What a cutie! ... View more

Hi Phil,   Here is a couple of shots of Jasper.   He was actually our son's dog, but we were looking after Jasper while our son was going through a rough spot with his wife (now ex wife).  Anyway, our son was overseas alot, so Jasper just became ours.  A very intelligent dog, always had to have the last word.   A lovely friend.   Budgie   Giving a bit of back chat   ... View more

Hi Lampwork54,   Your babies are gorgeous  😊.   Budgie      ... View more

Hi debbru, From what I've read, Herceptin itself doesn't cause hair loss.  Are you on that in combination with something else?    I've also read it has a long half life, so if it is causing your hair loss, it might take a while to come back.   Budgie ... View more

Hi Mani,   That's such a hard choice to make.  At the end of the day I suppose it comes down to quality of life vs length, & which one you prefer.    I imagine the transplant will be just as damaging to you as last time & you must decide whether or not it's worth going through that again.    Will having it done make the rest of your life worry, illness & pain free?   If you don't have the transplant, what will the progression of the Myelodysplasia bring you?  How much pain & discomfort will you be in towards the end of the 19 months?  Do you want to go through everything it will bring?    I wish you all the very best of whatever happens & whichever way you decide to procede.     Budgie ... View more

You have a wonderful dog family. 😊 Animals bring such joy  & comfort to our lives.  Unfortunately, I am without any furry friends now as they have all aged & passed away.   You are lucky to have them.  We used to have a malamute who was such a gorgeous character.   He would definitely let you know when he was unimpressed with you.  There was a time when I was unwell, & he wasn't taken for his daily walk;  the following morning, he had pulled a green tomato off a vine & left it in the patio doorway.  He did this every morning until his next walk.  Very cheeky boy!  I miss his attitude.   I hope you're feeling well today?   Budgie ... View more

I believe in reincarnation.   I think my youngest child has been here before, & I think he holds my father's soul, as he was born the day after my father's death.   I've never had to show him how to do anything.   He has always known & is very mature.   I think he's a very old soul.     It's a really interesting topic.   Budgie    ... View more

Hi Lindaw,   Take a big, deep breath in, then let it out slowly.  Repeat a few more times, and get on with living.  Death is a natural part of the life cycle, but not one that people like to talk about.  Because we as a society don't talk about it, it has become hard to accept & deal with.  Your father wouldn't want you worrying about him, wasting your life away, being depressed because he's dying.  He would want you to be living your life as best you can.  My husband & I talk about my impending death quite often.  It's scary & sometimes brings me to tears, but we try to make light of it if we can.  Sometimes we even make jokes.  I know it's different for you,  as your father seems to be deteriorating rather quickly - I was diagnosed terminal in 2012.  I'm on my last available treatment now & it should have stopped working last November.  But by some miracle, it's still keeping my cancer under control.  We look for positives in every day & enjoy the time we share together.     One good thing about knowing I am dying, is being able to prepare my funeral the way I want it to happen.  I even have prepared my own coffin.  I have always loved Ancient Egyptian art work & my husband suggested making a sarcophagus for me.  At first I thought it would be too hard, but he talked me into it.  So we bought a cheap coffin, he made another lid for it & we made a mould of my face to put on the top of the lid.  Then I spent the next 8 months researching hieroglyphic scripts & painting the coffin with scenes from different tombs.  It was very theraputic for me & great fun.  I will leave this world the way I want.    I hope you can find some peace & come to terms with what is happening in your life.     Here's a pic of my art work.     Budgie       ... View more

Hi Julia00,   Fatigue is a constant companion for me.  I'm on an oral chemo tablet which I'm to take everyday till it stops working.   Have a nap when you need to.   Try not to do too much throughout the day.  It's difficult to find a balance - you need to exercise, but doing too much is absolutely exhausting.  One Occupational Therapist I had suggested some enery saving ideas like; using a bath robe instead of, or along with a towel after having your shower;  using a swivel pad on your seat getting in & out of the car, etc;  just things to make your life a bit easier.   It does make a difference, but I still get fatigued very easily.  Unfortunately, it's a side effect I find very hard to beat.   Budgie   ... View more

 Hi Buru,  My advice is to do as much reading as you can about all the questions you have, and if you're not happy with the doctor,  you are entitled to ask for a second opinion.    Budgie ... View more