To have to do an ‘Emma Thompson’ this Christmas?

I am sorry to hear you are struggling.

The link between HRT and cancer is a minimal one and transdermal methods even lower. Davina Mccall covers it well in her book / TV show.
The benefits can really help with mood etc
All the best x

We went through the same in June. I was broken by grief (and I’ve lost a lot of people in my life.)

My lovely dog was with me night and day for 10 years, saw me through the loss of my husband, and several very close friends. I honestly thought I would die of the grief and loss I felt. I couldn’t eat or sleep for nearly a fortnight. The silence in the house was awful.

I wanted to give a rescue dog a home, so we put a timescale in place which helped me cope. In September we welcomed home a poor underweight neglected and abused year-old girl, who has lit up my life again. She has so much love and joy in her, despite such an awful start to her life.

I am beyond sorry for your loss, it is utterly heartbreaking and I truly understand how you feel.
I hope you have brighter happier days, remember there are so many of us out there sharing the loss.
Best Wishes x

I found out last Thursday my cancer has returned and is now in my abdomen and both my lungs. I only went back to work four months ago so this is really disappointing.

This thread is so humbling. I’m so sorry to everyone for what they’re going through.

I feel this pales in comparison now but I lost my dad in November and now have to navigate a tricky financial situation he left as well as complicated grief, and prepare to return to work from mat leave first week in Jan after DD 5 has surgery at new year. My DGM has lost her second son at almost 90 and my heart breaks for her. It’s been a lot. Feeling v worried about staying with in laws who’ve been less than supportive, said it’s “for the best” my dad died at 10 years younger than they are, and didn’t once offer any help when we really could’ve used it. Feeling disappointed and hurt after 20 years in the family but as usual will try and bite tongue and not rock the boat because “it’s Christmas”.

Mine is trivial compared to these but I have RA and I’m struggling this year with pain but hosting 30 for dc family birthday and will have to do a full on spread. I will also have people staying, so will have game face on while all I want to do is sleep.

My son spent all of this year battling a cancer relapse so I’ve been in and out of hospital and alternative accommodation with him all year, dragging my toddler with us as well. Due his end of treatment scan results today so that’s just nerve wracking. My dog died (of cancer, what a kicker!) in June and my beloved granny died last month. My dad is very clearly in the early stages of dementia and as his main support I just don’t know where I’m going to get the energy to deal with it after this year. But I will. To say I’m absolutely burnt out is an understatement. I cried twice yesterday and anyone who knows me will say I never cry. But I’m just about to get up and make the Christmas magic happen because if anyone deserves it this year it’s my son.

Sorry to de-rail the thread everyone 💐

Just wanted to lightheartedly explain the scene for the people who havnt seen Love Actually.

Merry Christmas and love to you all. These storms won’t last forever.

Ok, I might get the timeline mixed up so any hardcore LA fans please correct me.

Emma Thompson is married to Alan Rickman (God rest his soul) and Emma notices Alan becoming quite close to his much younger secretary (Mia?) at his officf Christmas party.

At work, Mia asks Alan to buy her a Christmas present “something pretty”.

Emma and Alan are in Selfriges shopping. Alan wonders over to a jewellery counter and asks the sales assistant (Rowan Atkinson) how much is the gold necklace and he’d like to buy it. Rowan spends about 10 minutes gift wrapping the necklace with all sorts of trimmings and toppings.

Suddenly Emma catches Alan at the counter and he has to pretend he was just looking and they walk away. Leaving poor Rowan bemused.

A few days later Emma inspects Alan’s coat pocket which is hung up in their hallway. She finds a box containing the gold necklace and looks excited and giddy.

On (I think) Christmas Eve Emma Alan and their kids are getting ready to attend the kids school concert. (Always baffled me that’s it on Christmas Eve) anyway, the kids are begging to each open 1 present. Emma says yes, and she wants to open hers first. She makes a bee-like for the box that resembles the same size as the necklace box.

But it isn’t a necklace. It’s a Joni Mitchell album. Emma is instantly crushed. She’s confused. She suddenly pretends to act happy and grateful for the CD and hugs Alan and thanks him.

She suddenly rushes off to her bedroom. Joni Mitchell is playing in the background. She’s silently weeping. Knowing deep down that Alan has given that necklace to someone else. She knows she has to put on a brave face for her kids. For Christmas. Scene cuts to Mia putting on the necklace in her home.

Just a simple fact. You've seen Love Actually, well done.

It’s 4.45am and I can’t sleep. I’ve just returned to this thread. I have so much love and support from so many on here. Thank you everyone who has sent me hearts and flowers. The kindness of strangers is humbling. ❤️

The thread literally started saying we all know, not we can all find out. We don't all know which is a fact. Sorry facts are so hard for some to deal with.

So edgy, so unique and cool. Well done you 🙄

Painful thread. Love to all except the two muppets.

I mean, surely you’d have some sort of idea from the 11 pages of people explaining how they’re putting on the bravest of faces to get through Christmas whilst dealing with some pretty rough and heartbreaking stuff.

No we dont all know the scene from Love Actually, Ive never seen it.

I don't know if she's trying to cause trouble. I do know that he hasn't told her about us based off a few screenshots of messages between her and him she's sent me where she was asking him what the hell is going on here. They aren't on good terms.

💕💕💕 to you all. Apart from the one poster who can't read the room!

Sending lots of love to everyone. This post is another reminder that you never know what anyone is going through so be kind, always. Us women are truly amazing.

I was there last year with divorce, dad’s cancer and nan with dementia. My nan passed away in August and Christmas was her favourite time of the year. She would want me to enjoy every moment so I’ll be going so for her this year.

This glimmer quote has helped me a lot this past 18 months

so sorry you are going through this. Are you sure the ex is not trying to cause trouble between you? Can you sit down and have a conversation with your partner about this?

I’m so sorry you’re having to shoulder the burden of this worry alone. Is there anything we can do? I’m pretty sure 99% of people on this thread have fucked up at work in one way or another. I’m sure your kids will not think of you in any other way than their lovely parent. Sending you strength to get through these next few days. 💐

Well. My partner and I had a baby 6 months ago. We've been together 2 years. He has a 2.5 year son old with his ex. I've just found out that he has hidden the existence of me and our daughter from his ex. The ex found out yesterday and messaged me on instagram. His son is a part of our lives, he comes to stay EOW, the mother had no idea my partner had even introduced a partner to their son. My head is spinning. I don't want to bring it up with my partner just before Christmas, I want to get through our dd's first Christmas. But my head is spinning.

Please don’t think this. Both of your children need you and you sound absolutely at the end of your tether. Is there anyone IRL you can turn to? Is there any chance of respite care for your youngest? I’m so sorry you are going through this 💐

I just had an operation - nothing major but am feeling shitty w the after-effects and have been awake since 2am. Adult DD is brokenhearted after the end of a relationship and is moping about in ‘the trackie bottoms of doom’.

I’m so sorry to hear you’ve lost your son. My deepest condolences.

I’m so sorry to read this.

My DD has a completely useless/neglectful father. He is a complete cocktrumble. BUT, she knows she will always have security, love & whatever else she needs with me.

Your daughter will see the same - but it will take time & your support.

Can you leave?

@DudududuMV ❤️