Hi All, An update on Wazza. He's not handling chemo very well, the Cisplatin & Gemcitabine is knocking him around. He hadn't eat properly for the first seven days, lost weight. At the hospital yesterday he asked for a hamburger, he said it was great & he felt good. Yesterday he only had Gemcitabine, we'll see how he goes today, next week Gemcitabine again that will be the end of his first cycle, another five to go. His blood test yesterday showed something wrong with his kidneys, he was sent for an ultrasound. I asked for a copy of the report to be sent to our GP so we can have a copy for our files. For a big strong man, chemo is really knocking him around. I think it's the cisplatin that's doing the most damage. Butterfly has been a great help to us answering a lot of our questions and putting our mind at ease. We take our hat off to you Butterfly, to have had seven rounds of cisplatin in seven week's and look at you now a picture of health. Thank you all for the support, that's what this site is all about helping one another. Merkel ... View more

Hi Michellep. I found the wig library at the hospital where I received my Chemotherapy was fantastic. I have a daughter who is called the makeup queen, by friends. She is very artistic. I think the best advice she gave me, was. "Mum don't let yourself go because you have no hair. Each morning put yourself first, you've earned it". Decide what your going to wear & colour coordinate your makeup to match your outfit. I went through the winter months with no hair. I purchased hats, makeup, lipstick & eyeshadow that matched my clothes. I had two fringes I borrowed from the wig library. I put one on as fringe & one at the back so it showed out the bottom of my hat. When the weather got a little warmer I purchased a few very soft dark colour long scarfs. The type you would throw around your neck. I sewed them in the middle, about 6 ins down, like a hat, then I would put my fringe on, put the scarf on like a hat & tie it in a big soft bow at the back, it looked so vogue. I wore it out to dinner & two men in the restaurant asked if my daughter & I were sisters. My daughter is 22yrs younger & very attractive. Not a bad complement for a chemo patient. Girls, you can look better than you've ever looked before. Don't let chemo stop you being beautiful. Merkel ... View more

Hi Jess, Welcome to our family. You've had a big fight on your hands & won. I'm sure you will keep on winning. A great story to inspire others. Keep us updated on your progress. Take care, Merkel ... View more

Hi Livey, You think people are avoiding you because of your cancer.I can only speak of my experiences. People who haven't experienced or dealt with a cancer patient, often feel uncomfortable on approaching you on the subject of cancer. You have to help other people feel comfortable with your situation. Do a reverse roll. I found the best way to make friends & acquaintances feel at ease was to approach them. Tell them your story, how you feel, what your going through. I did exactly that when I had cancer. I rang friends, and when I saw them in the street or out shopping, I approached them, spoke about my cancer. Once they knew I was at ease talking about my cancer, so were they. Give it a try, you'll see the difference. Merkel ... View more

Hi Everyone, This is an update on Wazza's visit to his oncologist today. He will be starting chemotherapy in a couple of weeks. The first week, day 1 Cisplatin and Gemcitabine, second week day 8 & third week day 15 Gemcitabine only, followed by a week of no treatment. Then the cycle starts again for 6 months. There are too many lymph nodes involved to have radiation. Take care, Merkel ... View more

Hi Everyone, This is an update on Wazza's visit to his oncologist today. He will be starting chemotherapy in a couple of weeks. The first week, day 1 Cisplatin and Gemcitabine, second week day 8 & third week day 15 Gemcitabine only, followed by a week of no treatment. Then the cycle starts again for 6 months. There are too many lymph nodes involved to have radiation. Take care, Merkel ... View more

Hi Livey, You have a great outlook, don't lose it. You must be a very special person to do cooking & counselling for the homeless. Best of luck on the 8th April. Merkel ... View more

Hi Girls, Miss Reena, Lyn, Lyndena1, Cmarti15, Misti, Ouartasc I have read all your posts. I find it wonderful that you are all supporting one another through your treatment. It's not an easy road to travel. The big picture is, your all getting the best help and you will survive. Merkel ... View more

I'm a seven year survivor of Merkel Cell Carcinoma. I would like to thank my oncologist and the staff at the Mater Newcastle for my survival. I also have to thank TROG Transtasman Radiation Oncology Group for the trials they did on Merkel Cell Carcinoma that saved my life. Merkel Cell Carcinoma is a very rare and aggressive cancer, mortality rate high. You can read my post under merkel. Best wishes to all, Merkel ... View more

Hi All, I'm Wazza's wife. I'm giving you an update on Wazza's CT scan report he had yesterday. His tumour has increased from 38x37x36mm to 38x40x50mm in three months. There's more lymph node involvement now. Off to his urologist on friday 20th march, to see what path they will take. Then to his oncologist in a couple of weeks. Take care, Merkel ... View more