Hi guys, some of you may remember me from a couple of years ago, when my grandfather was fighting his losing battle with GBM Tomorrow will mark 2 years since he passed away, and I've been reflecting on it a lot over the past couple of weeks, and I seriously have no idea how I would have coped if it wasn't for this wonderful community. It was more than his illness, I had been struggling to cope with life in general long before he was diagnosed. Seeing the emotional strength that you all display to keep fighting even when every day is a battle, to find moments of happiness in the darkest of days, and to hold on to your hope no matter what life throws your way inspired me and changed my life completely. Next time you feel exhausted, or frustrated, or blue, just remember... you are amazing 🙂 ... View more

http://clearstudy.org.au/ The above link is to a research study run by Cancer Council NSW that looks into the lifestyle and environmental factors contributing to cancer. The study involves a questionaire that can be completed either online or by a mail pack. They are also requesting blood samples (optional). Participants must be over 18, reside in NSW and have been diagnosed with cancer for the first time in 18 months. They are also asking for partners to participate. I know that it will not be applicable to all of you, but if you are eligible I urge you to participate!! They need thousands of people to take part in order to get accurate results. Think of it as your chance to fight back against this horrible disease. ... View more

so im sitting in hospital now with my grandfather who had a craniotomy on thursday. He's a total mess...cant speak, struggles to communicate, paralysed down his left side... Doesnt look like himself at all. He's extremely agitated, keeps trying to rip off equipment, even ripped off his whole bandage at one stage leaving his wound exposed. He's too strong to stop him so they've had to restrain him by tying his good arm to the bed. He alternates between tapping his hand against the bed to tell us he wants it off with this horrible devastated look in his eye, and struggling with all his might to get free. Obviously being restained is distressing him a lot and we really need to get him to sleep...but when he's out of the restraint he keeps pulling his oxygen mask off and his levels get too low...they've given him tonnes of morphine and some mild sedatives but nothings working, he just keeps fighting it off. We're trying to reassure him, hold his hand but he just keeps pushing us away, hitting us as best he can or squeezing with all his might intil its painful. He bent my auntys thumb as far back as he could when she was trying to comfort him and wouldnt let go. Its breaking my heart, i just wish there was something we could do 😞 ... View more