Hi Daniel You are in a big, scary situation and big-dipper feelings are natural. I commented on statistics here: http://www.cancerconnections.com.au/blog/liver-met#comments 21 Jul 2012 - 20:19 I personally think they are unhelpful. I have faith in God and believe our days are numbered. To me that means we will not die earlier or later than planned and I can relax with faith in that even if my date is soon (but hopefully is not). I have just celebrated 12 months since my op and doing well, considering. I think every day I wake up a good one, no matter what happens. What you think/feel must be accepted (not considered wrong) but worked through and dealt with in the best way for you. Family/friends may think differently, and need to cope with their own feelings (often scared, feeling helpless, unable to acknowledge, etc). I tend to go with my gut feeling; it is seldom wrong, really. If you have positive days seeing a future, plan for it; if you want to fulfil your bucket list, do that. Any of us could go under a bus tomorrow, anyway. Warm hugs of strength, peace and comfort, Pamela :-) ... View more

Hi again Tatsoi I just found a recommended link on: https://www.facebook.com/groups/45891977828/ to: http://oralcancerfoundation.org/emotional/patterns_of_grieving.htm which may be helpful. :-) ... View more

Hi again Jay I found aloe vera gel excellent for taking the burn from the skin after radiotherapy. It kept my skin healthy and smooth, despite awful redness. I also used Xylocaine Viscous for mouth ulcerating particularly so I could eat, and now use the leftovers for my wrist graft which is extremely painful. It numbs the area very well for half an hour or so. I hope your treatment is going well, Pamela :-) ... View more

Hi Tatsoi I have not read her books for some time, but in the past I found Elisabeth Kubler Ross extremely helpful. Her foundation website offers good advice http://www.ekrfoundation.org/ http://www.booktopia.com.au/search.ep?productType=917504&keywords=elisabeth+kubler+ross lists 19 of her books. 'On Death and Dying' was one of note. Warm hugs of strength and comfort, Pamela 🙂 ... View more

Hi Jay Statistics are so incredibly variable they are not worth considering. My surgical/radiotherapy team never mentioned them, so after reading your comment, I googled and found (for me): "The overall reported 5-year survival rates for buccal carcinoma are between 49% and 68%. About 90% of recurrences occur within the first 1.5 years after treatment. Local recurrence (reported rate 23%) is more common than regional recurrence (reported rate of 11%). Distant metastases are uncommon in buccal carcinoma." Even after reading it, I don't care what it says in regard to me and my situation. I was just so thankful that my nasty mouth ulcer was finally diagnosed as SCC so I could get something done about it. Worrying about whether you are in the upper, middle or lower figures is totally unproductive and taking strength, focus and positiveness away from your healing and future. I am living and enjoying every day as it comes with a positive attitude and sense of thankfulness, despite chronic pain and other, not insignificant difficulties. Warm hugs of peace, comfort and strength to you, Pamela :-) ... View more

Hi Rarsie I don't know where you are nor can I offer any alternative suggestions to your travel. However, if you are in N.S.W. (or find a similar scheme in another state if you are not) you may be eligible for transport subsidies: Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/iptaas/index.asp But I think your situation is appalling and there must be some simpler alternative - I do hope you find one. If necessary call your state or federal health member and let them help you. Good blessings, Pamela 🙂 ... View more

Hi Maz Just take one day at a time and don't stress about what may or may not happen in the future. I suggest you be open with your daughters without being heavy. You and they may be much stronger than you now think. Statistics cover such a range of people that they don't actually apply to one individual - ignore them and believe in exceptions to the rule. Sending good blessings, and prayers of strength and comfort, Pamela 🙂 ... View more

Hi Sharon You've made this person happy today, just reading your story ;-) I agree you are no super woman - none of us here are super because all on this site are struggling with their situations to varying degrees - and super people don't struggle. What you are though, is a strong young woman showing resilience and wonderful strength of character. I feel privileged to have read your post. "Strength of character isn't always about how much you can handle before you break; it's also about how much you can handle after you've broken." 1 Corinthians 10:13 ...God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it... I must admit, however, that I have often said of my own situation - it's much better than the alternative! Sending you good blessings and warm hugs, Pamela 🙂 ... View more

Hi Glenys The pool I went to some years back was in the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital. A referral from my GP allowed twice weekly for 3 months at no cost to me. You would need to check your local hospitals to find out what is available. I don't know what private pools charge or if they have arrangements with Medicare to cover costs. A phone call to a hospital, Medicare or Centrelink may clarify things for you. Best wishes, Pamela 🙂 ... View more

Hi mg I believe if you seek joy you will find it - as you have done :-) It is not happiness, but something much more profound. Once found, you can keep it at the core of your being despite adverse circumstances. It goes hand-in-hand with thankfulness. Warm hugs, strength and healing to you, Pamela 😉 ... View more