Well said. Having my total gastrectomy on 13 September. I have your words imprinted in my brain ... View more

Hi DebL,   Sounds like you are a tough one to convince. We need to keep these doctors on their toes.    It sounds a bit bit strange to me that the doctors haven’t showed you the scans. All of mine were available online, but deciphering them was not particularly easy. I got the surgeon to point out the key features and characteristics that led him to his diagnosis and treatment plan.    If I were you, I would go back and ask for a more complete description of it all.  Mind you, this won’t change the treatment protocol, just set your mind at ease.    Good of luck with it all!   Rick ... View more

Hi Trish57,   Welcome to our (that now includes you) community! I realise that it is not nearly the same, but regard us as an extension to your family.   I am so fortunate that I have a loving partner who has trudged the journey through cancer with me - through thick and thin, and we have been lucky to get through relatively unscathed (apart from the cattle prod marks from when I needed to be brought back in line).  I can only imagine that it would take enormous strength to do it alone.   So don't!   Call in here whenever you need to unload - either positively or negatively, emotionally or medically.   So how are you getting on today?   For me, 2 years since my total gastrectomy on 21/08/19 and about 16 months since last chemo, I get to the end of the working week and am completely knackered. Last night I fell asleep at 7:29 pm - I had just laid down ready to watch the NRL game and didn't even make it through the ads between programs. But otherwise, things are pretty much inder control these days.   Again, reach out to us whenever you need it.   Big hugs, Rick ... View more

Hi Trysta64,   I realise that it might be challenging to expose your feelings to your husband at this time, but I would take the risk and get him to read your post - unedited.   You need him to realise that you are there for him, but you also need him to be there for you. You are partners and so you are in this together. Sometimes the person with the diagnosis just needs a good kick in the backside every now and then - I sure did!   Big hugs to you and good luck with how ever you plan to deal with this.   Rick ... View more

Hi Debrru,   If you are really worried about it, or any other medical condition, speak with your oncologist or GP. It really isn't worth the anxiety to "sit on it" for more than a day or so.   Now a quick search on the 'net for side effects of Herceptin indicates that it is more likely to give you a stuffy nose than a runny nose. But as all my doctors keep telling me, "everyone reacts differently".   As far as treatment, I would go for a box of tissues and, only because I'm not on any medication at the moment, a few doses of OP rum (or equivalent) - gargled - at least 4 times a day.   Speak with your doctor!!!   Best wishes, Rick ... View more

Hi Lurline,   Sorry if this comes across as a bit unsympathetic, but...   What does your husband want? Has he got some "fight" left in him or has he already given up? When it comes down to it, it is more about what he wants for his life than anything else. You can help him through his chosen journey or you can jump ship - that is up to you.   In my opinion, it is always worth fighting - if nothing else, it gives you something to get up for each day rather than simply curling up in a corner waiting to die. And then there is the hope that a new day will bring a new protocol that will result in improved outcomes.   The Ivor-Lewis procedure is a relatively regular procedure these days and gives promise of a high quality of life following the oesophageal-gastic resection. So get your husband to speak with the oncologist and surgeon about what they recommend and put some faith in them to know what they are doing.   Big hugs to you and your husband and best wishes for whatever he decides.   Warm regards, Rick ... View more

Hi Debbru,   Best to contact your surgeon to find out. It will depend on what the surgery is plus the size of the clot, but I would put a firm bet on the surgery being postponed until the clot dissolves. Not good that the surgery gets delayed, but better that than the clot moving and ending up in your lungs.    Best wishes, Rick ... View more

Had a streptococcus pyogenes in my throat and been on antibiotics for a whole month. My stomach started to hurt(mild and dull),cramps and lound noises from my bowels. No changes in bowel movement,poop seems normal,no fever or loss of appetite. My weight pretty much the same. On couple of occasions a pain in my butt woke me up. The pain started around tail bone and spread to the butt cheeks and lasted no more than 15 min. Also when I am in a sitting position I feel discomfort on my buttocks. All of this scarred me and did some test for blood in poop but turned out negative. Also did regular blood test and everything was normal. But yesterday I did notice for the first time blood on the toilet paper and I am freaking out. Haven't been to the doctor yet.  ... View more

The good news: you are going to live! The bleeding may be scary, but you got a preferable diagnosis and should pull through fine. Take it from a guy with stage 4 Colon cancer, you got one of the good cancers: the curable kind.   You are going to be okay. ... View more

Hi,   This probably doesn’t help, but my surgeon provides his services under both private health insurance and public systems. I asked back at the beginning to be treated under the public system and used private health insurance on a small number of occasions that necessitated the additional costs (eg, urgent gastroscopy).    Ask your surgeon and oncologist gist if they can continue under the public health system.    Regards, Rick ... View more