That's wonderful news @aina_abdullah & I hope you heal up well & quickly. 💐 💐 Budgie ... View more

Great idea about writing things down to take with you.  When the doc asks you next time how you are, just bite the bullet & be honest with them & yourself - it certainly can't hurt you.  Actually, most of us lie when we're asked how we're feeling.  We usually say that we're fine, when in reality, we're not.  😉     Good luck 🙂 ... View more

Oh Mandy, I'm glad you've reached out. Everyone has their breaking point & you've reached yours by the sounds of it. I think you really need to download to someone who can offer you suggestions as to where you can access some help in your region. Maybe get some help to do some housework for you, or some other way to free up your time. That way, you can have time to spend either with your family without having any stress; or time for yourself to do whatever you want, get some pampering, or take time to soak in a hot bath; have a mani/pedicure; have your hair done, etc. You have done a marvellous job of holding yourself up, but now it's time you had someone to lean on. This site has links to people you can talk to, or you can go through your GP to get a referral to a community health social worker, or call lifeline. There are plenty of options of people to choose from, but you definitely need to seek some help. You've carried alot on your shoulders for long enough. Help is not a dirty word & you're not weak if you need it or ask for it. Take care of yourself 🙂 Budgie ... View more

Hi Shaun, the fact that you are talking about getting help with your drinking is a great step in the right direction and as I said before there is nothing to be ashamed about as we all have our coping mechanisms. Unfortunately I don't know anyone to recommend to you, but certainly touching base with the people at PeterMac again is a great place to start. The key thing is to stay positive, as you are looking at making some major lifestyle changes. There will be some good days and some crap days, there will be a few forward steps and probably a few sideways and backwards ones, but stay positive and keep trying. The other real important thing to remember is that you have taken a great step forward by indicating that you want to change, and don't feel that you have to do it alone. Budgie ... View more

Hi RealGirl, I can't understand why the doc hasn't given you an answer. You could ask her GP of what to expect at your mum's next appointment. They may be more forthcoming with answers than the oncologist. Short of that, & Frostling's suggestion, I suppose it would be down to Dr Google to help guide you through. If you can research what happens to the body when a particular part/organ fails, you MAY be able to prepare, in some way, for what is to come. But the big thing is, try not to let it consume you so much. Make sure you look after you! Budgie ... View more

Hi there ShaundenBakker, There's no need for you to feel ashamed - we all have something we're not proud of in our life. The good thing is that you have acknowledged your problem and are wanting to do something about it. That is half of the battle! It would be advisable for you to have some counselling, so they can give you ideas of coping mechanisms to help you along. You need to find something to do to replace the drinking. It will be tough at times, but, if you can stick to your guns you will feel so much better for it, as it wouldn't be helping your body to heal from, or deal with the chemo/radio side effects. Don't forget, you can always download on this site anytime you need to - there's always someone listening. Best wishes to you Budgie ... View more

Hi Frostling,  I think your mother would be extremely appreciative of you being there for her.  Even tho you're in another's house & feeling like the proverbial 5th wheel, you have a very important role to your mum.  And while, yes you may be there for when "things go south", how would you feel if they did go south & you weren't there? Why don't you introduce a special moment throughout the day for you to share such as you reading to her, or something like that?  Is she strong enough to play board games or card games?  While you may think your presence might be unwarranted, I bet your mum would argue that point.  Don't underestimate the strength of your being there.   All the best Budgie   ... View more

If you have ANY doubts or question regarding their intentions, you are certainly entitled to a second opinion. While time may be of the essence, why did they not mention that to you? Frostling had very good suggestions as to what to ask of the doctors. But really they should not have put you on the spot like that. That kind of behaviour makes me suspicious of their intentions also. Budgie ... View more

Hi Daisy13, Worrying is your worst enemy. It is what it is & there's no point in worrying because you will only cause yourself anxiety. Weight loss can be a sign of hepatocellular carcinoma, but it can also be a sign of other things as well. Even if it is cancer, hopefully, you've caught it early, but, cross that bridge when & if you come to it. If it's cancer, you will have a good support network on this site. There are a heap of people who can give you advice etc, but please don't worry. Budgie ... View more

Hi Etak, It's good to hear your Mum is nearly finished the treatment. I'm sorry she's been in so much pain. My Xmas & New Year were nice & quite, with just a few rellies visiting. I do hope you & your Mum had as nice a time as you could have. Treatment is always a bitch, but a necessary one. It sucks to have to be on it at a time of celebration. My fingers are crossed for the outcome in 3 months. Take care of yourself. 😁 ... View more