I’m assuming it was for a camera or other surgical tool,  though I could be wrong.   Initially, I was to have mine put in on the right side of my chest, but woke up with it done on my left.   The surgeon had accidentally nicked an artery with the first cut,  then, when he did get the correct vein, he couldn’t get the catheter through, so he started again on the left side.    Budgie ... View more

Hi debbru, When I had mine put in, there was 3 incisions.    Budgie ... View more

Hi Leslie1022,    I was on Opdivo for 4 months before stopping that treatment as it wasn’t working for me.   I do know that as it enhances your own immune system it can exacerbate any autoimmune disease you are susceptible to or already have.   I have osteoarthritis & I did notice it got very painful in my knee joints after being on opdivo.   It might be worth your father’s GP looking into any symptoms that match an autoimmune disease.    All the best Budgie ... View more

Hi Ridgy,  My husband & I were looking into this yesterday via the taxation dept & the gist of it is you can only claim access to your Super if you have a prognosis of upto 24 months life expectancy.   As you said, this has to be confirmed by your specialist & GP.    They don’t like you having access to your money 💰.    Budgie ... View more

Hi there Letitia,   I’m sorry your father is going through this disease & I’m sorry you’re not there with him.   Does he have any family or friends with him at all? It will be difficult for you being so far away but I can suggest you speak openly & honestly with him about everything.  Talk with him as often as you feel the need, but also it wouldn’t hurt you to have some counseling as well.   There's a Carer's telephone support group run at Cancer Council, that runs twice a month and is free of charge.  You can find out more if you ring 1300 755 632. I’m sure they could offer you some support & advice.      I wish you all the best with everything.    Budgie           ... View more

You never know till you try 😊 All the best Budgie ... View more

Hi Joanne58   "Ignorance is bliss" to some I suppose.  I, personally like to understand what is happening to my loved ones.   I'm sorry to hear of your family's health troubles.   It sounds like some people are trying to put your mum in an earlier grave than necessary.   She may live for a long time yet!   Budgie ... View more

Thanks Kate, My husband was seeing someone before we moved from Canberra, & reached out to someone last week, but, unfortunately hasn't had a reply from them. I will pass on your suggestion to him. Thanks again 😊 ... View more

Wow Narelle1,   You certainly have a lot to deal with.   Firstly, you've done what you can,  to the best of your ability.  There's nothing wrong with that, but now your family is starting to pay the price this horrible cancer is exacting.  Think about what is MOST important to you, then do what needs to be done.  Your husband needs to say something to your father.  Tell him to stop holding his tongue.   At the end of the day, I assume you would want your husband & children to be happy.  If that means putting your mother into care, then that may have to be the way to go.  Yes, it may mean your mother & father won't be happy with what you decide, but if everyone's health is suffering instead of just your mother's, then surely, that would be the right thing to do.   Budgie       ... View more

Hi Deb1,   Have you spoken with anyone?  If your husband is unable to move around much due to fatigue, or whatever, there should be some palliative care he is able to access??  Maybe if you speak with his oncologist or GP they can give him a referral to a palliative nurse(s).  They should be able to organise some help through an occupational therapist. Carers have a really hard time of things too, & they need support as much as the person with cancer does.  Have you taken time out for yourself?    Even a day out by yourself sometimes is a wonderful thing.  Spoil yourself with a treat at least once a week.  Do something you enjoy - all by yourself. You also need to be able to download to someone just to get it all out & off your chest.  This site is very good, or you could speak with a counsellor or a member of clergy?     My husband has recently had a 3 week holiday overseas with one of our sons.  While he kept saying he didn't need to go, I was very glad he had a break from me, & he enjoyed it thoroughly!  I don't think he realised just how much he did need to get away.     Take care of yourself   Budgie    ... View more