Hi Maddi, Thank you for your welcome post.. no one really seems to understand how debilitating claustrophobia is.I have at this time been unable to find a place with the open faced mask. I haven’t slept properly for almost 2 weeks now waiting for appointment and the terror is so real I can’t breath sometimes. No one seems to understand how terrified I am and as much as treatment is advanced most centres haven’t even heard of an open faced mask!,, How is this possible ! These masks are available.  ... View more

Hi @greg57 , I'm glad you're getting it done so soon, just get it over and done with, I hate waiting I find myself worrying over it all too much, so best I always feel to get it done quickly. I really hope it'll all be not too bad for you, you might find it's not nearly as bad as you think it'll all be. Wishing you luck,🤞 Cindi xxoo ... View more

Hi Joanm   Having a cancer diagnosis and going through the treatment can be difficult and isolating.  I hope you find the comments on this forum helpful.  If you live in Australia you can also call our 13 11 20, information and support line.  They can offer additional emotional support and may be able to direct you to individual support if you need it.   I you live outside of Australia, please speak to your GP or oncology team about extra emotional support to help you get through this difficult time.     ... View more

I’m so sorry. It sounds like you’re doing a great job of putting your head down and focussing on your end date  for treatment.  My mother has cancer in her family so it wasn’t such a huge shock for me, although very unwelcome  I’ve always thought I’ve inherited more of my motherr’s genes than my father’s. Darned it.    I’m so glad you’ve been able to work through treatment. I was able to do so too with careful management of side effects. I think that really helped me. I hope it’s helping you too. It gave a good reason to get up and push through.  I loved my job (sounds very different from yours though!!!) and it helped give me purpose.   Wishing you the best and prayers up for successful treatment 🙏🌺 ... View more

Hi Sueab Welcome to Cancer Council's Community Forum. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for to experience the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing after finishing cancer treatment. It's worth looking for a counsellor or a psychologist who specializes in oncology. If you live in Australia, you could call Cancer Council, they may be able to refer you to a counsellor. This is means tested but hopefully, you will get the support you are looking for, the number is 13 11 20. If your not in Australia, you could look online for oncology psychological support. Cancer Council NSW has some online information that you may find useful - https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/living-well/after-cancer-treatment/fear-of-the-cancer-returning/. I hope you find the support you're looking for. Warm regards Maddi ... View more

Hi @Mary60  Yay for you and getting through all your treatment. What an amazing achievement. What a relief. As for how long until you know you are in remission?  That will depend on your personal situation. Some variables in here might be what stage you were in to start with. Best to check in with your oncologist. Please let us know.  Good luck Sean ... View more

Hi CKF93   Welcome to Cancer Council's Online Community.  Waiting for tests and tests result is often a time when people struggle and have lots of questions.  It's good that you've found this space, I hope you find it supportive and informative.   This is a link to for Cancer Council NSW's information regarding bowel cancer and testing.  Bowel Cancer | Colon Cancer | Cancer Council NSW I hope you find it useful.  If you live in Australia, you can also call our 13 11 20 telephone support line, it's manned by allied health workers, they may be able to help you, they can also tell you about our other services.  If you don't live in Australia, please look for cancer and bowel cancer support within your area/country, they can often answer questions and provide you with support.   Warm regards   Maddi         ... View more

Hi,   It was a one-time treatment (13 months ago now).  The pain initially was moderate but now he is pain free.  Awaiting results of his annual MRI at the end of the month.   I think it is worth getting the treatment as it was relatively painless and a short time period following - for a great outcome.   Good luck   Cheers   Angie ... View more

HI RosaN   Welcome to the forum.  I'm sorry to hear about your dad.  If you live in Australia, you can call Cancer Counci's telephone support line - 13 11 20. This telephone line is open Monday to Friday from 9-5, its manned by Allied Health worker who all have a lot of knowledge around different cancers and the treatments.  They may be able to answer your question, or point you in the right direction.     If you're not in Australia, ask the doctor who is treating your father for information, You can also ask your  them, to recommend a good reliable place to go for information, to help with any clinical questions you have in the future. It's always worth going back to the team who provided the treatment and ask them to answer your question.   I hope you get the information you need.   ... View more

I hope you and your mum have more time than I had with mine after diagnosis. Keep hope while also preparing for the worst,  and not waste time. The memories of that month are very very special to my family and mum’s closest friends, full of love and care.  Please do keep in contact here if you need to  ❤️‍🩹 ... View more