I am so happy I stumbled upon this thread- because you have all lifted my spirits and make me feel normal!! I too have had one particular friend disappear out of my life, here I was thinking she was one of the strongest ppl I knew and when it came to the crunch and I told her my news- I am still waiting for the phonecall she promised almost 2 years ago. Oh well- I was too busy recovering to worry about her, but I still think about it at times. I guess she didn't know what to do- her loss, I'm not sweating it anymore, those who matter are still by my side. ... View more

HI, I've not had a PICC but managed many of them in my day to day work- they are definitely the way to go, they can stay in longer than IVs and bc they sit in bigger vessels they can handle much stronger medications without irritating the veins. The nurses should ensure the PICC is flushed properly everytime it is used. ... View more

Hi Josh, I have just finished reading your whole blog...so much of what you write rings true- I read with tears streaming, you have been so brave- you are truly inspiring. I was reading the bit about telling an 11yo about what is going to happen. My son was 10 when I had to tell him- it is the hardest thing I have ever had to do....too young for details, old enough to not be dismissed with a simple answer. Home definitely where the heart is, I remember coming home from having had a nephrectomy- I went straight to my bed and slept and slept and slept.....I felt recharged. I have not had chemo- your recounts of what you have endured show us that we never know how much we can cope with. My sister told me 'we are able to cope with what we are given- no matter what that might be' so true. Thank you for your story. ... View more

Thank you all for your replies- my grandad had stomach cancer, I have been diagnosed with kidney cancer. I have definitely found out who my friends are- some people have disappeared out of my life, people I thought were good friends. Maybe they don't know what to say or do. it's a shame. Others live interstate and have offered me help and even a kidney! lol. I feel a lot better since I originally posted, trying hard to ignore negative feelings (head in the sand and all that). I have a beautiful husband and 2 gorgeous boys who love me. Some days I still can't help but feel lonely. @rubes1984- I hope your treatment goes well, I can only imagine what you are going through- I consider myself lucky that all I have needed so far is surgery... ... View more