Hi @Mick68 ,   I had total gastrectomy in Aug 2017. After 12 months, nearly everything was back to the way it was pre-cancer other than I: need to remember to eat and drink during the day have to make sure that I don't eat too much at a sitting can't eat sugary foods of any sort after the main course at dinner can't eat raw onion or shallots at any time need Vit B12 injection every 3 months am steady at 12 kg lighter (71kg) have difficulty understanding the messages that my gut is telling my brain - it is as if it is speaking a different language. Let me know if there is anything in particular that is worrying you and I will share my experiences.   Hugs to you and everyone reading, Rick ... View more

It’s just me I’m a hugger and two arms always. So I’ll send you an invisible big man hug 🆗 ... View more

Afternoon everyone!   I am just bumping this thread to check in and see how everyone is doing! We miss seeing your friendly faces about 😘   Hoping everyone and your families are doing well, it's been a challenging year or so for everyone.   -Kate Cancer Council Online Community Manager ... View more

Hello @AuntyCoral , I'm very happy that you are cancer free, and I hope it stays that way. I can tell you from my own experience that during and months after treatment I often felt tired and lethargic, more so than prior to treatment. A solution that worked for me was daily exercising using an elliptical. 15 minutes at a time, at low settings at first. The main point was to take it very slow and build it up gradually. Eventually  it helped me return to my normal self. Or just taking walks and getting into a healthy exercise and eating habit. Of course these are things that should be done by anyone, but even more so for people like us that have gone through chemotherapy.  ... View more

Beware when reconnecting. Some people don’t know how to respond and it can be too much for them.  So if you get a bad reaction, don’t blame them. Give them a little more time and try again giving specifics about what you want need. That will allow them to respond more objectively and get used to the situation. In time they will let their guard down and closer relationships will develop.  Hugs to all! Rick ... View more

Wish you well and keep being healthy. Stay  Positive  ... View more

Dear Budgie, thanks for replying about hair loss with radiation. It’s great to hear your hair grows back, and I’m still hoping I’ll be able to keep my hair which is thinning. Thanks again Budgie 🌺 ... View more

I was cancer free 2018 after going through really gruelling treatment . My lung cancer has returned. It’s given me an opportunity to put everything in order. Many people don’t have that time to plan. I can’t do much because of the breathlessness, I was always active it’s quite depressing and boring virtually doing nothing all day every day. It’s good to have a forum like this where your not alone or judged. Thank you ... View more

Hi @ellafrances ,   It sounds like your Dad is overwhelmed by all of the sudden bad news and is giving up before entering into battle. While he is struggling to deal with the mental challenge, he will not be able to take on the physical challenges. You must find a way to get him to open up and share his emotions so that he can make rational decisions and move forward, one way or the other...   My brother died from oesophageal cancer at 63. But he had no fight in him. He had lost his wife to emphysema a few years previous and he was always struggling financially. He had a big loving family, but no really close friends of his own. I believe that he considered that the battle with cancer was simply not worth the effort.    At 72, all going well with treatment (and this may be overly optimistic, but not impossible) your Dad could have another 25 years left in him. Your challenge is to find the trigger/s to make him debate (with himself) whether or not the battle with cancer is worth the pain and effort. He may need to talk with others who have managed to win their battle to appreciate what could be and at what cost. And then he needs to let those around him know what he has decided. This internal debate needs to happen quickly because doing nothing will force his hand.   If he decides to take the challenge, then family need to be there to assist him with his battle. And he needs to let you know how hard you can push him - and that may change day to day. But all the time, there is a vision of that bright light at the end of the tunnel.   But if, after considering all that lies ahead,  he wants to give in, then that it is his choice. Forcing him to do things that he considers to be prolonging his suffering will just cause tension and conflict. All you can do in that situation is to help him get to the end in as little discomfort as possible, reminding him (without nagging) of much he is loved and how much he will be missed.    Best wishes to your Dad, you and your family.   Big hugs to all, Rick ... View more

Hi Deb1. I feel the same. My husband passed away last July & I have moved 5 hours away from where we lived to be closer to my brothers. I too find the days alright, but at night I'm so lonely. Since I've been by myself I tend to go to bed really late so I'm so tired I will go to sleep quickly. I made a decision when I arrived that I would not have a drink unless I was with other people & I don't miss it. Give it a go. Linda8 ... View more