Hi Tim, Do you have any hobbies? If you hadn't received this news, what did you have planned for the break? Sometimes it is carrying on with the "normal" that helps you adjust to the "awful". Diagnosis time, is a crazy roller coaster ride... with information overload at times and decisions left, right and centre. Try to take some time "out" and do peaceful things, such as a walk on the beach, stroll through a park enjoying dappled sunlight. Go and see some movies to make you laugh, visit Art Exhibitions/Museums. Basically do the things you like. Then investigate and read up on possible treatment plans and "own" the direction life is going. There is no blueprint for a human, you are a unique being, so there is always hope, that it will not be a typical progression. Go well Sam ... View more

Hi Nic068, Those first few weeks of diagnosis are awful, things can become tunnel vision and the rest of the world goes by in an "out of focus" way. Try to be positive, that you have been diagnosed, the tumour removed and you have a treatment plan. So many don't know they actually have a tumour and from now on you will be monitored. Whilst we may all have experienced a different type of cancer, many of the experiences are the same, so we know what you are going through. Go well, radiotherapy is not a picnic, but it does seem a necessary evil. David Craig's Aqueous Cream, helped me with the "sunburn", but check with the oncology team first. Sam ... View more

Hi Christina, CJF is right, the next few weeks and months even will be really different, after all your world has just been turned upside down. Once the extent of the cancer is quantified and the treatment options, presented then it starts to settle down a little, because suddenly we are back in some sort of control of life. I had Endo cancer 9 1/2 yrs ago... I also was miles away from any family who could really help, but somehow you learn to cope with the resources available, you will amaze yourself at your inner strength, but make sure you rest when you can and most of all be kind to yourself. Everyone has a different experience of cancer and treatment, but we nearly all say our attitude to life changes, it highlights the really important things in life. Go well and if you need to "talk", we're here to listen. Rgds, Sam ... View more

Hi Bev, Sounds like a great initiative, I have a friend going through a cancer diagnosis at the moment, and I make she she knows about this service too, though the family have been in touch with Cancer Council. I had a different type of cancer, so can't explain what her treatment experience may be like or things to look out for. Brilliant idea, I think we cancer survivors should "pay it forward", somehow it partially validates our experience and pain, if we can ease another's. Rgds, Sam ... View more

Hi Vlasta, It is a difficult time shortly after the treatment ends. It is a rebuilding time, take life slowly, push through a little bit, but not to the point of total exhaustion. I carried on working for the first 3.5wks of my radiotherapy (for Endo cancer), before admitting it was getting to me, then I gave in and had 4 wks off, with intermittent contact, that was 9yrs ago now. I was back at work on pretty much normal hours within a month of finishing radiotherapy, I just wanted to get back to normal. Looking back now it was the wrong decision for me at least. My body needed more time, less than a year later I went on a 6 day work trip to UK, I don't think I recovered from the jet lag for another year. I just wanted life to be "as it was", so I kept on blindly trying to be the multi-tasking person, that probably got me into the "cancer" club, in the first place. If you can, face that fact as soon as possible, life will be different, there is no going back, but you can create a new normal. Life is always changing, but usually it happens gradually or because we decide to make the change. So decide to make the change now, to do things differently and to believe this is the fresh start "post cancer" that you've been thinking about ever since the diagnosis. There are no guarantees in life, none of us know how long we are here for, everyone is in that category, cancer survivor or not... it's just that we've really stared that reality in the face. I've found clinical pilates has been really good for me, at a physio, gentle reps that can be built up. Good for emotions too! Go well, enjoy summer and the beach. Sam ... View more

Hi April, So sorry to hear this sad news. Having support from friends as well as family is really important. I read this book, which I found in a card shop, "Stronger than Cancer" by Connie Payton, published by Compendium Inc.... and it really helped me - a cancer survivor for over 9yrs now. I think it is available on Amazon. Hope the treatment plan will be successful - staying positive throughout the treatment really does help, but it is easier said than done. I found focussing on nature a big help, thinking about the seasons and viewing the diagnosis/treatment phase as the "winter" of the journey, with "Spring" & "Summer" to look forward to. Sam ... View more

Hi Maddie, I feel so sad for both you and your boyfriend, on such a horrible journey. I hope you have plenty of supportive family and friends around. This awful disease, is so unpredictable, it sounds as if these new tumours have been caught early on, so perhaps that is the one bit of positive news. I hope you both find the strength for this latest battle. Know that people here are thinking of you and sending healing wishes & prayers. Sam ... View more

Hi Deb, An amazingly courageous journey, you are on! You are the only person who can make the quality over quantity decision. Sounds as if you have a caring oncologist now. Your chemo experiences sound horrendous, I hope you start to feel better soon and are able to get some strength back to do normal things and build those happy memories. I hope there can be a miracle for you, hope too that doing the things you love, you will get that much needed quality time with family. Live for today and hope for tomorrow! Sam ... View more

Hi Katie, Good luck with the job hunting, I hope you find something you like really soon. It is the "pay break" on top of the treatment costs which really put a huge dent in any savings. I think Richard's suggestion sounds like a good place to start. Not sure where you are located but I believe Melbourne Citymission also help people to find appropriate work. Try to stay positive. Sam ... View more