Hi SimpleAstronaut,   Based on the information I've read that you've written, I agree with CaptainAustrali. I would advise going to see a doctor or a surgeon and discuss with them what the treatment options are, if you haven't already.   Discuss with the same medical professionals what the monitoring options are. I know that it can feel utterly overwhelming. I get that. But now is the time to discuss with medical professionals what you and they can put in place to at least try and manage some of these risks.   -sch ... View more

Hi Claire19,   He has had a huge shock. One day he was fit and playing sport and the next he has cancer. Cancer means you are sick. His world has changed. He just wants to feel normal again. The problem is he needs to learn to adapt to a new normal. That's the tough part. When I was diagnosed with cancer I actually had planned to run an ultra marathon within the next 12 months. After discussing treatment options with my surgeon we both felt a total colectomy was the best option. Two days later and I'm starting to panic. If I have a total colectomy will I still be able to run that ultra? I started to think that perhaps the best option for me was to cancel the surgery?   That's not logical, but that is what was running through my mind. One day you're on top of the world and the next you have this awful sickness called cancer.   An observation I had was that has humans, we tend to define "who we are" by what we enjoy doing. I've found the key to helping me change was to concentrate on what I could do.   Perhaps your partner is angry but he is still trying to accept the changes. Maybe he is scared about what the cancer will mean for the future?   Perhaps you could ask one of his treatment team to discuss with him the benefits of seeing a therapist? Or see if he would attend a support group where he could discuss with others who have had to deal with similar issues?   -sch     ... View more

New link looks better 🙂 ... View more

Hi Amelia, I'm very sorry to hear about your brother, and the hardships and difficulties that you've obviously had as the care giver. I think that you are to be commended for the love and care you have for your brother. My heart goes out to you.   Regarding the questionnaire, this document is sitting on google docs. This means that each person that is going to update this document, you will need to specifically grant them access via their google account. It then may not necessarily be as anonymous as you had hoped.   Thanks, Sean     ... View more

Yes, they always take longer than you would hope! Try to find something else to occupy yourself until the results come in. I hope you get the results you are hoping for.   -sch ... View more

Hey I'm busting to know. Did you get your results back? ... View more

Hi April,   I'm sorry to hear this. I agree with Budgie. I'd like to hear more about your you! How were you diagnosed? Who are the people that you need to be strong for?   -sch     ... View more

Naomi, There really is not words that can do this grief and loss justice. It feels like your life as you knew it is now over, and that nothing can take you back to how it used to be any longer. It's so soon since your husband passed away. But not just that, you've also had to grieve before this when your husband was originally diagnosed with cancer.  It's like two for the price of one 😞   Do you have many family and friends around that can help with caring for you and your daughter? So even if they can't know what you are going through right now, perhaps they can help with care (you and your daughter)?   I know that it feels as if your life will never be whole again without your husband, but the pain will ease a little and will heal somewhat with time, and your daughter will always love you.   Have a look at the e-Books here regarding talking to children about cancer. https://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/childhood-cancers/talking-to-kids-about-cancer.html   -sch             ... View more

Hi NaomiW, I am so very sorry to hear this. It's such a very short time that you got to be together and seems very unfair to you and your family. We are all hear and listening to you. Not all of us have lost partners, but many of us have lost loved ones (be it partners or family).   You can also call the telephone support service. https://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/patient-support/   How is your daughter?   -sch ... View more

Hi cdoss71, Some days you sit there think, well this has been a shit year. That one could just piss right off and I wouldn't miss that year at all. Not one bit.   So what is the prognosis? What is the plan? And how are you?   -sch ... View more