Thanks guys, that is helpful. Am off to pick up our boys from school early so that they can go and see their Dad. I find it really hard looking at him and knowing that he is not the same person and is never likely to be wholly that person again. So I have no idea how they are going to cope with it. Will not have them stay too long, my sister who works at SJOG Subi will come and pick them up and take them to Kings Park to the playground so that I can stay a little longer with Greg. I think they will enjoy that and it might give them a bit of time to 'process' their own thoughts in a 'non' threatening way. Will touch base again with you all later tonight. I really need you to be here for me on this, just keep logging in and sending me little bits and pieces. It really helps me feel that people are caring for me. Thanks heaps, Jill. ... View more

Hi Julie, Thanks, there is something you may be able to help me with, we will be seeing Nigel in F Block at Charlies tomorrow morning. I don't know if he was your radiation 'man'. Greg hasn't had radiation previously and whilst I have been 'reading' up on it, am wondering if you can run me through the procedure from a 'real person's' point of view. Our medical oncologist has suggested that Greg is likely to have 5 or maybe 10 daily sessions of 15-20 mins treatment. Obviously Nigel may have something else in mind and we will know more tomorrow, but just thought having your input may 'fill in some gaps' for me. Thanks, Jill ... View more

Thanks ladies, News isn't good. The tumour is a secondary on the brain which apparently is worse than a primary brain tumour. It is 4 1/2 cm in size. The oncologist has told us today that they don't grade or 'name' secondary tumours. He has said that it is uncontrollable. He is offering us radiation or surgery. From what I understand (and I am not clear on it all) either option is only to try and minimize the negative symptoms, quality of life rather than extension. We are leaning towards radiation but don't know all the side effects or collateral damage possible. Greg doesn't seem to comprehend much of what is being said. He has moments when he appears more 'lucid' but much of the time he is very vague. I am told that this is most likely due to the swelling. He is on steroids/anti-inflammatory meds to try and reduce the swelling. At this stage the oncologist is suggesting 2-3 months. How do I prepare our sons that they are losing their Dad? ... View more

Linda, Treasure your memories. Jill xxx ... View more

Hi Kym, If your wife is anything like me (and we've already established that we have some things in common!) then she may appear less positive because it is a way of protecting herself. I am a person who is tentative about getting my hopes up too high in case they are dashed. It all stems from years ago, when we were trying to start a family and I had a number of miscarriages, after 6 miscarriages and 3 ectopic pregnancies I couldn't allow myself to get my hopes up too high, the history (and odds) didn't appear in my favour. I became a realist after that experience, I always am hopeful about things AND I am also aware that reality doesn't always mean our hopes come true. It is a really tricky tightrope walk, keeping the balance! Jill. ... View more

Thanks Alana and Reindeer, It sure does help to hear that others have the same issues and feelings. Alana, you can keep your snakes all too yourself! I am not a fan of them in any way. Having said that, ....I am glad that they give you enjoyment, it sounds like the weekend was a great rejuvenator for you all. Just goes to show how different we all are and what works for one, may not work for another and it really comes down to 'whatever works for you! Good luck with your '40' year old friend(?), to her it is obviously a 'big' thing, to those of us dealing with cancer and all its complications, another birthday might be exactly what we are hoping for. It's all relative, isn't it. Reindeer, nothing wrong with baked beans and cheese on toast! and as far as accumulating dust, I have no problem closing my eyes to that....most of the time!! I like the idea of putting the turmoil into a room in my mind, I will definitely give that a go, thanks for the tip. Thanks ladies! Jill. ... View more

Hi Kym, Great to read your news, really happy for you. Me thinks you may be 'dreaming' about the 'relaxed' Christmas, aren't you the one with SIX kids!!!!! LOL. Enjoy every moment, chaos and all!! Best wishes, Jill. ... View more

Hi Willow, So glad to see that you are getting some relief. Good luck with the work stuff, one day at a time sounds like a great plan! Best wishes, Jill. ... View more

Hi Willow, Am hoping that you have been getting relief from your headache. Thinking of you, Jill. ... View more