Hi there CAP,   I don't know whether or not you've seen this yet but, @CaptainAustrali  started a conversation  a while ago that is bound to have some good information for you as there have been over 140 responses.                        Your experience with side effects from head & neck cancer treatment (radiation / mucositis)                          I hope this helps you.   Budgie ... View more

Everyone is entitled to their rant Dianne 🙂.   I agree with all you’ve said & wish you the best of what comes.    Budgie   ... View more

So very true! ... View more

Hi Ben42,   I think you did the right thing in reaching out to this group.   Friends quite often don't know what to say on the topic of cancer & death, so they don't say anything.  For a lot of people death is too confronting & they don't want to put themselves in a position which might make them feel vulnerable or uncomfortable, so they clam up.  Then they have less & less contact with you because they know you will want to talk about it. It may be only people who have lost someone who meant a great deal to them that can communicate about death on the same wave length as you.   I know it's hard to muster up strength to leave the house, but sitting at home & not venturing out is probably the worst thing you can do.   Take a walk in the morning, get some sunshine (before winter sets in) as it's amazing how that can lift the spirits.   Go to the library or put your name down to volunteer at a hospital/cancer clinic near you.  You never know, you may find it helpful for you to be helping others who are going through what you have been through.      Take care of yourself Ben, as life goes on. Best wishes Budgie ... View more

Hi Shirley1,   I am sorry for your loss, & for what your father is going through.  I have not suffered any of what your father has, but I just wanted to wish him & your family all the best.  He's been through enough!   Budgie ... View more

Hi David69,   Depression is horrible.  I think everyone suffers from it to some degree at least once in their lifetime.  Some have the ability to drag themselves up out of the depths.   To me, when I wake up each day, it's a GOOD day.  I'm alive!  From there though, so many things can happen to change the way a person feels.  I tend to be a happy person in general.  I don't dwell on things I can't control, as there is no point.  If I can't change something, I won't stress over it. Silly question, as you probably have, but have you tried doing something you enjoy throughout your day?  Do you enjoy reading, or listening to stories?  Art or crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles - something to cheer you up? I've heard that "Mindfulness" can reduce anxiety.  It's a form of meditation & something that needs practice to get it 'right', but it is there for anyone to try & doesn't cost anything to boot.   I hope you can find something to help cheer you up.   Budgie   ... View more

I understand how difficult this is for you & your family, chandilli.  Chemo can really take it's toll on the body & mind.    I don't have a lot of faith in the prognoses that doctors tell people - it's amazing what you'll put up with if you want to live, & their estimates can be way off. There are dietary suppliments your father can have to increase his calorie intake, eg; Ensure.  He will need his strength if he is to have the surgery.  Are you in touch with a palliative care team?  They can provide a lot of help and suggestions with how to cope.  Your father will be able to get a referal through either his GP or his oncologist.     I hope his surgery goes well.     Budgie ... View more

Hi debbru,   I have stage 4 kidney cancer & I started out with surgery to remove the affected kidney.  Then, when I had healed enough, I went on to a daily oral chemo.  As traii said, kidney cancer doesn't respond to the normal chemo or radiation treatments, so treatment  will usually start with surgery.  If there are no metastases, then usually, surgery is all that is required.   All the best Budgie ... View more

Hi Jenplatt,   I understand your worry.  Perhaps you could ask to bring his appointment forward.   I know that specialists are always busy & get booked out quickly, but it might be worth a try to get in early. Having said that, alot of people who are in tune with their body can actually tell when there is something to worry about.   So everything might be OK.   All the best  Budgie ... View more

Hi there,   I'm going pretty well at the moment, thanks lillian1.   I have my daughter & her family visiting us over the Easter period, so it's  wonderful time for me.   I hope you are well . ... View more