Hey Samex :) Well done on taking the leap on getting better 🙂 It's a great step you've taken and I'm proud! The GP is right about the fuzziness bit, especially if you've not taken them before. Depends on the anti-d's you're taking, how much sleep you're not getting, how your brain processes it etc. As for tired, depression makes you tired. It's an exhausting illness to have but once the meds do kick in, you should be fine. Give it a few weeks and you'll probably start to feel a difference :) I remember my first time around, I tried "Effexor" which didn't agree with me much, made me feel nauseous and my jaw kept locking up for some reason. Then Aropax which just made me feel more mentally ill. Finally, onto Prozac which has worked well. Have had a couple of side effects with Prozac but nothing that my GP hasn't been able to iron out. So, just remember, let your GP know of any side effects so they can adjust dosage, try another type, etc. Sometimes a little trial and error is needed to get it right for you - after all, we're all different :) The weight 'gain' isn't as bad as you think. Typically, they say a 2-4kg weight gain is about normal and again, depends on the meds you are taking 🙂 And as you said, once your sleep patterns even out, you feel better about things, it shouldn't be an issue. It sounds like you have a fabulous GP so I think you will do just fine. Having a GP who monitors you and gives a crap makes a big difference :) Oh and the placebo effect can be awesome! Take care Sammy and keep us updated! Jo xxx ... View more

Hey Samex! I openly disclose that I am on a daily dosage of happy pills (Prozac). I've had clinical depression twice now and both times, Prozac has been prescribed, not only to help my sleeping patterns but to help even me out enough so I could actively participate in getting myself well again! Now I'm taking Prozac to help me with symptoms of an anxiety disorder left over from my accident. As Harker has said, think of it more on a chemical level and nothing more. Taking anti-d's is about taking a step in getting yourself to a better level and I truly believe that had it not been for my medication and my very understanding, wonderful therapist, I probably wouldn't be here. I definitely had concerns at the start, the stigma of it, was I really that mentally unwell? The rational part of me decided that I needed to do what I could to get better, to be happy :) It took me a little while but I finally came out of my depression both times with some work and then had my GP wean me off the meds safely. It's not forever, only a little while.... ... View more

Hey Alana!! Glad the move went well! You have been so busy with everything, I wonder how you do it! New project is helping you! But another project has just cropped up - we've bought our first block of land (well Thursday when I sign the contracts) I'm really happy to hear the smile in your voice (so to speak). Speak soon sweets Jo xxx ... View more

Happy Birthday Jill!!! xxx So glad you had a wonderful birthday and you were spoilt rotten. Can't think of anyone who deserves it more! And those day spas are bloody awesome aren't they? :D Jo xxx ... View more

Oh Alana, I'm sorry to hear about this. Things really have come to a head, haven't they? Everyone has been so stressed for a while so you become emotionally emaciated after a while. I'm sorry this is happening. Wish there was something I could say that would give you some buoyancy and light! I feel somewhat useless. Just don't give up and you come find us when you need to vent OK? Take care sweets Jo xxx ... View more

Thanks Joy!! I'm actually rather nervous. How is the learning to ride coming along?? ... View more

Fate has a wonderful way of bringing good people together I think! Nothing ever happens by chance - it happens as it was meant to. Definitely agree with you though - cancer is a crock of shit but it has brought some wonderful people into our lives and given me hope when I felt there was none. We just want to give back to those who have helped us and who have been in the same boat we have! ... View more

Hi Alana I thought this was an awesome idea when you told me the basics before. Half way through treatment/my birthday, Rob and I stayed at a hotel for 2 nights (we won it cheap through a silent auction for a charity we support)and it was EXACTLY what we needed. For Rob, just to rest, sleep, eat, do whatever he wanted without having to worry about appointments, treatment, work, family crap, friends and all the other pressures having cancer presents. For me, as a carer, it gave me some time to not have to worry about work, finances, the state of the house, pets, friends, family, treatment, the fact that the love of my life has cancer, all of that disappeared for two days. It was nice to forget, even if for only two days. So if a hotel could do that for us, I can just imagine what Pabs Place would do for other patients, carers and families!! And of course, if it's relatively inexpensive, all the better as we all know how draining fighting cancer can be, not just emotionally and physically but financially too. You definitely need to write up a business plan and calculate how much funding something like this is going to need just to build and get up and running, then calculate how much would be required per annum to maintain running of the facility. To register for charity status, you need to speak with the ATO and the Office of Fair Trading. I found this info for the QLD government - http://www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au/register-charity.htm - or you can use http://www.philanthropy.org.au/seekfund/charity.html - this might help give you ideas but you'll more than likely need to seek some legal and financial advice. And if you get backing from other cancer related organisations, I'm sure that can only help. Maybe research the Ronald McDonald Houses etc as they are of a similar idea and are rather successful in the way of a charity and helping those with cancer. I think it's a fabulous idea Alana and Í look forward to seeing it come to life! Jo xxx ... View more

Thank you Willow! It does feel a little unreal still but it's getting better with every day! I read your blog Willow and I'm sorry you are going through a rough patch. Just know that it will pass and you are entirely entitled to how you feel. I must admit that I admire those patients (like my husband and yourself) that continue to go to work while having treatment. I don't know how you do it but I can certainly understand your frustration. It's hard to see people go on with their every day lives when you are stuck in limbo or your perception of life changes. People here care and we will listen whenever you need it ok? Take care xxx Jo ... View more