First of all, I'm so sorry that your going through this. A lot of people don't know how to deal with cancer, so they keep their distance(well in my case they are) its such an alienating disease. But you do have people out there that are there for you. I reckon spend time with your grandma sharing old stories or even looking at old photos. Spend time with her because she loves you. You sound like a really strong person that's been dealt some pretty crappy cards. But being on here and talking about it is a great way to release. I really wish you and your grandma warm wishes xx   ... View more

Hey, I'm sorry this reply is a month late - but if you're still checking here ...   The P16 cancers are very responsive to radiation .. your survival rate increases by 20% above the natural data for your type of cancer .. but the radiation is tough.  I had 35 weeks, and at the end, my neck was so stiff I couldnt turn it .. I could no longer drive.  The burns were quite sore and had to have a dressing reapplied daily.   For Brisbane (assuming your treatment is at the RBWH), my advice on parking - don't pay for it, I have three tips:   1) if it's a long or overnight appointment, drive along Herston Road, just past the hospital .. you'll see on that street there are constant marked parking spaces .. BUT .. just down the hill past the golf course on the right hand side (driving away from the hospital) you'll see a stretch of road where it's unlimited street parking.  It's little known and most people don't use it (assuming with all the marked parking around that it's unlawful, I guess) .. but they're actually completely legit spots to park .. there's a row of street long enough for maybe 10 cars .. and I *never* had a problem finding a park there .. and it's just a short walk up the hill to the hospital.   2) If your parking is for more than 2 hours but not overnight, just before the above-mentioned spaces is a golf course.  Before you enter the course, immediately after turning onto the access road, is an open grassy area where you will see that staff park their cars.  You can park there too .. they don't really monitor it or care .. but if you get a notice on your windshield, someone's onto you, so refrain from that point forward.   3) If you just have a radiation appointment, there are HEAPS of 2 hour free parking places in the suburban housing immediately west of & behind the hospital.  If you're coming along Herston Road, you just turn right and go up the hill between the hospital & the university and you'll see a bunch of back streets with free parking for up to 2 hours.  You can theoretically park much longer, they seldom check & enforce the area but be aware you could get a ticket.   If you take those tips, you could then find a place almost anywhere in Brisbane.  There are places that have room & board near the hospital .. a lot of student population, so it's either students or sickies who utilise it .. but no doubt it's quite expensive to stay there over a typical 35 rad treatments (7 weeks).  I'd look for a short-term rental somewhere further north, a little bit out of the city, and drive or commute every day.   (If you choose to commute, ignore the parking tips and just make sure the place is on a bus line.  Trains .. the nearest stop to the RBWH is Fortitude Valley .. its about 5 minutes walk from the hospital .. but some days you might not feel up for the walk). ... View more

Hi @JenniD,   Thanks for sharing your story.  You are a fighter and an inspiration for me.     Looking back, i know it's impossible to identify any one thing that could have caused this.  Was it a collar bone xray I had in high school?  Was it dental xrays?  Did I binge drink too much?  I'll never know and it's irrelevent.  All I can do is look forward now and battle hard, like you have been doing.     I find now that I am really appreciating the little things, especially spending time with my daughters.  Like tonight, I just sat on the couch and watched a movie with them.  Funny that I never realized how those times are some of the best times you have, until I got this perspective.   Not sure if I can help you, but it's good to know I'm not alone, that someone out there understands.   Cheers,   Pants ... View more

Hi @Bowlergirl I think you're brave as you've written of your fear right here on this forum.  Let us know how you went with your oncologist. Gab ... View more

Hi @Ch00k So sorry to read the news of your father.  A cancer diagnosis is awful in itself but hearing that it's terminal is such difficult news to bear - for both the person themselves and for the family.  Those who are caring, either up close or from a distance (and that what it seems to be for you) will have lots of emotions about what it's like for them too, including guilt... frustration... fear.   Cancer Council runs a couple of Telephone Support Groups (Carer and Advanced Cancer) that could be helpful for both your dad and your mum.  If they haven't already, they could call 13 11 20 (from within Australia) to find out more.   Take care - and stay in touch if you like through this community. Gab (Online Community Team Member)  ... View more

Welcome to the Online Community @TamyC I will send you a private message with some info about support for Carers that we offer at Cancer Council. The carers job is huge and one that's done with love, though can be very stressful too. Gab ... View more

REMINDER: this webinar is on this coming Thursday!  ... View more

Hi @maggie1 Have you been told about the Patient Assistance Travel Scheme?  This is a financial subsidy program for people who have to travel more than 100kms to receive medical treatment. For the South Australian service, their phone number is:  1300 341 684 Hope they give you some help. Gab ... View more

Hi bravesthuman I’m so sorry about your relatives’ recent prognosis which must have been so very upsetting for you to hear. There are so many challenges and emotions for you to face as you undergo your own cancer treatment and to also have to face the loss of someone close to you must be very distressing. It’s so important for you to be supported at this time and it’s great that you have reached out to the Online Community. Another service that Cancer Council NSW offer that may be helpful to you is our Counselling service. Speaking with one of our counsellors who can offer you individualised support may be a valuable addition to other existing supports you have.  You can access this service by calling the health professionals on the 13 11 20 support line who can also assist you with other cancer information and support that may be beneficial.  Alternatively, you can contact the Counselling Service directly on 1800 734 398. If the call is not answered immediately, please leave a message and the team will get back to you. Take care and warm regards Susan     ... View more