Hi Shane, I just noticed your comment regarding relief about not having to get a portacath. I had a portacath in my chest, and as long as I didn't go swimming in the days proceeding the chemo, I was told there was no issues with swimming. I also exercised with the port, no issues there at all. Just information incase you end up having to get one anyway. Don't fear the portacath. Let me know if you have any questions and I'll answer based on my experience with one.   -s   ... View more

Hi Phil, As a result of my surgery, I have a hernia that needs attending to unfortunately. I have an appointment booked to see my surgeon, but I guess with everything that's going on I don't think they will be scheduling that surgery for the time being. They can't perform surgery by mobile phone yet. Hopefully your results will arrive soon mate.   Funnily enough, I currently have a 1/4 full pepperjack Cab Sav sitting on the table. So while I slurp it up later on, I'll be trying not to think of your pepper 😉   -s   -s ... View more

Hi M   two more cents. I didn't want to say anything because it was your first time, but since you came back... To quote the movie Mr Mom, "You're doing it wrong".   Checkout the community posts on this page. As a support person, you have your own cancer journey. https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au    try not to read them all. It will break your heart. but do find some topics you can relate to. and I encourage to post your experience.  it may help someone else with a similar experience.    All the best.   Phil ... View more

Hi Guys, we did follow up with the oncologist and started on the radiation treatment so the tumour can be targeted and shrink. Radiation caused few issues itself in the first week then continued gradually increasing as the day went by. It was advised to insert a port a Cath week later which was done followed by chemo forfox 4 4 days later via tube that gets consumed over 48 hours but at home. Unfortunately, post chemo things got worse as she constantly suffered from    rectum pain and discomfort which increased to unbearable  that we rushed her to the hospital. After overnight stay they discharged her saying that rectum pain is due to being badly constipated. However, come Sun mum temperature shot up to 38.9 and we rushed back into emergency again. After thorough check up we were sent home Sunday night. But next day temp was exceeding again to 38.8 and we were back in the hospital again. She has been in excruciating pain since then and still in hospital. Dr did blood checks ups and put her on antibiotics but cause of temperature isn’t known yet. Dr are saying that she may have developed ulcer in the rectum which may be causing this agonising pain. Not sure what is happening and coming Monday she supposed to start 2nd round of FOXFOR 4.  it has been traumatic time in the family and our inability to help her.  ... View more

Hi Phil,    Happy New Year! I hope you’re well. I’ve been away for quite sometime and I wanted to thank you very much for your last message to me. Thank you for giving me a different perspective...apologies for not replying sooner.   My best friend and I are doing well now...Since I last posted Ive come to realise many things about myself..... and in this process I knew needed to change my thinking and my focus. Going through this cancer journey has awakened me and made me feel more present than I ever did in my whole life. I now understand that the fears and anger I was so carefully trying to disguise was finding ways to lash out. It wasn’t about her, it was all about me. She was only doing her best to care for me, love me and she was scared as well.   I’ll continue to do my best to understand others around me and how this affects them. thank you again for your kind words and understanding.  Tarari x       ... View more

Hi Rick So nice to hear from you “Thank You” for your thoughts and wishes. Im down in Perth for my last round (of a week) of chemo, then that’s me finished yehar. It’s been  a journey at times but it is what it is, still positive still focused still loving life so can’t complain. Struggling to put on weight but stabilised at around 72kgs so doing ok I wish you well in your journey keep kicking goals ok Kind Regards & Best Wishes for today and every day & Rick Blessings Peter 😜😜😜   ... View more

Hi Silly,   My mouth is terrible.  Uncomfortable, dry, tingly and just not itself.  Have an appointment with dentist tomorrow so may get some advice there.   Any advice?  Have used the mouth washes for dry mouths but have to have a lolly in my mouth most of the time or it dries out completely.  I'm hoping this is an after effect of the radiation and will stop eventually.  Am using English toffees and worried about the amount of sugar.   Need something hard like a toffee so can control where it goes in my mouth so I don't lose it on the side with no feeling.   Still no appetite or taste buds.  This will be 6th week after treatment stopped so getting anxious that this might be as good as it gets. ... View more

Hi,   I couldn't agree more with Phil.  When I was first diagnosed (and completely dumbfounded as there is NO cancer in my family) I was going to do everything for myself as I am a single parent of teen and that has been my MO since forever.  Once I told close family and friends, I have been overwhelmed by the kindness.  It's humbling and healing for everyone (you and them).     I am also ER and PR positive. I have finished 8 rounds of chemo and had a mastectomy in August so just waiting for  radiation to begin.       Diana ... View more

Thank you. It has been going pretty quickly thankfully! Almost at the end!! ... View more

Hi Albundy    I'm back in hospital. Cycle 2 and 3 Capecitabine are my problem. I don't get a metallic taste. Water just tastes off so I am struggling with fluid intake, but then my gut just stops absorbing it. It's been 6 days since my Oxaliplatin so those side effects are setting already, but 3rd cycle was a tough infusion.   Hang in there buddy. You've hit the hump.   Take care.     ... View more