Hi everyone We hope you all have a happy and healthy (and hopefully Cancer Free) 2015 and we pray that 2015 will prove to be the year that we all can beat this horrible disease. Greg & De ... View more

Hi All. Just a short note of inspiration. I havent beaten it yet BUT, over Three months of Chemo and we have reduced the size of the tumor in my lung.It was 51mm X 35 mm (12/9/14)and is now 32mm X 23 mm (2/12/14).The cancer in the Lympth Gland and in the hip are Not seen on the CT Scan (maybe a PET may prove otherwise but have been advised not to have one of these whilst on Chemo)It has not been a walk in the park, but change of lifestyle and Diet , I believe , have helped.My Chemo is now reduced to 75%, hoping this will allow the blood count to be a bit more stable. I am striving for another large reduction in size after another 3 Months.Hope this helps some. Greg ... View more

Hi All Just thought I`d share some of the things I have been learning through my Chemo Journey.I have lung and thigh cancer and am being treated on Gem/Carbo and Dex. I am finding out how much these drugs can affect your blood count.I have had 1 bout of a virus (3 days in isolation) 2 blood transfusions for Hemoglobin problems and have now had my Chemo treatment delayed for two weeks due to Neutrophil and Platelet problems (These were picked up on weekly blood tests)Getting a bit confused (and probably paranoid) I rang Cancer Council,and yes, they confirmed this can be the "Speed Bump" you hit at times during your Cancer treatment, and normal Chemo treatment is not advised until your blood count is at a sufficient stage to resume.In the meantime,as with any decreased Blood cell count, care and hygiene should be observed, including trips out in Public where there are lots of people.I`ve recently lost my Sister (3 days ago) to lung cancer, and have forgone the attendance of her Funeral (I`m in Cairns..she is being buried in Melbourne), but I am FULLY expecting to visit her Grave as soon as my Health lets me.In the meantime I will "Battle on" receiving Chemo as my body lets me. Greg ... View more

Not too sure if this is the right Forum...but I read this on a wall plaque at CAIRNS CANCER CENTRE and had to share it WHAT CANCER CANNOT DO.. CANCER IS SO LIMITED... It CANNOT Cripple Love It CANNOT Shatter Hope It CANNOT Dissolve Faith It CANNOT Destroy Peace It CANNOT Kill Friendship It CANNOT Suppress Memories It CANNOT Silence Courage It CANNOT Invade the Soul It CANNOT Shed Eternal Life It CANNOT Conquer the Spirit (Author Unknown) I Hope this brings Peace,Contentment and Hope to you all Greg ... View more

Gday..Just about to start my 3rd Cycle of Chemo and have finished 5 days Radiation on Hip.I have stage 4 Lung Cancer with secondary in Pelvis.My first Chemo was sabotaged by a bad virus which I spent 3 days in isolation...NOT fun..and my second Chemo seems to have invented some new side effects than my first.I have found some relief from the neusea from Ginger tablets (while still taking Pramin) and have found they help me tremendously.I also take Endone (but only before bed along with 2 Panadol) to help leg cramps and hip pain.I also take 1/2 Diazapam ONLY of a night to help me sleep, and of coarse Coloxyl to help with the side effect of the Endone and to help Constipation (who`d of thought you have to take a tablet to relieve the side effect of a tablet...hmmmm)I was recomended to take Astragalus from the chemist at The Cancer clinic and will post effects after my Catscan.The Chemo is also knocking out my immune system with my neutrophils being down to 1.2 before my last chemo, so being very careful is important if you dont want to get sicker.I like working in the garden so Face mask,Hat,sunscreen,insect repellent,Gloves,long pants,shoes and sunnies are the norm (and I live in the Tropics!!!)A good diet (Fresh veggies and fruit) definitely helps and have found some wonderful smoothy recipes.If you have to go out, and dont want to look like an alien with face mask etc..make sure you have a handy pack of "Good" Hand sanitizer with you and stay clear of anyone who looks like they may have a cold etc...Hope this helps some people...Greg ... View more

Hi everyone, I1m new on this site.I have stage 4 Lung cancer that has moved to my pelvis. It has been a Long 4 months since Diagnosis was made with two Biopsies , a pneumothorax,Chemo, Radiation, chest infection (hospitalized and isolated) Blood transfusion and related stresses associated with the realization of having Cancer, I`m a non smoker (although I did smoke in my early years) and worked in the Tobaccoand printing industry. I`m also a carer for my wife who suffered an aneurysm 8 years ago, Luckily her main problem is her inability to handle stress and short term memory loss.Dealing with Cancer can be confusing with Mind,Body and Soul, all demanding their fair share of attention. Drugs and alternative medicine(mainly natural herbs and extracts) are also confusing. I hope to be able to talk with and (if possible) help anyone who needs an willing ear. Hope to talk with you soon. Greg ... View more