I think Matryoshka has summed it up beautifully.

I don't think that your child's needs come before your own - your mental health is just as important and when it is an issue that is weighing as heavily as this is for you, giving what your child needs and depriving you of what you need is a recipe for depression and disaster. Sorry Barb, but I can't say I agree in this instance.

The good thing is at his age, he should understand reasoning a bit better than a younger child. Perhaps get a couple of things that he LOVES to do and when he asks, answer him swiftly and firmly but instantly divert his attention to an activity that he loves to do and you can be involved in.

Good luck sweetheart - it's a bloody tough decision and I think you've done amazingly managing this long xxx