are not a bad person in the slightest -the fact you want to be there for everyone in your family and want to make them happy despite how awful you must feel is proof of this.  Just make sure to look after yourself as well. ... View more

Hi pdjones, You are very thoughtful to have done it in the first place, but if your dogs aren't being cared for as they should be, perhaps it is time to stop the practice. You are under no obligation to keep seeing them at all. Move on with your life, your way. Budgie ... View more

Hi debbiev, At the very least, I would get a second opinion from a different GP, just to put my mind at rest. There's no harm in checking again. All the best Budgie ... View more

I totally get where you are coming from, it makes me so sad about the things that I won’t get to ask her and she won’t get to see. I just keep trying to make the most of it all. Great idea with the videos, I might start doing that. ... View more

Hi Carol   I only just saw your post but I could have written the exact same thing a week ago. I felt so helpless. My Mum is 67 and has a terminal diagnosis for bowel cancer. She was in agonizing pain (could hardly focus on a conversation because the pain was too intense) until we contacted the palliative care team. They arranged for MUCH stronger pain relief, which has made an immense difference.   From your latest post it sounds like the sedative has helped things, but if things change then I recommend you keep asking her medical team what else can be done. I wish we'd pushed harder to get her better pain medication earlier. I really hope her doctors can get her pain under control so she's more comfortable.   Sending love your way ... View more

The waiting is the worst. ... View more

Love and healing to you ... View more

Hi Joey I had a  double masectomy 30 days ago. I had drainage tubes running through my chest on both sides. They were removed after 10 days on a Friday. On the Monday I ended up in ER because of the excess fluid building up in my chest was building up in the middle of my chest putting pressure on it making it difficult to breath. They drained 110ml from one side and 55ml from the other. I have had my chest drained 3 more times since. I too have been asking questions because the literature I was given and what I was told is that its a 2 to 3 week recovery. I still have fluid and have since been told I might have fluid for up to 6 months. As it builds up it can be most uncomfortable and painful. I hope yours has settled down now. ... View more