Hi Megan, I agree with Sailor. I was told (when my appetite was really bad) that a glass of wine might help, trouble is that it tasted REALLY DISGUSTING due to the chemo, so I tried some cider instead (not into beer) and that wasn't too bad. Trouble was then that with the treatments that I was on, it was not good for hydration, so only had a glass now and then. craftyone ... View more

Hi Megan, I agree with Sailor. I was told (when my appetite was really bad) that a glass of wine might help, trouble is that it tasted REALLY DISGUSTING due to the chemo, so I tried some cider instead (not into beer) and that wasn't too bad. Trouble was then that with the treatments that I was on, it was not good for hydration, so only had a glass now and then. craftyone ... View more

Oh you clever people!!! ... View more

Hi Maddie, I understand your predicament. Have you been in your de facto relationship for 3 years? Is is state or commonwealth government? I have a colleague (from where I used to work) who has been fighting for a couple of years to get compensation and justice after going on leave due to stress of work pressures. Although she has proven that her manager and people from human resources have actually lied, it appears that she will not get any compensation at all. I worked for the commonwealth government for 38 years and was very cynical to all their supposed standards of looking after staff for the last 10-15 years. It looks great on paper, but in the real world it doesn't happen. Can you change from where you are to another area? Do you have counselling available at work? It depends on the energy that you have mentally, and I don't think that I would have had that kind of energy if needed when I was working. I was extremely lucky in that my colleagues were an extremely supportive lot. The other problem with Commonwealth employment is that you have to see one of their medical people in these situations and stress can be seen by some but not all. I agree with Vicki Anne in that if it gets too bad, use all sick leave and rec leave that you can and try and find another job. Hang in there. Let us know how you get on, craftyone ... View more

Hi Maddie, Yes, some people just don't know how to communicate with people who are sick or close to someone sick. We just had a very close friend visiting for a week. She lost her husband last October and has been coping extremely well. My partners brother and wife were/are going over to SA (where she lives) to pick up a car part and were going to stay overnight with her, something that she would have loved. The problem is that they still haven't decided when, and we had to convince her not to put off coming here (we are shifting and she wanted to see our property for one last time) as they may go over there. Whilst she was here they were going to call and pop over the next day, guess what - yes, there was no call. I am very disgusted with them as she was extremely disappointed in not seeing them and she now understands what we have been saying in the past. They actually went over to her husband's funeral last year, but didn't go back to the house and have a quick chat, instead just headed back home. I find it hard to understand these people, especially as death in the family is not new to them, although quite a while ago. As everyone else says, don't worry about those who haven't kept in touch, it does happen, and enjoy the company of those who have kept around - they are much worth your time. I am sure that there will be people who will surprise you with their generosity, and sometimes friends are closer than even family. good luck, craftyone ... View more

Jan, Good to hear that you had a good rest, hopefully you will have a "manageable" Christmas. My christmas wish to you is cure and good health for next year!!! craftyone ... View more

Hi Jan, I had chemo and radiotherapy for rectal cancer in 2000. Due to mine being a very aggressive genetic form of cancer, I have had numerous operations as well, starting with a total colectomy and removal of half my rectum in my mid 20's. I know all the fun of a "sore" bum, but hopefully you will have a fully functioning system post GETTING RID OF THIS CANCER treatment. Thank goodness that it has been found early. The chemo and radiotherapy that I did have worked - YEAH!!!! as mine was outside the bowel at the time. I have got a lot of scarring, but then I do have an ileostomy and that combined with the rest of the treatments have left an "impression". I also see a gynaecologist who has helped a lot post "all this". Bum jokes!!! I have lived with bum jokes most of my life, as our family diagnosis came out with my mother who finished up with only 3 inches of rectum and a lot of rushing to the toilet. There used to be a statement of "anyone need to go, go NOW!!" as she would sometimes be there for an hour or more, especially the first 12 months. My grandfather sometimes got upset at the "stirring" and jokes that were made of it, but that's what got her through. Let us know how you go, and if you need any assistance or humour, just get in touch. I am not sure how hard it will be for you to go through the combined treatments, as my bowel was already shortened and the effects would be different to yours. Good luck and keep in touch, hope this has been some help craftyone ... View more

Hi Bev and Vicki, Hope that the holidays bring all that you want, especially healthwise, and hope that, yes, the new year is a healthier one for all - happier as well. craftyone ... View more

Hi Liz, Sorry for being late in replying, been trying to sort out my computer - what a pain. Glad to have you as a friend. Enjoyed being in the in touch group and glad that you enjoyed it this year. Hope that it has helped you a little as well. You've done very well, hope Thursday night's discussion was great, I had a lovely night out with the ladies from my "ex" quilting group. Was extremely tired the next day, but totally worth it. They gave me a lovely decorative metal basket for a "leaving the group" present in the afternoon and then I told them that I would just have to drop over now and then. Take great care of yourself, don't expect too much, Jules2 often says small steps and that is the best approach. Have a very merry christmas and we will catch up in the New Year if not before, lol xxoo craftyone ... View more

Hi daniel, You are very correct, one step at a time, try to find some peace. Good luck with your results, hope they come out good. craftyone ... View more