Thanks, and same to you. We hope to have a good Christmas and hope that 2014 brings much better luck than 2013! ... View more

My amazing husband of 35 years died on 17th June 2014 from advanced cancer with bone metastasis. He fought so hard and suffered so much that it should have felt like a blessing but I'm just so sad and desperately lonely that I can't stop crying. I try to find comfort in the fact that I could care for him myself until the end and that he died peacefully, at home in my arms, but then I start thinking of all the things I could have done better and question whether I did enough. I have wonderful support from family and friends but nothing can fill the gap left in my life. I miss him so much. It still doesn't feel real and it hits me afresh constantly. I'm hoping someone who has been through this can tell me that it gets better and suggest some things that might help. I'm spending time with family but know that I will soon have to return home to our empty bed. ... View more

Hi Wendy, Thank you that really was extremely helpful!! Great idea - group message my close friends. I think that is the best approach, also gives people time to think about their response and remember to say reply to me not to all. I wish you and your husband the very best in his treatment ahead also Wendy and - and on behalf of him, as someone who is being supported by a great partner like yourself, Thank you! Take care Lisa ... View more

Thanks so much for your reply Maureen. You and your husband have certainly had a lot to deal with in a short time. Rick was only diagnosed mid Sep so this is new for us too. In 2006 he had major surgery to remove his bladder, prostate and appendix and apart from learning to cope with the bladder bag, he has done really well. He has a lot of pain now which they are trying to get on top of with a concoction of drugs until he has radiation therapy. We are not even sure what his prognosis is - its hard to know what questions to ask and so we just have to trust the drs. The long waits between appointments have been very hard also. I am also very busy with my job and at times feel as though I have two lives and am juggling both and am about to drop everything. Our family and friends don't live close and even though we have friends where we now live its hard to talk to them as I tear up which then makes them feel bad. Thanks again for replying, it helps knowing someone is there who understands. ... View more