Hi Jill, If only there was a handbook. You have shared with us your constant courage, wisdom and patience particularly in relation to your sons. I'm sure that you will draw on this as it is needed more and more. Words seem so ineffective so please take a hug as well. S ... View more

Welcome Juleon. You both have had a terrible ride. One of the good things about this site is that there is always someone who lend a sympathetic ear as they have some understanding of your situation. Good luck with the next phase. Samex ... View more

Hi Helen, I am a teacher and had to return to work a month after I finished 6 months of chemo. My personal prognosis is very good,and I do love teaching but I could have easily walked away from it when I was diagnosed. Unfortunately (while also 52) I still have kids at uni and school and my husband had to take a serious paycut 5 years ago when he was retrenched from QANTAS. I also have a great super scheme for which it is worthwhile financially for me to hang in there. I agree that every day is now more valuable and that there are many other ways that I would like to spend my days than meeting deadlines and dealing with other people's problems. In short, if you can afford it and you don't need(psychologically) to return, do something else! Keep beating the odds!! Samex ... View more

Hi Jill, Like Sailor I feel privileged that you allow us into your life at this time. My understanding from other people's experiences is the out of usual behaviour is quite "normal" and as long as your friends and visitors understand this then try not to let it trouble you. If they are making the effort to visit, then I am sure that they are aware of the changes in behaviour. I am no expert here, but what I have observed of others during times like these is that children respond with courage and honesty when the reality is not hidden from them. I think you are wonderful taking the steps you are at the moment with your boys. They are lucky to have a mother who is so concerned for them. 2 am is such an awful time of the morning isn't it - things always seem so bleak. But then the sun comes up. If blogging helps, then use it and use the friends that you seem to have about you as well. Lots of thoughts, Samex ... View more

Hi Jo, Not sure if this is the right thing to suggest but I know that there are Social Workers with Centrelink. Might it be worth talking to them as maybe there are short term solutions that may not be readily accessible to the person in the front office? Other than that nothing else to suggest I'm sorry except that I'm sending you and Rob cyberhugs and lots of positive thoughts for the scans. Hang in there, Samex ... View more

Julie i don't know how you constrained your self. Particularly when it is a child who is suffering so much. Definitely time for a change of doctor. Hope is feeling a little better and you are travelling OK. Samex ... View more

Dunedigger, I love the idea of continuing the dream. And haven't our dreams become much more simplistic these days!. Glad to see you doing well, Samex ... View more

Hi Richard, I had a different treatment. I had Folfox5 and oxalipalitan every second week for 6 months.I started treatment 5 weeks after surgery. I think that you should take the advice of your oncologist as to what is the best for you. No treatment is easy and everyone reacts differently. My doseage had to be reduced twice during the process as my body couldn't cope with what the origanal doseage was. I have no idea about diabetes but I'm sure that your doctor will be able to help you. You're right in that there are so many thngs to be worried about but there are lots of places to seek advice and help. Have you contacted the Cancer Council Help Line? I don't know but they may even hae a translation service that may help your wife as well. Good luck, Samex ... View more

Hi Richard61, Welcome! I am a 2 year survivor of bowel cancer - finished 6 months of chemo in April 2008 and I also have been inspired by Dune diggers story. Good luck with the chemo. Make sure that you take it easy as the treatment progresses. Ask lots of questions. Regards, Samex ... View more

Hi Teacher Mum, It's interesting how much more sensitised we are to bad news. It is shattering to hear of your student. I lost it at one stage last year when the father of one of my yr 12 kids died 2 weeks before the HSC. After roll call I just went back to the staff room and sobbed. Glad that the trip was fun, however. Enjoy the girly thing! ... View more