fabulous news!! Woohoo. I'm glad they've taken him off the oxaliplatin. As you know. I have been left with dodgy feet and if he is OK without it for the last 2 rounds that is great. Bear in mind that the last few treatments may be the worst regarding fatigue so maybe be prepared for it if it hits. I remember one day I dropped my son at school and then did the groceries. I looked across the car park to the fruit shop and just couldn't do it. When I got home I took in the cold stuff but had to leave the rest for an hour until I had recovered. I felt OK after a rest but that day was a doozey! I'm so glad to see that you both seem to have turned the corner. Is the much needed holiday still in sight? As someone who has noticed from ythe writings here of what many of us(survivors) have dealt with, the "new normal" is something that you may have yet to contend with. From what you have told us here, I'm sure that you and Rob will deal with this "new normal" extremely well. You seem to be sensitive to (perhaps because of your own experience) the changes that may have to take place and the changes of perspective. This can only help both of you in tis next post-treatment phase. This seemed very convoluted - i hope it makes sense! Anyway, glad to hear that things are improving. Samex ... View more

There aren't any words Aylaah. I just hope that you gained some solace from this site. S ... View more

It is great to see you writing Peter. It can often be such a help to clarify our thoughts in this way. It certainly is madness, this time in aour lives. Well written. Samex ... View more

Hi guys, Just reread some of these. Versaillon my family called my farts "chemo farts" and the dog used to run for miles when one accidentally slipped out!Of course as the diarrohea and everything grew worse as treatment continued I copped even more flack. As if it was my fault! How funny is it that when you start talking bowel cancer, the conversation always turns to toilet talk!! Nothing is sacred any longer - particularly bodily functions. S ... View more

Hi Peter, I had a similar regime to yours. I called my bum bag my jet pack, like Harker , due to its whirring sound.I also had a fortnightly 4 hour hookup in the clinic and then came home with the 48 hour jetpack.Such fun!! My advice would be to let people know about the neuropathy in your hands and feet.You may ned to reduce the dosage. This isn't a problem. I had to have mine reduced twice due to the white count being too low and neutrophils dropping too far. I have had ongoing problems with my feet due to the residual neuropathy from chemo and that's why I think you need to let the powers that be know about your discomfort. The other side effects like taste and lips went away not too long after treatment stopped. Re fatigue - nothing much that can be done probably. My belief is that this is the worst and most common side effect we all experience. Perhaps get in touch with the Cancer Council Helpline or ask at your clinic if ther5e is anyone around Melbourne you can touch base with seeing you are so far from home. That must be the pits. Anyway, we are always here and yes, unlike even the most well meaning frinds and family, we understand the fear and the crappiness of it all. Take it easy and hang in there. Samex ... View more

Just a quick update. My friend is doing OK. One tumour was operable and the others are being treated with radiation. Apparently she is very positive and much more aware since the surgery.I haven't visited so as not to overdo the visiting thing. Thnks again for all of your best wishes. S ... View more

Hi Willow, Having not had radiation I can't really help there, sorry. My feet are bad partly due to the residual neuropathy of the chemo so must be a dfferent cause to your pain, but yes I do feel like an old lady! Like you I try really hard to not knock back any invitations and make sure that I try to do anything I can afford to do. Off to Canberra on Monday on my day off to see the Paris MAsters exhibition. Can't afford to stay overnight so down and back in the day. A friend may be coming but if she can't then I'll go by myself. Hope someone can help with the other aches and pains. Have you checked with your doctor or even your GP? Samex ... View more

Set a really high target and get the kids on board! Do you have a Student Council? They are often really good at fund raising. At my previous school we had a similar challenge to the one already mentioned (2010 blog)and kids organised sausage sizzles etc. If nothing else, it gives the kids some ownership and makes them really aware as well. I was really interested in organising a team for Relay for life this year but I still don't know whether I have the emotional energy to take on anything more this year. You are a champ - go for it!! S ... View more

Hi, See my comment under 2010 - the longest road about our school. Take it to the kids and you know that they will respond generously. I really admire you. Champion stuff. Lance Armstrong eat you heart out!! S ... View more

That's awesome. I'm not so brave. We have a teacher at school who had very long hair and a ZZ Top beard to match who said that the hair would go if $3000 was raised. He then uppped the stakes to $5000 and he would lose the beard as well. 2 other year 12 boys joined him. For one it is an annual event - his only haircut of the year since he was 12! we had a full school assembly at lunch for the great shave and everyone was scrounging for their loose change to see the beard and hair go. At the last minute the count reached $5000 which was an awesome amount to raise and Steve did the honours himself. He kept the hair short but is systematically growing back the beard. Take it easy you guys with the vertigo and Meniere's. Samex ... View more