Oh Jo that is such sad news, you have my thoughts & prayers. Such a terrible time, you have done your absolute best, lay with him- cuddle him. I hope you have someone around that can give you a hug. xx ... View more

Hi, My husband completed 6 weeks of stereotactic radiation therapy last year to treat his grade 3 astrocytoma Unfortunately, it didn't do anything to slow/stop the tumour, with grow increasing quite quickly in the 2 months following. He started chemo at the beginning of this year, and has good success so far with temodal. When do they plan to start rad? Ben found have miso soup (the japanese soy soup) every day helped with his fatigue during radiation. ... View more

Be honest. Answer their only their questions (maybe don't pre-empt questions) Its a harsh reality, but it's reality. They have to know so they can say & do what they need to before the inevitable. My dad had prostate cancer when I was 15, I wasn't told anything until the very last minute when he went into surgery- if he had not survived, I don't think I would have coped. I needed to say things to him- I needed him to know I loved him. Now, my husband, has an astrocytoma located in the thalamus, my 4 year old knows dad is sick, and knows he has a lump in his head. And I have promised, as she gets older, and asks the questions, she will know the truth. Dying is a fact of life, and its so unfortunate that sometimes our little ones have to experience it so early in life. Your husband surviving 11 years after an astrocytoma brings me hope! I pray that I could keep my dear husband around for that long! Great big hugs for you ... View more

Each day is a different day, some will be great, others will be absolutely shit house! Try to remember the good days when you have bad ones, it helps to remind you that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Cancer suxs- sorry you & your partner are having to go through this. xx Mel ... View more

Oh Trish, I am so so sorry to hear your news. Nigel fought hard, and now can rest peacefully. Be kind to yourself. my thoughts are with you. xxx ... View more

Even though my path is on the opposite scale, I am so grateful I was on maternity leave when my husband was diagnosed- I look after a 1 yr old, a 4 yr old & care for my husband who has a grade 3 astrocytoma. His is also inoperable, has had 6 weeks of radiation & in 2 weeks will start round 5 of chemo. It's been a year since diagnosis- and only now am I making clear decisions- but there would have been no way I could have functioned at work- So my hat goes off to any of you that can continue to work. We have a tough road ahead, smile, laugh & enjoy whilst you can. Sit in the sun, go & have coffees down at the coffee shop, walk the beach together. Worry about the job situation when you need to, there are always options. xx ... View more

Oh Timothy, such a hard position to be in! I could not cope without our family & friend support. As Kasianne mentioned- we the carers- often get left behind, forgotten- everyone worrying & helping to patient, not noticing the carer who has not had sleep for the last 2 days. As a carer, the one thing I have learnt is - you HAVE to put yourself first. Care for yourself & and keep yourself well (including mentally) Call the cancer council- they should be able to help with counselling (they talked about free counselling when I called them) Maybe ask them the question of what to do- Personally, I would tell the family. If one of my children were terminally ill & I didn't know until it was too late- I would never forgive myself- I would never recover from that. Yes, she is ill, but that doesn't give her the right to be completely self centred. Everyone deserves the right to be able to say things they wouldn't normally be able to say. I hope you can sort it out- you need help to do this hugs Mel ... View more

I really hope you can get off him off the dex, or at least lower the dosage- its nasty stuff. Ben has come out of the fog since coming off it. Sleeping routines on dex are null and void- just try & work it the best you can. So glad you can still have challenging conversations- Thats one thing I'll miss. Stay strong & positive xx Mel ... View more