Daffodil Day - 22 August 2008

Cancer remains one of Australia's biggest health problems. With 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85, the chances are you'll know someone who has had this terrible disease.

Funding research into cancer is one of the best ways we can work together to protect those we love, and that's exactly what the Cancer Council hopes to achieve with Daffodil Day, Friday 22^nd August 2008.

Below are pictures of my parents Pam and Stan.

As both my parents have had this terrible disease this cause is very close to my heart. To support their fundraising I purchased my Daffodil Day pen and today I bought a bunch of fresh Daffodils.

My dad survived non hodgkins lymphoma in 2003/2004 and then was diagnosed with Advanced Prostate and Bone Cancer in November 2006. He lost his battle in January 2008. Aged 75

My mum was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and lost her battle 8 months later in October 2005. My dad never got over this loss. Aged 71

RIP Mum and Dad - You are both together again and not in any more pain. You are sadly missed everyday...........

Carlton

Update on Paul

Just got back from the hospital and my brother has some kind of blockages in all of his arteries and is one lucky man.

They are going to try and put him on the surgery list for tomorrow if not he will be on Monday's list. They originally thought he would have to have a triple bypass but after looking at the results again and consultation with another Dr they are going to put 3 stents (not sure of spelling) in, instead.

Update 5 p.m.

Dr's have decided they only need to put 2 stents in my brothers heart and the other artery which is blocked can be unblocked via medication. Also he didn't make the surgery list for today and will have to wait until Monday. He's not happy about being in hospital for the weekend but nothing he can do about it.

Carlton

My Brother Paul

Ok this photo was taken about 15 years ago but is the only one I can find of my brother.

Sorry need to vent - Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse I've just spend the arvo in Sutherland Hospital as my brother Paul had a heart attack on our way to lunch at Cronulla. He will be ok but will be in hospital until the end of the week.

He will also miss the funeral tomorrow.

Carlton
Take it one step at a time.

R.I.P. Dad - your no longer in pain.

This is a photo of my dad taken in September 2006, probably one of the last photos taken of him. Its not a good one but then again he hated having his photo taken.

My dad passed away yesterday morning and whilst I was expecting this to happen, I wasn't expecting it to happen just so soon.

For those who didn't know my dad was diagnosed with terminal (advanced prostate cancer and bone cancer in Nov 2006) and due to him requiring 24/7 care we had to move him into a nursing home in Jan 2007.

When you get a call in the early hours of the morning from the nursing home to say they don't expect your dad to last the night it is a shock. Dad did last the night and a few more hours. I am also given added comfort that he finally admitted to being in pain and allowed them to make him comfortable during his last 8 hours alive with morphine and he was at peace.

The funeral is on Wednesday 16/1/08 and there are only a few more things to be organised. I will do these over the next few days. At the moment, I'm still in shock and feeling very numb. Its so hard to comprehend that both my parents are now gone but at least they are now together again and dad will be happy about that.

Carlton
Take One Step at a time.