This is one of the spects of cancer that has occupied many of my thoughts. I was diagnosed 5 years ago and from the very beginning I had the 'need' to be quite open about what I was experinecing and what was happening to me. I quickly learned that while some are more then happy to listen, often so that they can help, many others find it too difficult to consider. I guess what cancer has taught me is that we all behave differently and I have learned to not make judgements about this. evryone's story is different. Sarah, I really undrstand your perspective of being on the outside at times. I wrote about this a while back. I think the best comment that poeple make inadvertently when they are around someone who has had cancer, is 'I'm so tired". I now smile wryly and think that you really have no idea about really being tired! Anyway, it sounds as though the wedding was fun anyway. S ... View more

Hi guys, just saw that this had some new posts. i still have problems with my hands -mainly my left and the ends of my fingers and my feet. My hands go numb in bed at night - compltely numb! Hence interrupted sleep. My feet are Ok but the more exercise I do the more numb my feet/toes become and high heels are a thing of the past! I am 5 years out from diagnosis in 2 weeks and my oncologist thinks that this level of neuropathy is what I'm stuck with. If this is all I have to deal with , then so be it. As I have said before, at least I am around to feel the discomfort! lanvs, it porbably took 3 years for mine to get to where it is now and my understanding is that with al cancer treatments, everyone's reaction is different. I can recommend ecco shoes! Expensive but they work. S ... View more

Something that cancer has taught me is that to never judge anyone from their appearance as you never know their story. Why is someone seemingly so fit walking so slowly? How could they let themselves become so overweight? (steroids are wonderful things!) I have learnt to be more observant of people but also to be far less judgemental. Such a shame that others can't be as well or at least keep it to themselves. S ... View more

As a survivor, I agree with Tina as to your courage Wombat. The test allowed for early detection for a good friend 4 years after my own diagnosis and treatment. Needless to say, she is strong advocat for the test, as am I. ... View more

Hi Tina, In August 2007 my bowel telescoped on itself and in doing so saved my life. While I was very close to dieing that weekend, the clear thinking of a clever surgeon led to an emergency hemi-colectomy, three weeks in hospital and then, as you so aptly put it, the new friend attached to your arm. I was very fortunate in that I did not need a colostomy bag - more good luck than good fortune! Nearly 5 years later I am still here. I won't lie, I still think about waht happened to me every day. It was no picnic but I managed it as I am sure you will as well. You mention your kids - mine were 18 and 13 at the time and they were and are definitely a large part of my motivation to just deal with it. You don't have to like it and you don't have to stay cheery and happy all the time but you can manage it. Hang in there, and I cannot recommend this site more highly. Here you can 'talk' to people who get it, while many around just don't through no fault of their own. Good luck with it all, and take a deep breath! ... View more

The question remains - do we ever really rejoin society? IS there part of us which remains on the periphery and allows itself the silent communication that only those of us who have endured the 24 weeks really understand? However, I agree with Allicat. SAmex ... View more

I understand what you are saying about going with the flow. I found it extremely difficult! I think it is important to be honest with your emotions and never be afraid to drop in here. We all 'get it' while those who haven't been on this journey may not. i ilke your image of coming out the other side. It is a tunnel but not always dark and there are many of us still here to chat to you. It is often hard to think that way when you are feeling revolting but try to stay focussed on those who have made it through to the other side. take care of yourself, S ... View more

Thank you for sharing Wombat. i agree with Harker, she will be smiling. Happy birthday HArker!!!! ... View more

My then 18 year old never came to the hospital and has only recenetly discussed any of my treatment and ongoing checkups etc. (diagnosed in August 20007)because his girlfriend asked about it. I was very angry at him for a long time but I have come to realise that it was his way of managing. I know that he will be no different if it ever comes back. My younger son was, and still is, very different - loving and thoughtful and needing to discuss what had happened to me. What cancer teaches us is that everyone responds differently to the diagnosis and treatment, both patients and those around us. I think it has taught me to be more tolerant and accepting in many ways. ... View more

My then 18 year old never came to the hospital and has only recenetly discussed any of my treatment and ongoing checkups etc. (diagnosed in August 20007)because his girlfriend asked about it. I was very angry at him for a long time but I have come to realise that it was his way of managing. I know that he will be no different if it ever comes back. My younger son was, and still is, very different - loving and thoughtful and needing to discuss what had happened to me. What cancer teaches us is that everyone responds differently to the diagnosis and treatment, both patients and those around us. I think it has taught me to be more tolerant and accepting in many ways. ... View more