Hi Mal,   My heart goes out to you & your wife.  I'm sorry there's a lack of info for you, as knowledge is comforting.  Unfortunately, I can't offer anything except my best wishes.  This community is a wonderful place to seek advice, for even though someone may not have the same cancer, there are people who suffer the same side effects from chemo & radiation for the physical side of things.   We all suffer the mental side effects of the cancer & the treatment which follows as well, & there are plenty of us here who could offer support for that side.   Keep searching for info, & keep your chin up. 🙂   Budgie ... View more

Hi Staypositive,   I always say -" If in doubt, sus  it out! ".  Go see your GP, because it's better to be safe than sorry , especially if you have any concerns.  The fact that you have noticed a change is a reason  to have things checked out.   I wish you well.   Budgie ... View more

Hi Thomthom2913,   You sound very well grounded & so are probably already doing what I'm going to suggest;  talk to your kids about the cancer, & be honest with them.  Even the very young will understand if you explain it well enough.   Most adults don't give enough credit to children in regards to how much they actually understand.     Cheers   ... View more

I've been extremely tired lately & can't help falling asleep at the drop of a hat.  I just spent the morning napping in my armchair with Skittles on my lap.  She didn't seem to mind my snoring too much 😴😴.     Cockatoos are awesome birds - very gutsy things.  When we lived in Canberra, I started feeding 1 cockatoo that came around to our place as it didn't look as healthy as it should.  Not long after, we had 32 of them coming around every day, strutting around on the rooftops of the neighbour's home, waiting for food.  One of them was trying to open the container the birdseed was in, & peering in the glass doors, demanding I come & feed them.   I had to stop feeding them as they started chewing up our outdoor furniture, & hubby wasn't too pleased.   @PhilPepper Phil, it was normal for my oncologist in Canberra to keep me waiting up to an hour & a half.  He loves to talk, but also it is a training hospital & he always had a registrar to keep an eye on.  (I've lived in or near the ACT 5 times throughout my life; my husband is in the Navy so we move every couple of years.  Our last venture there had us living in Googong.  I do miss looking out at those hills.  One of our daughters still lives in the ACT so we are there visiting quite regularly).   I hope your next round of chemo is less hazardous to you than the last.   When I was attending Peter Mac down here in Melbourne,  I was horrified at the amount of people in the waiting rooms.  They were packed to the rafters of folk in various stages of suffering, & I couldn't help but think of how lucky I was.  Yes, I am terminal, but I'm not suffering badly; am not disfigured badly; & I admired the strength of all those people going back time after time for more of the same punishment.  I suppose it shows the determination & willpower of people who want to live.  You will put your body thru absolute torture as long as you can get to live a bit longer.     Spring has finally arrived.  We have a beautiful day here today - still a little chilly for me, but gorgeous non the less.   Your Hutspot sounds delicious, Lampwork.  I love potato & bacon & I might even give it a try tonight.   Cheers to everyone       ... View more

Hi MaMCK,   Here is a link to a thread you will probably find alot of useful info for you.   @Your experience with side effects from head & neck cancer treatment (radiation / mucositis) Budgie  ... View more

@Lehiatus  Hi Claire, My girl Skittles is a sweet thing, very pushy when it comes to getting rubbed on the face.  She pushes her head into  your hand & grabs hold of your arm so you can't get away.  The biggest sook. 😻🐈 I'm very glad to have her.   I agree with you whole heartedly about getting outside, even if it is just for a couple of minutes of the day.  I'm envious of your garden, especially your mulberry tree.  I love mulberries.  When I was a kid, I lived across the road from a trainline where there was a scraggly looking mulberry tree, & it grew the most wonderful fruit.  My siblings & I would be there every chance we got, climbing up it's branches, picking loads of the berries, some actually made it into the container for  Mum to make a delicious pie or jelly from.  Mmmm, yum.  I haven't had mulberries since I left home at the ripe old age of 18.     This weekend has been filled with doing mundane stuff.  I did pick up some new glasses though .  Apparently, taking Prednisolone (steroid) long term can give you cataracts in your eyes.  Yeah, another thing I have to contend with all thanks to the big C.   Stay rugged up & warm - the weather isn't looking much better for tomorrow either.   Cheers  Budgie 😊       ... View more

Absolutely fabulous Phil 🤣🤣🤣 ... View more

A very happy birthday 🎁🎂🍾to you @Lampwork54,  I hope it's a wonderful weekend & doesn't tire you out too much.  That's good info about the dettol cream - very handy to know.     Not much has been happening with me since my holiday @Lehiatus, sorry for my late reply.   Things have been very quiet, which is very nice.  Our new family member has settled in well & I'm getting lots of cuddles.   @PhilPepper, you're going to wear yourself out if you take care of your friend as well as yourself.   As Lampwork said, by all means, be there for him, but only when & if he needs you.  You need to concentrate on your own healing before you can do anyone else good.  I'm looking forward to reading your poem.  You are such a character & in a way remind me of my husband.  He never stops - is always making up little ditties, & making me laugh.   The world needs more people like him.     It's been a lovely day today, I hope you've all had a good one. 🌞   Budgie      ... View more

Good luck with your surgery. If they get it all, you should be fine & not need any further treatment.   All the best.   ... View more

Hi Etak,   I'm very sorry for your mum.   Your feelings & worries are all valid & normal, so don't be so hard on yourself.   It's great that you've reached out to this forum.   If nothing else, it's as you said, just so someone can hear you.  Although I hope there's someone who can give you advice on what to  expect.     Waiting for results can seem to take forever, & sometimes they can.   I think it's one of the worst parts of any medical situation.   Try not to worry.  Things will be what they will be.  Worrying will not change anything for the better.  Hopefully, the news, when it  comes will be the best possible.   I think you should talk to your mum about everything, if you can.  I know some people don't like to talk about having cancer, especially to family members as it can be so confronting.  But talking is one of the best medicines.  Download to ease the mind.   Please let us know how things go.   Budgie     ... View more