Absolutely wonderful! I love the expression 'the sun draping itself over my deck'. ... View more

Dear Willow, having cancer is a big upset in anyone's life. How you deal with it is as unique as each person. From hearing other people's experiences and my own, I think the fear cancer coming back weighs heavily on our mind - even for years and even when we know the outcome is good. I think it's only human that at this point in time you feel low, scared and just want someone to make everything Ok. Perhaps counselling is the way to go. Your trip sounds wonderful, but if your fear of the cancer spreading is so frightening, I don't see the harm in seeing your oncologist and having the necessary tests beforehand, just to ease your mind. Returning to work, getting on with life...it can be a bit daunting after going through cancer treatment, especially if workmates are not so sympathetic. Try not to get too dejected about losing friends or not being able to find volunteer work, the important thing is that you have made the effort, which means you want things to improve. Hope things work out for you. Thinking of you, Joyhoney ... View more

Dear Deejay, I can understand your craving for friendship, or even just an ear to hear. I was the same after I left hospital. Try not to take it personally re the other cancer patient not being able to be friendly right now. I too, had a similar experience. I was friendly with a young woman who'd been treated for breast cancer. We both had children and I thought it would be nice to catch up now and then, but she didn't feel the same. Sometimes it's hard to cope with your own cancer, let alone someone elses too. I found the one thing that helped me was my penfriends. Not only did I have the chance to write everything down, but they were objective when need be, and other times just a friendly letter. Would this be of interest to you? I really feel for you and hope that you're able to meet some new friends soon. It can be difficult. Good luck and all the best. ... View more

Hi, I had a PICC line inserted for my chemo and it was heaven. I had very bad veins and the cannulas were hell. I don't think blood can be taken from a PICC line though...anyone had blood drawn? The down side with my PICC line was it burst and fluid leaked into my arm. But this was weeks after the chemo and I was only having saline at the time. However, my arm that had the PICC line can't be used for taking blood anymore. But compared to cannulas, I will take a PICC line anytime. Hope everything goes well. Joyhoney ... View more

Hi I just faced this particular dilemma. I had a phonecall offering a quote on life insurance. Everything was going well until they asked the health questions. Have you had leukaemia or cancer is one two of them. When I told them I'd had leukaemia I was hastily told I didn't qualify. To be truthful, until that phonecall I had never thought of it. But since then I have heard of others being refused travel insurance on the same grounds. However they managed to shop around and get cover. Let me know how you go, interested to hear how you get on, Joyhoney ... View more

Dear Joanna, I had low platelets as a result of both the leukaemia and the chemo. I had to have platelet transfusions, which helped with the bleeding and also the bruising. Not sure what the procedure is with NHL. Yes, I know what you mean about losing your feminity. I felt like that from losing my hair and my looks all at once, I can imagine you are feeling ten times worse, faced with a hysterectomy on top of all of it. When I got leukaemia I was 28. I wanted more kids, and that was kind of taken away from me. I think you are coping fabulously with what you've been dealt. Gosh, I couldn't even look at anything to do with leukaemia for years, let alone research it. You are so brave. Ps, I think it is great you went into detail about before you were diagnosed. It might just save one person or get them checked out earlier. Joyhoney ... View more

Jo, fantastic. So glad things are going good. Congratulations on your new job! Joyhoney ... View more

Dear Joeyanna, For such a long time I've avoided anything to do with cancer, my cancer to be exact. I didn't want to hear about it, read about it, anything. When I joined this site it was confronting. But people like you inspire me. You are so brave, so wonderful, and you don't sound bitter or resentful of what has been dished up in such a short time. Your strength is astounding. I could only hope to be as valiant as you. Joyhoney ... View more

Wonderful news congratulations! Joyhoney ... View more

Sounds ideal. I would be dressing up and going in to see the powers that be, your local polititian. Get them behind you. Get your idea out by calling the radio station, telling them you have this proposal - as that's all it is at the minute - and get them to interview you. Once your idea is out in the open, you'll be surprised who come to the party. You might not end up with Pabs Place exactly where you want it, but who knows, there are generous people around, and once they hear your idea, they might donate land, supplies, etc. Promotion, promotion. Be pushy but polite. If this means something to you, follow it through. Good luck. Joyhoney ... View more