Hi Graham, I don't believe that I have any pointers as even though all of us here have considered this aspect of our disease at some point or other, the directness of your statements have made me stop in my tracks. What would I do - ensure that I said what needed to be said to those I love and those who love me.I don't know but after reading Chris o'Brien's book, he claimed that he wasn't afraid of death, just not ready for it. Does this awful diagnosis allow you to prepare those you love while you become more accepting? Harker and Sailor are such wise people and I agree with them that time has passed for answers.Make every moment precious and take peace with you through these days. I believe that I too would be gazing at the stars. samex xx ... View more

Hi, As a survivor and a teacher, I too see it as important to keep the school informed. My son was 13 when I was diagnosed and he attends the school where I teach. My Principal was fabulous and spent a lot of time explaining things to him that my husband (not a talker) hadn't discussed with him. He is a bright boy nad needed to know hat was happening to his mum. It is also important for teachers to know what is happening in kids' lives as it often accounts for what might be unusual or out of character behaviour in class or the playground.Sometime teachers get a bad rep but generally when they are informed - even to a basic degree - they can make allowances and often assist kids who have crap happening in their lives. Hang in there coping with 7 kids - what a woman !!! And Mrs Elton, no shame in watching tele or nana naps for that matter! Samex ... View more

Thanks Reindeer. Dark blue is much more attractive than brown too! I like that idea. S ... View more

Hi Jodielee, It must be so hard being away from home. Plenty of people to chat to here! Sometimes I think it is harder for those who have to watch. Take care, Samex ... View more

Hi again, I hope your husband is doing ok. That is probably a stupid thing to say but you know what I mean. Is he beginning to have any difficulty with the neuropathy(in hands and feet)from the oxalipalitan yet? This has been the worst lingering side effect for me so make sure that he lets his oncologist know if it starts to kick in. I had an official meltdown at the 8th-9th treatment mark when I was just so tired of feeling ill. This was where my husband was really good and helped me through that stage and back to the clinic I went! I know it's hard if you are house proud (fortunately I'm not!) but try to keep perspective and don't stress yurself too much, if possible, if all is not how you wish it to be. It does go back to something like normal some day. From a survivor's perspective, one of the more difficult things for me was that when treatment finished it was expected that I would be back to normal asap. I was back at work (teaching) within 4 weeks, making lunches and returning to normal.The old normal has gone and while he may recover physically quite quickly, the emotional scars still seem to linger. As you said, you may be more empathetic as you have experienced severe trauma yourself and perhaps for you normal was never the same. Remember to be kind to yourself and to give yourself an occasional treat. Mine was avacado and prawns at the beach!! Take care, Samex ... View more

It seems my terminology has caused offence. See other post. While at times I appear a little flippant, I never trivilaise this disease. I have my own experience and too many funerals to ever do this, including one tomorrow. Sailor, I have had 2 friends die of lung cancer who were non-smokers and there is very little awareness of how or why this could happen. There does seem to be an industrial link to their cancers but it is smoke screened via insurance payouts. I am glad that you support brown ribbon day and I am all for black ribbon as well. S ... View more

Maybe sexy was the wrong word. I'm really sorry if I caused any offence. Maybe "prominent" is more apt or "more readily discussed". Again, really sorry to cause offence - I genuinely didn't mean it that way and perhaps I was being too flippant- sometimes a trait that allows me to deal with this crap. I agree any cancer is awful at any age and of any type. Tomorrow I attend my third funeral in 4 years. S ... View more

Those of us with the less sexy of cancers need to stand and be counted! My 15 year old believes that we should create a brown ribbon day for bowel cancer. I am more than happy to include prostate, anal and any other less than elegant organ to be included! Samex ... View more

I failed statistics at university and my aim is to keep failing them. Long live the anomolies!!! Samex ... View more

Versaillon your husband is very lucky to have you. I was diagnosed with stage 3 in August 2007. Same deal as your husband.The cold sensitivity sucks as does the sun sensitivity in summer but that first cold drink and gelato is great!! IS he having oxalipalitan as well? The fatigue will possibly get worse before it gets better and it is great that you have got a cleaner. As a previous patient, I always relished outings with my husband or my kids rather having the housework done, but that was me. He may get very irritable and frustrated as well so if he is willing to talk then that is good. When I finished treatment, my husband actually found it very difficult to relate to the fact that I couldn't just forget about what had happened. Unfortunately it isn't over with the last round of chemo. On the bright side - all my scans and colonoscopies have been clear since I finished. I am slowly losing the weight that I put on due to steroids and my strength is returnung. OK on flat ground- still struggle with lots of stairs and hills! Hang in there with him. Samex ... View more