Hi Leanne, I worked with stoma pts for a while. We recommended that you put a few drops of perfume in a mask to breathe when first learning the changing of the bags, just until you get used to the differ odor. hope this helps. Mignon ... View more

So sad. Mignon ... View more

Good on you Tim. I think it is a great idea to talk about when you are feeling good ( there are enough bad days) , it is an encouragement to others. Enjoy today. Mignon ... View more

Welcome Sensitive eyes, Sorry that you need to be here, but you will get great support from all different folk here. The best thing is that people on this site "get it". when everyone else doesn't. Take care. mignon ... View more

Dear Smelling the Roses, we are all with you...Go Girl !!! Cheers Mignon. ... View more

Wombat is right. Being there is the most important thing you can do for both of you. It will be incredibly tough, but you are doing the right thing. When my daughter was sick I surrounded myself with a team to keep me going so I could help her keep going. I had a team of: GP, Cancer Council phone counsellor, local social worker, massage therapist, priest,a few close friends who COULD cope with me ( don't waste time or energy on dear friends who mean well , but cant cut it). It is a tough journey , but something very special. I too recall rubbing my daughters hands to calm her down while she was having her chemo. Simple things like a preferred drink, a bendy straw to drink with, lukewarm water instead of cold, some aromatherapy oils. You will work it out for your friend and what they need. Keep coming back to this site for support and encouragement. Cheers Mignon ... View more

Dear Smelling theroses, I agree with you 100% about the reactions of other people. My life will never be the same again, and I have not had cancer but caring for my daughter has changed my life forever. Loving friends at the time just didn't get it, were afraid to ask, and of course now that she is 5 years "all-clear", no-one even recalls anything. It is still with me everyday, every ad on TV, every charity ride etc, etc. I have been seeing a shrink since November for depression and he feels that I will never resolve the depression until I "let" go of my daughters illness. LET GO. What a joke. My life is seen in terms of " before she got sick" and "after she got sick". And , in a strange, way, I don't want to let go. I nearly lost my beautiful girl. I am here as her mother , to validate all that she went through, when she cant recall the trauma of that period in her life. Now I am venting!!! Anyway, this is a great place to vent, because someone will probably "GET" it. I hope you have a better day today dear friend. Mignon ... View more

Hi Matsy, I get where you are coming from. Every time my daughter is unwell I struggle ( NHL). After 5 years you would think I could relax, but I cant. Maybe we never will?? Hard though. Take Care. Mignon ... View more

You are a wonderful daughter for your dear dad. You did a great job helping him on his journey. He will always be with you. Mignon ... View more