My husband & I always joke about things, so please feel free to continue  to joke away 😉.  I agree, you have to stay positive, & joking about death & cancer is a wonderful way to cope. That hat!   It was my favourite.   We've lived in Darwin a few times & I never went anywhere without it. ... View more

Hi @cemo-queen ,   What type of cancer do you have?  Yes, 6 years is a long time to be on chemo.  I, myself have been on a daily dose of chemo now for 8 years.  I was diagnosed with terminal kidney cancer in Aug 2012.  Had my right kidney removed, then 2 weeks later, straight onto chemo.  Been on it ever since - different types of course, as I  built up immunity to one, I had to start on a different one.  But, I've just about been thru all of the ones available to me.  So I keep my fingers crossed & my thought positive that this one will continue working for me for a long time yet.   Budgie ... View more

Hi @Itsangie, I'm sorry to hear your father's got cancer. Don't blame yourself or feel guilty, its not your fault he's sick. He probably shouldn't have waited so long to be checked out, but that was his choice. It is very important though that he listens to his body now. If he feels that something isn't right, he should have it checked out. Problems can arise after surgery. When he had the severe stomach ache, did he report it to his surgeon? Perhaps something has happened that shouldn't have. He should get a CT scan done to put his mind at rest. This can be organised by his GP or surgeon. Don't give up hope just yet. It's still early days. If he's not eating or drinking much, maybe he needs to have some dietary supplements like Sustagen, etc. Try to keep his water intake up too. Don't forget to take time out for yourself at least every week. You will need it. Look after you as well as him. Budgie ... View more

Hi @Itstime, At the end of the day, it's your choice, but I just think it's a shame if you give up. That's just my opinion. Yes, its hard & I know it will get more horrible & more painful, but in the end, everyone looses. It's just the journey that differs, & it depends on what you can put up with. I assume from what you've said, you live alone. That in itself can make living with cancer almost unbearable. Have you had any counselling? If you haven't yet travelled that path, I would really suggest you do. There are alot of avenues open for that, & I very much hope you try before giving in. You never know what is hiding just around the corner. Budgie ... View more

Hello @IK, As @sch said, I'm glad you've been given the all clear. Here is a link to a thread which contains great info from alot of people on this forum who've been through head/neck related cancers. I hope you can find some help & reassurance from it. @Your experience with side effects from head & neck cancer treatment (radiation / mucositis) I thoroughly agree with sch about getting some professional help. It always pays to talk with someone. I hope you find relief soon. All the best Budgie ... View more

Yes, unfortunately oncologists will only be interested in the cancer, & any other problems should be dealt with by the GP or respective specialists. I made that mistake once 🤭. Even though you've finished your treatment, if anything happens in the future, you can still request another oncologist, one you'll be happy with. Good luck 🙂 ... View more

Hi @Jill22, No news is good news😁. I'm very glad nothing nasty was found, although I know arthritis can be nasty too, as I suffer from it also. Re my new spot - it is what it is, & I expect it to only get worse for me. But, its not too bad for me right now, so I'm happy. Take care Jill Budgie ... View more

Hi @Rikki1, I'm sorry you're going thru such a hard time. You mentioned you don't have a good relationship with your oncologist; have you thought about changing to a different one? Sometimes you just clash with a person. Perhaps you could ask your GP for a referral to a different onc, citing your difficulty in relating to your current one. If you don't get along, your health will suffer in the long term. One of my oncologists was extremely arrogant & rude so I asked to see someone else. There's nothing wrong with that, & I was much happier. Please take care Budgie ... View more

Hi @Smiley- I would definitely tell her. Yes, she would probably know within herself, but I know I would absolutely hate for my children to keep it from me. Does she have an up-to-date will? Are all her finances etc, in order? There maybe things that she wants to do/say before for she dies, & if she's under false hope of having a longer time to live, she may not have the opportunity to do them. While death may be a difficult topic to talk about, it is a necessary one.  Your Mum would also be given the opportunity to have a say in the funeral arrangements.    Whatever you decide to do, tread gently. You have my best wishes. Budgie ... View more

Hi Rikki1, I don't know who told you that you don't lose hair after radiation, but they were definitely wrong! I had radiation on my neck & 6 weeks later, the bottom quarter of my head was bald. It was very cold. Rest assured, it does grow back. 😉 Budgie ... View more