Bloody hell - some people are just born with their foot in their mouth aren't they? Tact or sensitivity doesn't always come naturally to everyone! My boyfriend left me after I was diagnosed because (in his words) he "didn't sign up for this" - I wondered what made him think I did?? I also agree that perhaps covering a bald head, whether you're male or female, might have more to do with covering evidence of fagility and the precarious nature of your life after a diagnosis, perhaps we're subconciously covering up the fact that we might die? Also, as you rightly point out - some people just get cold! ... View more

Harker, with all due respect, are you colour blind? Your avatar's hat is not green, it's kinda brown, but really it isn't a proper colour at all. I did like your little tale of the green hat though. I mainly had scarfs and beenies, being diagnosed in the middle of a British winter, it was freezing - I even slept with a beenie on because apparently you lose something like 80% of body heat out of your head and like you, I had also lost a lot of weight, so being already slim, I had no insullation when I got sick!! A friend of mine who also had Leukaemia bought me a jesters hat, you know the ones you get at the Easter show with the bright colours and the bells? It's interesting that you felt inclined to cover your head. I always wondered if it was just a feminine thing, a kind of vanity that only women feel - I guess not! ... View more

Hi again Harker, You write with a refreshing honesty and I enjoy reading your thoughts about 'living with it' and 'remission' - And I have to agree with the annoyance of people who say things like 'you seem to be fighting it well...' etc. I honestly don't think I made a concious decision to 'fight' but just kept waking up in dreary mornings, eating my cornflakes, blah blah...you just get on with it, don't you? I did. ... View more

Hi Hugh, You make some very valid points. I think the whole point of giving yourself a different username is all about maintaining some sort of anonimity in the "online world" - but certainly I'll send you my email via the private message function on this site and we can continue discussing the benefits of writing. ... View more

Hi Harker - you write well, I always found it a cathartic practice when I was in the process of diagnosis, treatment and all the horrid stages that followed. I do indeed have many more - probably too many! I'll try and put a few in my blog here for you - some are a bit self-indulgent, but I suppose that's part of the experience. How old are you Harker and where are you from? ... View more

Hi Loz, Great to 'meet' you and hope to chat more with you. I totally feel the 'stuck in between' thing, YAC's are a very unique bunch and I feel as though there needs to be more outlets for us, like this one, which is perfect. ... View more

Slightly morbid topic, I agree, but I also think "the end of the road" or if you like, the "light at the end of the tunnle" can be a positive thing for someone who has experienced so much pain and discomfort for so long. I am scared to say what I really want to with regard to this topic for fear my position will step on toes and offend some. I don't think you're copping out at all - if I were in your position, I'd be doing exactly what I wanted for the remainder of my life - it would be my right - and I think it is yours. If you're in a position to take one day at a time, I'd certainly do that. I don't think you should impose any sort of responsibility on yourself for the future, I think that puts a lot of stress on you. ... View more