Hello!   Welcome to the forums, ACC can be difficult to deal with....if you don't mind me asking how are you currently?? ... View more

Hi Patches,   I am sorry to hear about your journey, it sounds like it's filled with rough decisions. It's clear to see that you want the best for him while also keeping inline with his goals. I provided home care to my mother while she was...ill but then again I did have help from my sisters. Sometimes palliative care is the best option but it all depends on who can assist you during the nights, who can physically help you as well. It's alot to consider as you will be also responsible for providing medication as well such as pain killers and whatever else.    I had to make these decisions, I am not trying to scare you away from home care but just letting you know, what you might encounter and what to expect as well. You can only do what's best for them and sometimes sadly it doesn't always work with their desires due too many reasons.    But you can visit them everyday, knowing they have excellent nurses looking after them 24/7 and you can even make the room more homey too, with home blankets or items.   This is not an easy subject to touch but you are clearly doing your best and that is all anyone can ask from someone.   Please tell me, how is everything going?       ... View more

Hi Charl,   Welcome to our supportive forums, I'm dishearted to hear about your father.   If you don't mind me asking, what is his current treatment plan? Is he currently taking any medication for his liver or cancer?   It's okay to feel helpless and sometimes you find yourself second guessing every move you make. If your unsure what to do then simply be there for him and provide a shoulder or whatever you deem necessary. ... View more

It's great to hear that your seeking assistance, on an additional note you can also always call the cancer council to locate local support groups as well and remember, we're always here too. ... View more

Hello Sal2,   I wish to welcome you to our forums and express sadness at your current situation, judging from your story - it seems your soulmate's condition and journey was all too compact and brief. Which unfortunately probably didn't leave enough room nor time for emotional processing or support.   Also sadly there was no goodbyes or leaving messages, just a simple, "I am sorry" from a nurse. You didn't receive the goodbye closure which you wanted.   I understand you believe that you need to be strong for your children but you also need someone to speak too. Seeking or speaking to a hospital's guidance counselor or to a loving friend/family member - can be hugely beneficial as well.   There are many forums of strength.   Perhaps writing a letter regarding everything you wanted to say to him and placing it somewhere you desire, might assist as well?   A another more private goodbye.   How are you currently?? ... View more

Hello,   Welcome to our loving and supportive forums. I am sorry for the terrible stress that you are currently going through but be ensured that you are not alone nor the first to experience this. Especially with the fear of disappointing your loved ones or maybe even fearing that you will not achieve the set standards of others - Even if those goals are not really theirs but what you believe they desire from you instead.   Forgive me for saying but it seems that you tend to use more recreational activities to support or cope with your fears and emotions in general. E.g. Drinking, gambling and etc, which inturns only fuels the fear of disappointment of others about yourself. It seems to be quite a unwanted cycle.   You need to break that pattern of fear by seeking alternative supportive activities.   E.g. Speaking with an hospital's guidance counselor or a the therapist, speak with a loved one - it's what families are for. You will not appear weak but instead instill a closer connection through communication and understanding of each other's needs. Find or practice a passion of yours - fixing cars, reading, gardening, something not on the cycle pattern.   Take one step at an time with each new step but remember to handle the bumps along the way as well.   How are you going now??   ... View more

Hello Emma18,   I am unable and uncertain how to express words, everything must of been sudden and shocking at the same time - not the best combination. It sounds like the treating staff wanted or thought immediate action so they could start making arrangements and appointments. They wanted the best and probably went into action instead resulting in some lose of general socialites e.g. Introductions. But heck, a day to review all the new information and to absorb your options would of been ideal as well.    May I ask by any chance, how are things going now?? ... View more

I hear Egypt is an beautiful place but never cared for the hot temperatures myself. No one knows how they really would react until the occurrence happens to them, personally I think a little denial can be very helpful throughout the journey as long as there's periods of active listening and personally choice/action as well. Denial can be help distraction and an sometimes an handy coping skills. Cancer was a roller coaster for us - filled with long stages of waiting, hope, downturns, stress, rest periods, more hope, don't forget denial and story. We discovered our surrounding loved ones and friends amplified traits and personalities. We also discovered ours as well....a fighting spirit becomes fearsome, a quiet soul becomes a  grounding foundation and some are in between.       ... View more

Hi Matthew!   I'm pleased to see that you have discovered a balance for yourself which seems to work quite well. Others in the future will definitely be able to benefit from this too.   ... View more

Hi Matthew,   I noticed that you posted your thread in October?? Has the doctors recommended anything natural for vitamin levels and how are you going? ... View more