Smartyalligatorpants, I'm glad you're not pretending everything is ok- there's really no benefit from that. Sending you big gentle hugs, Emily ... View more

That's really good, Poss. I'm hoping good things for both of you. Keep in touch! love Emily ... View more

Hi Poss, you're more than making sense, I've been there myself. It's normal for you to have negative emotions going all over the place. I remember feeling stressed and miserable and grief stricken for the first months after my husband's diagnosis, and then suddenly one evening (I was just on my way out to dinner- I remember it that clearly, and it was that sudden!) I flicked over into feeling really angry with him for bringing cancer into my life. I was lucky that I was commuting alone at the time, and due to spend the evening without him, as it gave me a bit of time and space to start processing this really powerful emotion away from him. You can only do your best to deal with each moment as it happens- don't be too hard on yourself. I think it's really good that you're going to discuss this with your GP, too- that will really help. Big hugs. Emily. ... View more

Hi Poss, I haven't been in your situation, but something similar - my husband was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma 3 years ago. I was really glad that he wanted me to be at all his appointments etc- I can't imagine what you're going through at the moment. Sometimes I think it can be harder to be the 'healthy' partner, because you're very much the passenger on this particular journey. Unfortunately your husband has the right to control who knows what about his diagnosis. However, that doesn't mean you shoudn't be supported too. It sounds like you can talk to your sister about this- that's great. Allow her to support you as much as she can. Do you think it would help if she talked to your husband about how stressed you are? She wouldn't have to probe your husband for information (that would probably just make things worse), but just highlight to him how stressed you are about what's going on. I'm sure it just hasn't crossed his mind that keeping information from you is actually adding to your stress. I hope it goes really well for both of you. Keep in touch, and I'm sending you gentle hugs. love Emily ... View more

Hi Narelle, I'll keep it brief: waiting definitely sucks. We're all cheering for you. ... View more

Hi Kirsty, I can't relate to your situation (I joined this forum because my husband was diagnosed with lymphoma 3 years ago, at 39), but we joined The Warwick Cancer Foundation not long after he was diagnosed, and they're really helpful. They are an organisation supporting young adults with cancer. What you might find most helpful is their peer support program "Mates in my Shoes", which aims to link up people in the same demographic with the same type of cancer. They also have social events for members in each state. Their website is www.twcf.org.au Of course, this is also a great resource for connecting with people who will understand what you're going through! It's a great place to connect, vent and share ideas. We're all with you. love Emily ... View more

Hi Kezzybear, I just had to reply to you, because as soon as I read your title I just thought "Hell yeah!". I'm so sorry you had to go through this- it does sound shockingly fast, too. Keep in touch, love Emily ... View more

Hi Mark, it's always hard to know what to say when someone you care about is facing something like this. The really good thing is usually you don't have to say anything- letting the other person just talk is a fantastic support. There may be big questions, but I think an honest 'I don't know' is probably a really good answer. You will definitely be a huge support and help to your friend just by doing what you plan to do. Good luck with everything. Emily ... View more

Hi Anere. I'm so sorry you're going through this. I don't have any advice to offer you, but I just wanted to offer you a friendly word. My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma 3 years ago. We're fortunate that things have been going very well, but I can remember how lonely and helpless I felt during his chemo, too. Feel free to PM me if you want to chat further. Sending you all a strenghtening hug, Emily ... View more

Hi Abee and Charlotte, The Warwick Cancer Foundation was specifically set up to support people diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 25-40 (an often overlooked demographic, as you can both appreciate)They're a national organisation, based in Melbourne. They have 'members catch-ups' a few time a year, and a peer support program which 'buddies' people in the same demographic and the same cancer (if available). They can also provide practical and financial assistance. My husband has been a member since he was diagnosed with lymphoma 3 years ago, and they have been really helpful for both of us (although, Charlotte, you may need to know they definitely concentrate more on people with cancer than their supporters/carers). Having said all that, I think your idea is great! I only mentioned TWCF because it might save you having to do so much ground work. Please keep me posted. Emily ... View more