Firstly what great news Julie,  sometimes it's nice to be looked after and we deserve it after all we are coping with.   A lovely thought for your parents  whom I'm sure fully understand the reason why you won't be with them.   Keep us posted after the scan results we will all be praying for you both.  There is not a lot of CHRISTMAS cheer in Darlington as I went  early to have my nails re done , a busy shop so one lady customer threw a wobbly right next to me and started swearing at the assistant.   It's terrible the way some young girls act and if I hadn't thought my face would get punched in I would have said something!   I drove back home , hubby hadn't even washed up and then tells me he's not moving rooms while the family are here as it's not convenient for him, I can slum it in the double bed with him I'm told .  Thanks for the that, as now I have to change the king size bed, move all my underwear and lose my en suite.   But hey Ho it's all about the cancer patient so whats the point of moaning?  I've just given advice to someone who says the carer is being treated horribly , I think over the last few weeks I've had it all,  but I know which battles to fight!   So not a happy person today because everyone else is in a mood.  Take care all of you. Xx

A friend invited me for coffee yesterday she lives two doors away but I haven't seen her for months.   Linda has had many problems over the past few years,  an ex husband trying to stop paying her money, a daughter getting married and the husband's  mistress being at the wedding,  she'd never met her before,  then her Dad died of lung cancer.   I had always been there for her,  listening, patiently to her woes  so I thought she might understand my being a little down, but she looked bored and told me that I obviously need a break!  I left clutching a porcelain Robin with a little plant in it, I was glad to get home and thank God for my true friends who have stayed by my side through it all.  This is the first time I have experienced disappointment in a friend and it made me feel sad.  Hubby didn’t have a good night and was downstairs by 8.15 am but I stayed in bed as there is nothing I can do to help.  Faye telephoned to say Mum in law had been admitted to hospital as her chest infection won't clear up.  Her daughter flew off abroad yesterday for Christmas with her family so it's not a happy situation for them.  I hope you are all coping and Annie we haven't heard from you,  are you and Paul OK?    Xx

Hi Ladies,
Julie, That is wonderful news.  Your Christmas sounds wonderful.  Different it may be, but I'm sure you will all have a wonderful day.  Do let us know the results of Dave's scan, will praying for good results.
Carol, It's such a shame so many young have absolutely no respect or consideration.for others.  Really horrible any time of year but seems worse at Christmas.  I had my nails done yesterday also, Then went to the Geelong waterfront precinct to see the Christmas tree on the water.  Had tea first at a lovely little crepery/cafe Neil and I often went to when he was having treatment.  Had to wait till late to get the full effect of the tree and all its lights and the Christmas carols playing.  It's a lovely area,, Kids playing on the grass, The merry-go-round and the ferris wheel just a little further on.  So you moving  is more convenient is it?  Gotta love these men.

I had Eli for a while late this afternoon, so Deana and Nick could decorate their shed for Christmas dinner.  Their house just isn't big enough for 10 people.  So has spent the last couple of days getting it clean but was finding it difficult to decorate with Eli underfoot.  (Christmas celebrations are often held outdoors here as it's usually warm if not hot).

Take care everyone.  Love Sue xx

Hi girls. So much going on lately. Thank goodness my strength is coming back gradually and I ve been out and about. Met friends for lunch. Gone shopping with my girls. Have to give way usually by afternoon ad sit and sometimes have a catnap . Could not have done anything like this a few weeks ago so I am so grateful and thankful. The hair is growing fast now but silver grey and quite curly. Folks keep saying it suits me and how grey is all in but I can’t wait to get my blonde back again. Can’t do it till Feb. 6 months after last chemo. Just come in from my great grandson Henry 1st birthday party. It was lovely . He’s been crawling for months but all of sudden today he took his first wobbly steps. Made me cry. So lucky to have them all. I am at my youngest daughter Sally for Christmas lunch and my middle daughter with us. She lost her husband very suddenly of a heart attack 18 months ago. Only 59 and they had no children so she is the best Auntie ever to my other two girls families. And this year of course we have three little extra wonderful great grandsons. I love Christmas and always have but miss my Dennis still so much.Have you all finished your Christmas shopping? Julie good Daves getting strong and wish all the best news for him in January. Carol hope Norman is starting to feel better now and yourself. Sue I know your Christmas will not be the same but hope you draw comfort from your family and enjoy it . My love and all good wishes for a Happy Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year to you all and thank you all so much for the chats and friendship we have. Special thanks to our lovely Carol who is the heart of this little group. xxx

Gloria,  how wonderful to hear from you with such an upbeat message, our prayers are working and Christmas miracles do happen.   All those little ones to brighten your Christmas festivities,  I am so looking forward to seeing mine next week, Harry sent me a hand made card saying I love you Grandma , it's the most precious card I've received and it made me smile.  Yes grey hair is in but blonde is better, we all know we have more fun!  So a merry Christmas and keep on getting stronger by the day.  We are all strong in this little group, so my heading from day one of my posts has proven itself.   Best wishes and love, Carol xx 

Hi there Caz...

Just wanted to pop by and wish you a piecfull xmas and hope we all have a healthy new year ... it's been lovely getting to know you a little on a few threads .. so I hope 2019 is kind to you and hubby and all your loved ones ... I'm up up and away soon ... so I'll catch you all again in the middle of Jan...

Big xmas hug ...  Chrissie

Well one more night until Christmas Eve and soon the beginning of a New Year  which I'm sure will hold many twists n's turns for us all!  So I've been to my brothers got soaked by two manic  dogs, I was kept waiting on the doorstep in the rain whilst they tried to calm them down, I had to put Terry's present on my hesd so I didn't get wet, all my lovely wrapping had gone out of the window by the time I got in the house. I'll have a cup of tea please,  we've forgot to buy tea bags , OK coffee it is then.  Karen immediately lights a *** so I move as far away as possible without being rude!  Presents swapped, smelling of smoke, I drive home to my miserable looking hubby who isn't interested in a word I have to say because Top Gear is on the TV.  Bacon sandwich,  cup of tea, he's asleep and I'm frantically trying to finish this cardigan .  So have a wonderful day all of you it's been such a pleasant group of ladies and a pleasure to hear from you all.  Good friends made  who will probably never meet, but know each other so well.  Love and Christmas blessings to us all.  Carol xx

Hello; another absentee returning.  I didn't mean to be away so long but (a) took a break from the forum (b) visited family and (c) made an effort to sort out the house, getting rid of stuff fairly ruthlessly. I will take some time to read through what I have missed but wanted to say "Merry Christmas" to you all.  It has not been an easy year for the friends with whom we are conversing - ups and downs - so I want to send you my best wishes.  Annie

I have had a disastrous day!  I got up early,  hubby did not have a good night and looked quite poorly.   I cleaned the kitchen, polished the doors, swept up and made sure he was out of the bath safely before I did my big food shop.  I'd had a shower, Carmen rollered my hair soo it would look nice tomorrow.   Tesco was a nightmare but I kept a smile on my face,  drove home with five bags of food,  took the four pints of milk out, stood it up, not knowing it had a caved in bottom!   This promptly fell over,  hit the floor at a rate of knots and exploded.  It took me two hours to clean up, four bath towels, three dish cloths  whole roll of kitchen towel and I had to lug my rug outside to let it dry.  So another load of washing , another shower and hair wash, a change of clothes and I made the Nativity service by the skin of my teeth.  Hubby got thrown out at the Pub and I joined him later.  So happy Christmas to you all from one exhausted housewife.  Enjoy your day. Xx