Hey what did you think was the burning question after tonights session? Lots of questions around fatigue, gaps in resume, how to talk to work colleagues and disclosure..anything else we should talk about tonight? ... View more

What a great webinar we had tonight and lots of questions answered and loads of interaction happening ... View more

Yes many don't know what to say so choose to completely ignore which is just so awkward sometimes. Imagine being in the workplace when everyone is talking about how their weekend was and no one including someone who is working through their treatment?!.....Arrghhhh I had a friend who was dying with metastatic breast cancer and during the last couple of weeks as she drifted in and out of a drugged sleep it was suggested by someone to change to organic food and a "special" water from Europe and all would be ok! I still shake my head about this. She couldn't even eat :( ... View more

Really enjoyed reading this Paul especially about the oncologist suggesting something to assist you for the chemo brain. So often we get the comments that things will "get back to normal eventually" and that's it. I think we could all do with a bit of brain training every now and then! Sounds like a chemo brain blog coming up to share all our funny stories? 🙂 ... View more

I guess this can be another example of people not really knowing what to say so just blurting something out with the view it might be comforting. Like the "just stay positive and everything will be ok"........That is the common throw away line that is like a full stop on the conversation. :( I find many Australians don't actually deal with tough situations very well. I wonder if it stems from the "she'll be right mate" attitude? ... View more

I had some good ones as a carer too - Gee, cancer is so common now its like getting a cold! ...........Yeh right - Oh you poor thing, but cancer picked the right carer because you are such a strong person..........Mmmm - I guess with all the sitting around in waiting rooms you get to read lots of books........doesn't even rate a response - Oh now its over you mustn't know what to do with yourself, you have so much time on your hands you lucky thing.........Ah...priceless! I guess its a case of many people not really knowing what to say and blurt out the first thing that springs to mind regardless of the content or context. For me it was keeping a sense of humour about it and a mental note of the ridiculous so I could have a chuckle every now and then! But sheesh...... ... View more

Hi Julie, Well apart from being a very unusual request for you to do as a volunteer it does remind people of a great option for trialling energy levels out for returning to work. Volunteering can be a good way to do this providing its the appropriate environment. Sometimes just easing back in will provide a distraction and sense of purpose while feeling the way so to speak. Good luck with the work, and yes its very challenging when you don't have much energy for anything else outside. Hopefully this will ease over time and gradually you will be able to crib a bit of you time bit by bit Cheers Annie ... View more

Isn't it interesting what people say and how they say it? Mentioning that cancer is common could have really meant that gee, don't we hear so many people with it these days and isn't that a worry........ or perhaps for her own sake she was being dismissive so she could keep everything at surface level and not think too deeply about it? Sometimes people just don't want to know cause they don't know how to respond or react. One mantra I use over and over in my head is "what people think about me is not my problem". Ive worked really hard over the years to build resilience around what people say. Its not been easy at times but boy it has been worth it. As a carer I had some real crackers dropped at me but now its like water off a ducks back. Thanks for sharing Annie ... View more

Thanks so much for this and it resonates so much with what we hear over and over again. Returning to work too early. But gee, how do we know when that is at the time? Sometimes we are so keen to do something other than be a cancer patient and long for that independence of being in the non cancer environment. And for many, its ok for a while and then wham....the old hit the wall happens. Sounds like you had a very caring environment which is wonderful but more importantly you were kind to yourself by the sound of it. Isnt that the clincher for all of us who have been through treatment or been a carer?....Practicing being kind to ourselves and make it for life Thanks for sharing ... View more

......and you know what Nicole, its certainly not whining. Its all about downloading and expressing yourself with us on blogs like this, so you can then draw on your inner strength to be face to face with your family. ....So sorry to hear about what you are going through. Be kind to yourself and let us know if there is anything we can help you with. Take care Annie ... View more