Hi Sue,

Yes I am working full time. I spent approximately 7 months looking for a role nearer home after evaluating what was important to me moving forward in my new life. I used to work in the City & West End of London but just didn't want to do that anymore. I have to work as I still have a mortgage to pay but I have also been lucky enough to…[Read more]

Dear Sue, Hope you have a nice break with your daughter fingers crossed for nicer weather for you both.

Keeping busy has definately worked for me I would have gone to the dogs [i](only way I [/i][i]could get the word dogs into this post)[/i] if I hadn't started my photography and windsurfing. At times I do feel terribly alone and quite often…[Read more]

Dear Sue,

I am sure Michael was a much loved man and friends and colleagues supported you saying your last goodbyes.

You are now at the begining of a whole new life. But for now just take each day as it comes, no doubt it will be tremendously hard at times but you just like others left behind on this site, have the opportunity to live – and…[Read more]

I would like to know what you and your dog deal in….

Dear Sue,

If you need help with anything at all please let me know.

Thinking of you

Tina XX

Oh Sue,

So very very sorry to hear your news, God bless you both. If you ever want to to talk please contact me at any time. I wish I was there to give you big hugs and the assurance that you will be ok. You are so strong and like me our husbands were everything to us and your feelings of loss will take you through a myriad of emotions – it is…[Read more]

Dear Sue,

I am so very sorry that you are going through this pain. Somehow you need to think of the tiniest positive thought to get you through. Michael is no longer suffering pain and believe that he is no longer feeling fear or worry. He is being looked after and at the very least his final days will be calm and with you at home.

I wish…[Read more]

Dear Dai,

I think you are right to be concerned about your cocktail of meds especially if they are coming from different sources. Your consultant however should be aware of all the drugs you are being given and should be available to explain everything you need to know, unfortunately it seems you don't get told unless you ask. I would be…[Read more]

Dear Sue,

I am so glad you now have support from the district and Macmillan nurses. Although I feel you should demand an explanation for Michael's treatment (which you are surely owed) I feel you are doing the right thing focusing your attentions on Michael. You will benefit from this in more ways than you know.

Love Tina X

So glad to hear you are not suffering too many side effects from the Bendamustine Dai.
Onwards and upwards!
Tina X

Hi Sue,

As Gill says it's great that you are getting some help the Mac nurses are just the best.
I am sure you will find you are not as stressed now that you do not have to worry about work. I gave up work to look after Patrick when given his prognosis and I am so grateful for those three months with him.
Sue it makes me so angry that…[Read more]

Dai,

I have been thinking of you on the Bendamustine treatment and have my fingers crossed for you and all others on this journey.
It's strange to think that when Patrick was having Bendamustine treatment 2 years ago it was not very well thought of. In fact I remember suggesting it to one of our gang and she said that her Doctor had told her…[Read more]

Sue,

Mainly because of Patrick's ulcer caused by what turned out to be a terminal bacterial infection District Nurses visited every other day. I will say this reduced the strain and worry I was goibg through – they were just so helpful and understanding. They supplied me up with end of life drugs which were to be used, by them, when Patrick was…[Read more]

Dear Sue,

As Tom says you must call 999. I usually called the consultant on the Haem Ward at Stoke Mandeville where Patrick stayed plenty of times and they always told me to bring him in straight away. But the night he developed chest pains, the day before he died, I called 999 They wanted to take him to the local A & E but I was having none…[Read more]

Oh Sue,

I can only describe this period you are going through as the very worst feeling in the world, I so want to give you a big hug and make it all go away.
At the very least Michael's pain is controlled a little better now, I hope he is not too distressed and you are able to talk to him about your fears as well as he is about his own, this…[Read more]

Hi Sue,
Thought I'd answer your question re: driveras eve is on the other side of the world. A driver is a small portable pump which can deliver a variety of meds at regular intervals for symptom control. This could be morphine or any other med required.
Patrick had one fitted when he slipped into a coma. Morphine was given at intervals to…[Read more]

Dear Susan,

So lovely to hear from you. How am I getting on? apparently much the same as you. Patrick's passing seems just like yesterday, I relive all of our conversations and his anguish and confusion during his last week with me almost every day.
When people ask me how I am I really do not know how to answer. Like you I try to keep busy…[Read more]

Dear Sue,

I know exactly how you must be feeling and I truy wish I could say or do something to make the pain go away. Michael is the love of your life and the very thought of not being able to enjoy the future together is absolutely devastating. You must roll with all your thoughts and feelings don'tever feel guilty for even the strongest…[Read more]

Dai,

Good luck with the Bendamustine.

I mentioned to Keith about getting a PICC line fitted to avoid having to have cannulas,Patrick had one in his upper arm no problem.

Regards

Tina