Dear Vera, just thinking of you. Sending you strength and courage. xxxxx ... View more

Nice to hear from you again Willow. I hope the problems are small and the solutions are many :-) Sharon ... View more

What a great night! Thanks for sharing 🙂 ... View more

I don't know about others but I was never offered any counseling or support - I had to actively track it down. It's amazing what is out there but knowing who to ask and what to ask is really tough. Of course try the cancer council helpline, ask the social worker at your hospital, ask the receptionist at your cancer care centre, ask the nurse that is working with your doctor (you might not know it but there will be one), find a great GP and talk to her. I don't think they mean to keep it all a carefully guarded secret but it often is. I hope that gives you some ideas and I'm sure others will chime in with more. It's so important to have someone to talk to. Good luck Sharon xxxxx ... View more

I'm not sure of the cost limit but I know my GP has suggested I go on a health plan and it includes my dental care, I think it also covers a certain number of visits to a dietitian. My GP knew all about it so maybe give your Doc a call. Hope this helps. Sharon ... View more

I have had this discussion with my doc's several times and they have always told me that for my cancer a CT is more valuable but I think I will ask again next time. I'd hate to think it comes down to cost Nicole but I have a feeling you may be right. There has been a lot in the news in the last week hasn't there on the concerns of overusing CT's and the risks involved. Thanks MeAgain for bringing it up, I hope you get some answers from your Doc's too. Sharon ... View more

Just thinking of you and your family Joanna. Hugs to you all. Sharon ... View more

Hey Jo, I agree with Sailor, getting the pain management working for you can help things immensely. I hope you can find a balance that is good for you. I had a picc line in my arm and it was no big drama. I had mine inserted under a sedative.... not quite an anaesthetic but I remember nothing (other than telling the doctor thru a haze that he should be wearing a blue diamante g string rather than scrubs :-))There was some discomfort for a few days after fitment - more like a muscle strain than actual pain - but nothing that a bit of panadol didn't fix. I had to have it flushed and dressed each week which took all of 10 minutes and didn't hurt at all. Mine was in for 4 months and I had no issues, I have a couple of friends who have theirs in for 12 months and no issues either. For me it made chemo easier and saved my veins, I carried a chemo pump around with me for a week at a time so it let me take my chemo home (tiny chemo pump but a huge hazardous chemical spill kit...very portable.... very chic :-)) Good luck with it all. Sharon xxxxx ... View more

Good luck for Thursday, I will be thinking of you. a bit of trivia for your HPV file - anal cancer is also a HPV cancer. I love how you can capture such emotions in photos - you are one very talented woman. You go girl! Best wishes Sharon xxxxx ... View more

Can I jitter with you Tamara? I have the last of my 12 month check ups on the 10th of March too. I fully get the feeling 🙂 Check ups scare the pants off me (hahaha....quite literally with check ups for anal cancer....hahaha.....) I feel like I am gritting my teeth for the weeks leading up to THE date and just steeling myself to have to go thru it. I'm looking forward to both of us having good news on the 10th, it's going to be a positive day Thinking of you Sharon xxxxx ... View more