Please let us know the results of your scans @Jill22. I've recently had more scans (CT & bone) done because I had pain in my chest & back. Turns out that I do have another metastasis in one of my ribs, but that's not where the pain was. I actually had pain in that spot 18 months ago. Go figure! I suppose, in 18 more months time I'll have new mets where I had the pain this time. 🤷‍♀️ ... View more

Hi wildmama75, I love the idea. When my mother died, she'd left us a condensed version of her life story, which I loved. My children are always calling me for recipes of meals they had in their childhood, so I've started putting together a small family recipe book to pass on to them. Maybe you could do anecdotes from your life. I'm sure your children will be interested in looking into your past. Talk about your relatives, any family secrets or mysteries. There's quite often a skeleton or 2 in cupboards somewhere. Or maybe just write a journal of your treatment. Really, you can write about absolutely anything. Have fun! Budgie ... View more

Absolutely fabulous news! 😁 ... View more

Hi Jill22, You've been thru alot lately, & if having the scans early will put your mind at rest, then that's a great idea. If your oncologist doesn't want to do them early, then ask your GP to do the referral. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. I wish you all the best for clear results. Budgie ... View more

Great news @AlfHam, I'm very pleased your scan was clear. 😊 I've never actually had a PET scan. I was told they weren't very good for kidney cancer. Anyway, your news is wonderful. Keep on getting well. Ciao Budgie ... View more

Thank you Kolt, but there's no need to be sorry for me. I'm in full acceptance of everything, no reason to complain. My life is good at the moment 🙂. I actually feel sorry for you as I think your situation is worse than mine. Thank you very much. I wish you all the very best. ... View more

Hi @BlueWren, Waiting is a terrible thing to have to do. My surgeon told me the wonderful thing about the kidneys is you only need 10% of one kidney for your body to function properly. So, while it's not nice having an organ removed, sometimes, when it's necessary to remove it, it's not that bad at the end of the day. Here's hoping you don't need yours removed. 🤞 ... View more

Hi AlfHam, I always get a copy of the report for all my scans & most blood tests. I always go over everything they say, & Google everything if I don't understand it. I ask questions of my onc regarding the reports if there's something I want clarified. But, you have to remember that everyone is different, made differently. I've had reports saying I've had knee replacements before, when I haven't. You have to remember that they are comparing to a text book. One person's bones can look very different to another person's bones etc. Don't stress too much. Listen to your body. You will know if there's something wrong. You will have pain in your bone if you have a tumour in it. They are very painful. A bone scan requires you to have a radiation injection, wait a couple of hours for the radiation to spread through your body, then have the scan. The scanner will be very close to your body & travel very slowly down the length of your body. The actual machine is of a very low radiation level. Not like a normal x-ray machine. Don't stress! Stress causes more problems. 👍 ... View more

@Angel1 & @kj, I thank you both for your compliments, saying I'm a strong person. I may well be, but, I really just don't want to give up on life. I love it too much. 🙂 My husband is a wonderful person. He thinks about absolutely everything & would do absolutely anything I want him to. He's compassionate & logical, but also a bit of a comic. Always makes me laugh. There's never a dull moment with him around. I think we truly are soul mates & I've been very lucky to have him in my life. I just wish everyone could be so fortunate as me. Budgie ... View more

Hi Craigyboy1987, It's not easy, knowing you are dying, & trying to stay positive. The worst thing about it is knowing what you'll miss out on in the years to come, & hoping those you leave behind will cope with everything. My advice to you is to try & let your father know that you will be fine after his passing. Even if that is the total opposite to what you may think at the moment. Rest assured that life goes on, & while the death of someone special is hard to take, it is a natural part of the cycle of life, & something we all will endure. Talk with him often, about anything & everything; ask about his childhood, what he remembers of his grandparents, etc. Make each day worth living & enjoy your remaining time together. When the time comes, even now really, if you find you need help with coping, don't forget to seek help through either the Cancer Council, or Lifeline, a counsellor, friend, or whoever. Just remember to talk to someone, because it will help you. All the best Budgie ... View more