Thanks Jules. The oncologist is convinced I will need it and quite possibly from early on due to the severity of the chemo. I am glad it was put in early as if it was put in same time as the chemo I would still be in the ward. I cannot drive now and need assistance with everything. I am totally dependant on others. I wait for my wife to attend to my needs like bath time , eating , toilet etc. I do try meditation etc but at the moment am limited to basic things. I am recovering slowly from PEG and hope to be mobile by Saturday. ... View more

Hello , I just went through a similar process although not as bad. A lump in the throat , scans etc and the waiting. Then the diagnosis - stage 4 too. I am typing this whilst looking at a tube in my stomach and radiotherapy/chemo starts Monday. My oncologist told me that Stage 4 in the head or neck is treatable but the chemo required is severe. From when I first got told by the GP to the specialist the time has been like a dream. I face one day at a time but as you said life still continues around you. All I can say to you from what I have learned about cancer is where there is life there is hope and don't give up. I wish you all the best. ... View more

Thanks Jules. I have not had a massive headache since this one. I am using a combination of deep breathing . meditation , recognition of triggers and even yes massage. I had my first " stiff neck " massage last week and I am now a convert. My son quipped that I am now using Zen. ... View more

Hello , I can't really comment on how his family think or feel but as a fellow cancer sufferer I can understand Daz's feelings about palliative care. To me palliative care means dying. Even if palliative care means pain relief , the fear even if irrational is overwhelming. I remember you writing about how Daz gets confused and only today I spent one hour in a shopping centre sitting down on a bench confused and even a little angry before a few tears and walking home to be told I look pale. I have told my wife that if it eventuates I want to die at home. I think what you are dealing with here is the irrational but to the patient it seems very real. Maybe all you can do is be honest and open with Daz and continue supporting him. I am sure he appreciates what you are doing even if it doesn't always seem so. ... View more

Hello , I am due for a PEG on Monday and then 35 zaps in the throat with added chemo ( nurses tell me looks like will start 30/3/15. ) I also mentioned to the oncologist that due to the waits I was considering taking matters into my hands with a soldiering iron from Bunnings. She gave me a wry look. DIY Cancer Treatment - might be an opening for new reality TV show. Maybe the title - Soldiering On. Anyway like they tell me - this will pass. Keep the posts coming - good luck. ... View more

I agree , you are justified in ranting. This is obviously a terrible time and I wish there was something I could do but there isn't. I admire your selfless devotion to Daz. I am sure you are easing his suffering which is all you can do. Please feel free to continue ranting as others are wishing you well. ... View more

Thanks for that , I am booked in for Tuesday now with my own dentist who assures me that under valium etc , the offending fang will be removed in approx. 3 minutes. One less problem and the psychologist is going to teach me some breathing techniques on Monday after meditation but the psychiatrist rang today and wants to see on Monday re medication. My only question there is would that medication help my chances of survival. ... View more

Yes , yesterday was a reality call. Sitting in the waiting room at Peter Mac seeing the full range of patients. I wanted to " bolt " as I thought this can't be me , there must be some mistake. But my legs refused to move. Yes , fear really set in. The doctor said the tube in the stomach is necessary for feeding from approx. week 4 as she can't be confident that I would accept the temporary tube through the nose to the stomach. She said most people are anxious etc but I am super-anxious. She told me that I am already not well and it hasn't even started. I need to pull myself together in preparation . 80% became 60% due to the fear. I do feel better this morning as I do respond well to information ( as the chemo said ) and most of the anxiety has gone. I am mentally preparing myself for treatment and then recovery. My focus now is stay well , have treatment , rest and recover and approx. September I will be back to normal and all this will be in the past. I am still planning my family holiday in December/Jan as normal. THIS WILL PASS. ... View more