Angie,
It's not surprising that set you off!
What a disgrace the priest couldn't even remember his name! I expect the atmosphere just bought everything home to you.
How are you guys doing?
Michelle

hi dave and sue
i too have been refered to a psychologist waiting appointment dont know what to expect or even know if i need to see one but this has gone on for so long now 6negative biopsies then scc last august i get so overwhelmed sometimes, due another biopsy in 2 weeks time for ulcer which has not healed after 7 weeks. i guess seeing a psychologist can only be helpful to get my head around things i can do nothing about
i too have a very supportive husband and family it is so difficult for all involved with this condition

Hi Bev
Its great to have the support of loved ones
let you know how it goes on the %th

Regards
Dave and Sue

Hi bev thats the 5th June hope everthing is ok with the ulcers

Dave and Sue

Hi Michelle

We are still doing unbelievably well. I am totally astonished, in fact I feel really guilty. All what you guys out there have suffered and Bill is just ‘unwell’ He doesn’t have any appetite; he varies between funny taste in his mouth and dry taste. Says he feels droopy rather than tired (no change there then) He even says his mucus throat is going. He continues to loose weight because he isn’t eating much. Has put himself in isolation so as not to catch any germs. Is catching up on all his mail (on his lap top) still filling in the dreaded gas bill spread sheet (monitoring how much I use) and even doing a bit of work. I realise this could be the calm before the storm but if carry on at this rate, well, who knows, better not tempt fate

Angie

*lol* @ Bill monitoring how much gas you use. that's a little sad!
I'm pleased that so far so good. Make the most of it just in case it gets tough.
How long til R/T?
All the best,
Michelle x

I saw a phsycologist for nearly 2 years and she really helped in a big way. I would definately recommend it if you get referred to one. Nothing to be afraid of and so worthwhile. I started going quite often and the gaps in between visits gradually got bigger. Dont think I would be where I am now (mentally) without her.

hagg thanks for psychologist recomendation i will let you know how i got on just a little anxious about another biopsy and then wait for result

I wonder why it is we're not offered some form of counseling as a part of treatment?
I expect the respources aren't in place.
But i think it would do us all some good. Perhaps on diagnosis, during treatmenmt and after. I think our emotions are so all over the place it would have done me the world of good to get a bit of validation that i'm not a complete wreck!
I was so stubborn before i started treatment that i wouldn't need any help. But i soon learnt to give in.

Michelle

I think they noticed i struggling this time and offered me support

And im not ashamed to admit it i accepted it
let you know what happens
Dave and Sue

Hi,
I had counselling straight away. My first appontment after being diagnosed. I saw dietician, macmillan nurse, speech therapist and counsellor all in one go. They gave me great advice- especially how to deal with family and how to tell my teenagers I'd got cancer. They even predicted for me how they would react! They were right! I saw them and still do continually if I need ( and sometimes when I think I don't!) Great time to have a cry and stop being brave. Get as much advice and counselling as you can- it really helps!
Anne

In an ideal world I think everyone should be referred to a psychologist at diagnosis but I guess thats a funding issue. From a personal point of view,my 3 counsellors were useless and I was glad to get my psych to get my sanity back.

I was offered counselling just before leaving hospital after my first big op. I said yes, but decided it wasn't for me after the first session. Still, the facility was in place as a matter of course, along with excellent speech therapy which continued for months after my discharge.

It would be helpful if you had someone when first diagnosed. Although deep down I knew what the problem was, Bill hadn't a clue. Before he went down for his biopsy, the consultant just said 'its a tumour, left on its own it would be a matter of months, I can tell you more after the biopsy' She then left us alone which was good but after a few minutes a nurse came in because they needed the room. We really could have used someone to speak to then.
We then had to sit for four hours in a full waiting room before he went to theatre.