Hi Jon, thanks for sharing your story. I sincerely hope things work out for you and your family. I have two girls and I find them extremely resilient, it amazes me. There is a number on the top right of the screen. I have had reason to call it a few times when I didn't know what the next steps should be. The people on the phones are extremely professional and you can go at you own pace, divulge  however much you want to share with total discretion. Sincerely, Stirling ... View more

Hi WeGotThis. good that you have some answers now. What you have and what treatments you'll be having. However, I still find this quite difficult to deal with. For me, I always seem to be waiting for another test, another test result, how the meds are working and so on.  Its almost a full time job managing the meds, tests and various doctors appointments. Whatever you decide regarding work, I hope it works out. There may be some risk associated with 'C19' in your workplace and your immune system. I believe work definitely has a place in treatment and meds recovery in that it keeps the mental focus on other things, along with good diet, active lifestyle and sleep. Stirling ... View more

Hi Colin, thanks for your posts. I've read them, even the ramblings. I dunno why but I enjoy your openness. And, they're stimulating replies which is also helpful.  I'm in the hepatoma frame. Tumors, esophageal varices, portal hypertension and cirrhosis. We keep whacking the tumors and they pop-up again. We'll just continue hitting them and hope they run off for good. Regards to all in this forum and thanks again. Stirling ... View more

Hi Malik, sorry to hear about your fathers health. Staying positive has helped me alot. However, I've been aware since I was first diagnosed that there is slim chance of remission. There are some modern treatments that have helped to reduce the tumors and in a few cases what appeared to be complete removal. The tumors have always returned in my case. I suggest that you research TACE and various kinds of 'ablation'. TACE has been the most successful for me and I've heard of some patients reieving it 3 or 4 times. The most successful of course is transplant with a very high survival rate these days. Best wishes to you and your dad. ... View more

Hi Tony,  your post was in March, 3 months ago now so I'm wondering how your health is, end of June. You raised a number of points that I definitely agree with. Everything accept the VAD which I know very little about. Difficult to form an opinion in ignorance. However, the 'lucky country' items that you referenced I've experienced all of it, shocked and surprised. Prior to my diagnosis and aging I really thought we were better. Sadly, I've thought that we dont deserve 1st world status. Based on my own experiences and I've heard worse. Sometimes just shopping in s'markets has been traumatic. On a few occasions my dizziness has been misinterpreted as drunkeness. Many others, very upsetting. Thanks for your post, it really stimulated my own thoughts and experiences. Stay positive Tony. Stirling ... View more

Heh! loving your personal care process. I agree with all and will add to my own except for The Office. I'm into totally senseless cop shows and talk shows with artists, Ricky G included. I like him being spontaneous  rather than scripted. My goal for walking is to get back to about 6 klms. Lately its only myself, a very elderly woman and a few gorgeous dogs on the path, due mostly to the low temp. When I get home I collapse  in front of the heater and sleep for about an hour. This weekend I'm gonna shop for a heat pack.  Fab idea. Diet has been one of the most difficult things I've needed to adjust. I've cut the amount by about 50% from prior to diag. Inflammation and internal pressure have been difficult to manage, however, if I eat small meals it seems easier. It still seems like i'm eternally hungry. The hard days? I have some strong pain meds which I refuse to take unless things get really bad. best regards Reenie ... View more

Giday Reenie, thanks for your disclosure. My diagnosis is Hepatoma with portal hypertension and some other complications. Prior to my last surgery there were 3 tumours and 2 more were discovered during the TACE procedure. I've had various surgeries the most invasive was a resection mid 2020. It took quite a lengthy recovery, nothing really extreme, however, it feels like all my body functions have been affected.  Early 2021 I had a TACE procedure. Kind of weird being awake for over 5 hours while on the table in the OT. Full respect to the surgeons. So far so good. It seems I've been in a constant state of recovery for the past 18 months. Reenie could I ask you if you know the dimensions of your tumors. Thanks Stirling ... View more

Hi Lunabird. Sorry to hear about your close call and glad to hear you got thru it along with the colon mass. Well done you. Obviously you are strong and positive. I had some ablations last year and thought everything was good but then needed a resection due to the return of the tumors.  It still required 8 days of hospital recovery then further recovery at home. Yes, I was concerned but just went with it. I was terrified in the pre-surgery room, I was shaking and think its why they had difficulty with the live blood pressure insertion. I experienced the obvious recovery effects of fatigue and digestion issues not to mention personal worry. Exercise got me thru. About 100 meters in the beginning (no medication),  then got to 4 klms a day. Unfortunately, the little buggars came back again. So I recently had something called TACE. That was a pretty weird experience so far all clear.  Im happy to share my TACE experience if you like, its quite a new technique so you'll find it everywhere online.  Basically they take the chemo right to the location of the tumors and nuke them individually. My eyesight is largely diminished and extremely poor now. So far the nausea has gone and the most worrying after effect is dizzyness. There are others  like fatique and lack of clarity so I'm hoping they will fade eventually. I hope this goes some way to help you continue to push. GBY Stirling     ... View more

Negative bias? Do you mean 'take advantage'. Not sure I understand what you are referring too. Thanks ... View more

Hi DJ, your post and in particular many of the replies brings many upsetting feelings to the surface for me. Although I'm not technically a survivor, everyday I wake-up I remind myself that I have survived another 24 hours. I no longer disclose my medical state nor any detailed personal history. Past relationship experiences have clipped my openness and honesty and I dump all obvious symptoms on my increasing age. Actually I look quite normal, whatever that is. Attempting to rekindle relationships with old  buddies has been surprising and in a few cases really shocking. Some simply dont wont to go anywhere near a discussion and others already have their opinions. Seems that some even have more knowledge about me than I do. My general attitude is if you dont wanna friend me because I'm sick then your're not worthy of my friendship anyway.  I hope everyone here is doing ok today and survive another day. My LOVE to you all. ... View more