Hey samex ... Thanks, just a side shoot of shingles i think. Not really sick but a bit draggged down at the mo. They are contagious to anyone that hasnt had chicken pox. Julie ... View more

Hi Andrea Glad you have found somewhere to unload. I also am sorry to read of your loss and also your daughters diagnosis. It really doesnt matter whether you are a cancer sufferer or a relative or friend, everyone is affected - although just a little differently. The Cancer Council does have people that you can talk to if you ever feel the need. I know for my mothr to see me once again go through this ordeal has been terribly hard on her. She has said that she feels so helpless this time as she is a lot older than when i was first diagnosed. This site is great for being able to read about others experiences and know that we are not alone in our thoughts and then also providing us with an avenue to put our thoughts down and out of our heads. It certainly helps me and i hope it has helped you. Take care Julie ... View more

Hiya Cats Fear is such a horrid thing for any of us to go through. Being diagnosed with cancer elicits this feeling at times. It is natural and normal to feel that way!! It is really hard when our logic tells us one thing and the little fear fairy sitting on the other shoulder tells us another. I hope you dont get too many nights where you are struggling. Sailor is right re stress and how it can affect our bodies. Plus our minds are very, very, very powerful things and they can lead us in all directions. I think the trick is to harness the power and make it work for you! Pffft to your friend re the cat. Cats are cats and make up their own minds what and who they wish to associate with. Or should that be who they deign to be around? lol I love cats too and i hope yours purred you off to sleep. Thinking of you. Juliexo ... View more

Sailor This made me think of all the wonderful churches i have been into in europe and england, of course australia too. Although i am not particularly religious (certainly not knocking those that are) i find that in these old churches that there is just a very peaceful air about them. It was a plan of mine to go back and visit them this year, although thats been put on hold for a while. Julie ... View more

Hi Willow this brought tears to my eyes for you, me and everyone else on this site. The sad part for me is that people just dont understand and although its difficult to do so if we havent gone through an experience, some people cannot even step out of themselves to even imagine for a moment what it must be like. If all else fails direct your manager to this site and the replies that you will get. You will certainly get support from us because it could easily be us in your situation. I do so hope that if your manager doesnt come to the party and start being reasonable with you, that at least someone from the organisation can help you out. Thinking of you!! Julie xo ... View more

hi Alana... On reading your post again it reminds me of something i was once told a long time ago. We should be very careful when pointing the finger at someone as physically we have 3 coming back at ourselves, i wonder if your friend thought of that when she accused you of being selfish ;). Cheers Julie ... View more

Thanks Julie you take care also and will be thinking of you both and congrats on the grandy!! How wonderful!!! Julie xo ... View more

Hi Julie Thank you it is nice to be considered a friend. 🙂 The feeling is mutual. Thats fantastic that you have had someone contact you already. Reach out and take all the help you can get because it may not be now that you absolutely need it but later you will. So you may aswell put it in place. Sorry, i dont mean to be telling you what to do ... i am really talking in hindsight of my experience and it may not be the same for you. I live in western australia in a place called "Roelands" which is on the highway from Perth to Bunbury. It is a blink and you will miss it kind of town!! haha I certainly havent had to travell as far as you have. Julie ... View more

Julie There is no rhyme or reason with cancer i dont think. It just does not seem fair!!! You will get through all of this and yes its a tough gig but its doable. Being a country patient is hard at times and i would urge you to get in touch with a social worker or someone like that who can give you the heads up about what is available re helping you out. Hope thats not too invasive on you, i just know (being a country patient) that being given good information can make life a little easier. Julie xo ... View more