Dear Susanne,

Like you, my husband is my only (real) confidante and truest friend. He is very understanding and supportive of my condition. We discuss about what we researched on my condition. He probably understands my condition more than I do. i dont lack in understanding. in fact, that is only my consolation, having a husband a family who understand me. But this closeness somehow gives stress to him. It pains him knowing that I am uncomfortable. The little downside of my situation is -- my family support is "long distance". Most of them is back in my country My closest family is in California, while I live in Florida. I have my best friend who also lives in the same area. We are very close but I could not ventilate my frustratioins to her because she is recovering from her Stage 4 breast cancer. Her recovery is another story...

Talking to a priest was my way of coping with the loss of my first husband. I was devastated -- both emotionally and financially -- having been sick for almost a year, in and out of the hospital (mostly in).

THis is another aspect that, if given the choice, I would not want my husband to go through -- who himself took care of her first wife due to a cancer. Now, you may be thinking --whew, what an experience.

Not only the fear Susanne but also the frustration. The frustration of wanting to do more but your body could not do it. We had plans of travelling in 2013, but we may have to contend ourselves with short distance trips. I never anticipated to be sick this early.

Thank you for reading....
This forum has been very helpful to me.