katja

Hey Rick,
I know what you mean, hearing sadly about a lot of people at the moment. I lost a good friend to ovarian cancer last summer and her sister and I were talking about it recently. We thought that even though we had known it would happen (and in fact had plenty of warning), it was still a shock. I think that is because it is natural and good to still have hope. It just didn’t seem like there had been much warning because everyone had some hope for more time.

Cancer is so different for different people, that you can never really tell. But I would not read what you are hearing into your own situation, because you just can’t know all their details.

With very best wishes

Andie, Gavin, if stubborness was a virus it would be around yorkshire in ridiculous amounts, st james would be overrun.

It’s such a rubbish time of the year at the moment in the UK, we all get really stranded and down according to the weather. I really hope you and mum can get out and do some shopping Gavin, it must be sooo cold up there.

Andie, I obviously don’t know exactly, but I can tell you for sure, my dad has slurred an awful lot during the last year, I think you will find (unless you notice it over a few days) that it’s just genuinely because he’s a bit tired.

You are doing the right thing, just let him do as he thinks fit, if he wants to eat he will and (much against what you feel) if he thinks the mac nurses are going to help then he will say.

I think it would be worth asking about what you think is going on medically. Are the scan showing the same? I think they have been unfair giving you month type ‘dates’ because they are clearly not true. It doesn’t sound like ascites, if it comes and goes.

BTW the thing about jabs – my uncle is a gp (he has had a brother in law and mother inlaw with/had CC) and he says ‘don’t bother with jabs, live your life straight up how you want to. these rare crappy cancers touch us all’

Strength to you Andie, thinking about you so often x

Thanks for posting this Marion, it makes interesting reading.

It’s good to know that Mr J has caring people around him. Fingers definitely crossed for some options. We are thinking of him.
Kate

I’m so sorry to hear of your loss DD.
My thoughts are with you at this such difficult time,
Kate

Andie,
I’m so sorry that nothing came of your visit, but Helen is so right, you really did everything you could have and I know your whole family must be so proud of you. I can’t add anything to what Helen has said.
Hoping that you can make some more nice memories and enjoy christmas. You are so brave and positive.
Kate

Lainy,
What else do hospice say about the Haldol? I wonder about increasing the morhpine? I think this might work on the agitation and clothes pulling. I must admit my grandma had this about a week before the end and shouting ‘nurse’ a lot. The last few days she became more peaceful. Let us know what hospice think. You have both been so strong.
Kate