I'm so sorry to hear about all you have been through over the past few years. You have had so much to deal with, including finding out your son also had cancer at such a young age. You are so strong, as you still sound so positive and are also on here willing to help others. I have tried to stay positive throughout my journey so far and feel I am doing really well. Unfortunately my mum, who is 88 has just been diagnosed with low grade breast cancer, so our journey as a family will be starting again soon. Bless her, she's previously had surgery for bowel cancer, which she did beat. She's a strong lady and very positive, so hopefully will be fine. So pleased that both you and your son got through this, you are an inspiration to others.  xx

Pippin 24

Sorry to hear about your mum,you're also goong through a lot,its tough but yes your mum does sound a strong lady,and you I can sense are being as  strong  and positive as you can be. It realy does help to get you through the tough times in life. Your parents are very precious,I lost my father in 1995,I sat and held his hand as he died,two years later  my husband commited suicide in oct 1997,I found him . I had to be strong as my daughter was 15 nearly 16,and my son was 12. Then 2 years ago I lost my mum,also was with her ,my son was too,to support me. I dreaded losing my mum,she was 89 in August, passed in September  2022. But I honestly think the more you go through in life,the stronger it makes you,obviously not straight away,but as time passes it does. The one thing in life is we all have a beginning and an end on earth,so while we're here dwelling on the bad bits won't change a thing,they will still happen, but appreciating all the good bits in our life makes for a better life. There's always someone worse of than you,. I'm not saying I don't ever have days where I don't cry over some of the things that have happened,of course I do,that's quite normal,wete only human,but I don't let it ruin my life,I pick.myself up  dust myself down and carry on,and some days are really good. My grandchildren are a blessing.  I have  three, a boy aged 15 from my daughter and her partner and two grandaughters from my son and his wife ,who are 12 and 8. The twelve year old is currently in The  Cambridge Theatre London  in the  Musical Matilda,ive watched her two times allready,she's amazing at dance and singing. The 8 year old has just been at the O2 with her dance teachers school.of dance,she danced in a group and they were given the golden buzzer to go straight through to the finals, so so proud of them . Its these little things in life that make me smile . Hope your mu. Responds well to her treatments as she has done before .

I am so sorry to hear about the losses you have been through, you have certainly had so much to go through, especially when your children were so young. Lovely to hear about your lovely grandchildren, they sound so talented. I have two grandchildren from my daughter, who is my middle child, a girl 7 and boy 5, and they bring me so much joy. My eldest daughter is also trying for a baby, but has polycystic ovaries and so far no luck. Have a son 28 still living at home, would be nice to see him settled with someone. I do find that I feel like a stronger person going through this journey. In the beginning my anxiety went through the roof, but I decided I couldn't go on for months with that level of anxiety. I started walking 2 1/2 miles every day, cut alcohol and made sure I eat healthily. All these changes really helped my mindset too and I have responded really well to treatment. I think these forums are a great way of sharing experiences and you don't feel alone on your journey. It has certainly been really helpful to me. So nice to chat to you, take care. Xx

Hi, I would definitely recommend the walking, as it's so good for the mindset. Unfortunately I've had to put it on hold temporarily, due to part of my tummy wound from the reconstruction being slow to heal. I'm really hoping I'll be back to it very shortly Maybe you could find a local walking group near to you, I know we have a couple in my area. Sound like you have a really healthy diet, which is always a good thing. I've been a target member at slimming world for 8 years and still attending on a Wednesday  morning. It's great to meet up with others for coffee and share ideas and recipes. The group has also been very supportive, while I've been going through this journey. Although we find these forums really helpful, as you say, it's not for everyone. People deal with things in the best way for them. Xx

Pippin 24,yes i have thought about it,but the groups I've seen around my area all look young and fit,ive judt turned 68 first week of November ,and inthinkni would hold them back,aa i have both knees that the knee caps have  worn away with artherirus. ,which inalso gave in t hands wrists back ,.

But I will try in summer of 2025. I used to belong to weight watchers years ago ,so I know slimming groups are great. Good for you that you  still go and are still maintaining your weight. I used to be a size 8/10 ,but now also size 14/16. I think if incan start walking it will help me to lose a few pounds aa well, as scince being on the Letrazole which I have to take for another 6yrs. Anyway ill say Goodnight now,not goong to become yet though lol. Xx

Hi Jassoscared,  you'll probably find with walking groups, that abilities vary. People often stick with the people of a similar ability. Maybe something to plan for in the Spring. Might be a bit cold at the moment, if you suffer with arthritis. Or maybe consider a walking pad, that you could use at home. I am 62, but luckily don't suffer too much with joint pain so far. Xx

Pippin 24, Hi its good you don't suffer with joint pain ,and yes the winter months make it worse. I donwalk around my living room evety time the adverts are on ,on the tv lol,its surprising how many steps  you can do,just by doing that.  I  will walk more in the summer for sure,just got to push myself next year.  It's really turned cold today ,hearings on and I'm still feeling a bit cold. .I'll see next summer if I can find any one who wants to walk ,if not I'll push myself to go on my own, as I.know it will be good for me. My grandad always used to say to me when I was young, im alright as long as I.keep moving . Lol he's so right about that , and they do say lose it if you dont use it,another true saying . Xx 

My mum always says that saying to my dad, but the other way around. Use it or you'll lose it lol!! Really has turned cold, I really don't like winter, except for Christmas of course! Xx

Pippin  24

 Ha ha maybe I got it wrong ,wouldn't surprise me lol,me neither much prefer summer time. Winters OK ,but cold isn't for me ,I'd much rather be to hot,than too cold.  Snow if it settles does look pretty  but when  it turns to icy  muddy slush not   so much,ok if you dont have to go out in it. Hope we don't get snow like.some places have. Xx