Hiya Sarah AHhh, well I reckon we all process things in our own ways. Sometimes I adopt others concepts and at other times it just does not fit into my way of thinking. My observations may resonate with people or not. :) I have experienced and also witnessed some of the things that you mention about people being selfish. To balance some of that out there have been some amazing people in my life that have restored my faith in humanity. ie ... one friend travelled 200 kms to see me and then 200 kms home again and did that twice a week! When I was diagnosed with MS I had an offer from a friend of a friend who happened to be incredibly wealthy. The offer was to see the best neurologist in australia and he would pay for the flight and also the appointment. Alternatively, on my first cancer diagnosis I had people crossing the street rather than talk to the woman with the young baby that was meant to be dying! With my first cancer I had people playing golf and gossiping that I was dead and buried, ho hum? Not great at the time but I always try to look for balance. Maybe it is a case of me only being able to manage two minds rather than many?? haha Sorry, my sense of humour! :) Julie ... View more

Hey Daniel I can relate to being frustrated. Before I was diagnosed I was seeing gp's for 10 months ... once a month to begin with and then on to twice a week and crying because I was in so much pain. It was frustrating to go and be continually told that what I had would "spontaneously" fix itself. Right!! One T4 N2 tumour plus friends later. So if you feel something isn't right, stick to your guns till they check it out! Glad you are feeling brighter and your post certainly sounds brighter. Lets hope for good results with your new scan. Take care Julie ... View more

Hi Sarah I am in two minds about this disappearing bit. On one hand I see it as a cancer patient and on the other hand I see it from others point of view and most of that is based on fear. I know for myself that one time I avoided meeting up with someone who wanted to chat to me about cancer. Am not particularly proud of that but at the time I was still going through treatment myself and was in a particularly vulnerable place and just couldn't deal with anyone elses problems or fears. Julie ... View more

Allicat ... sending hugssss your way It is difficult with family and friends, or at least I found it that way. I always felt like they were dealing with enough by looking after me and also dealing with their own grief as such. For me also it was a whirlwind of appointments which meant travelling a lot due to being a country patient. In the early days I slept so much also, so not really a whole heap of time left by the time I slept 14 hours a day. Television families are great as are the romantic illusions that are often painted with having cancer and treatment. Of course for some it may be that way and yet I suspect for most of us not! hugsss again Julie ... View more

Hey Maddie Focus on the "today and here and now" and be mindful of the future. It helps me get through and helps me to still enjoy the moments that are there to be enjoyed. hugss Julie ... View more

Lorraine, It is great to hear that you have had such support and good on those that have been there for you. hugss Julie ... View more

Hey Maddie I have been thinking of this post for some time now and gosh that must have been tough on the both of you!!! Would it be possible for you both to create your own little space where you are currently staying? I know it is not the same as having your own house but at least it might be something you could both create together and a focus for you both. You are an amazing young woman! Julie ... View more

Hi Sarah We have something in common in that we have had cancer twice. Mine has been two different cancers and just for something else MS was thrown in the middle of those two! I didnt hear that you were speaking for me at all and I very much appreciate your thoughts and that you took the time to write to me. I so very much hear and feel what you have said. I am trying to shift sideways and build a new career so all in all it hasn't been a bad choice that I have made as it has opened up new windows for me. The industry that I am currently in is rife with bullying and it has happened to me before (me the common demoniator??). Last time I met some incredibly wonderful people who hopefully soon will be providing me with a new opportunity. IN the meanime I need to just lay low I feel and cope as best I can. I don't have the energy to fight this. Basically the guy in question is not terribly aware and quite simple and does not and I doubt would understand even if I did explain. He really has no care as long as he can have a laugh. So, roll on the next week as I hope that will be the end of me working with him and if not then I have a plan to make it that one without dobbing on anyone. A sideways shift so to speak. haha YOu take care Sarah and I hope you are enjoying your weekend. Julie ps My new thinking at the moment is cancer is a thief! ... View more

Jeanniel I am so sorry to read of you loss. Cancer is such a thief and it takes things from us that it just shouldn't! Julie ... View more

Hi Dan Sorry to read of your recurrence! If you don't trust your oncologist have you thought about changing to a different one? I can ask my cancer nurse re getting a different opinion in the public health system, she is such a great resource for me and of course other patients. My cancer nurse (K) is quite used to me asking her about other people and is always more than happy to provide information if she is able to. Glad to read that your recurrence is isolated at least. I am pretty sure you can change oncologists, but as I mentioned happy to find out for sure for you if you like?? What state do you live in? Julie ... View more