Hi Mary,  Very up upsetting to hear yr cancer journey. Mine is pretty bad as well. There have plenty of bad days for me. I have severe depression/anxiety from it all, so I am on alot of meds. They help alot. This again is something sad what I write next.  There is a process I went through recently called VAD. I wanted to let you know about it or keep it on mind. It voluntary assisted dying VAD. So they accept cancer patients but the assessment process from the doctors have to be so severe, for it to get approved eg. Not being able to wipe yrself, shower, in hospital, extreme pain, no improvements with other trial of medicine and scans etc, and then they will let you go. So I have my name on file for when that time arrives. But, I am not sure if you have it over there yet. England is going through approval now after several years of trying. So anyway just a thought. I did want to ask you something which was, I am  with the public hospital here, Royal Perth, and they provide free psychologist sessions. I did have to get a nurse to get me in there but it has paid off. I see her every few weeks and it helps alot. Are you seeing any therapist? Are you going private or public? I have private insurance but so far I am happy with the public system here. They seemed very organised and keep the patients under control. You see I went through 3 public hospitals for the abdominal surgery. It was a good insight. How is the public system over there?  Ok well I had a reasonably rough morning after chemo yesterday. I was in there for five hours. I have to take a little fan with because I stop breathing and faint. That was my seventh cycle. Starting to recognise the nurses now. So today is resting up and eating day. It was relaxing writing to you. Take care and write back whenever yr ready. I prefer email at the moment.  Take care,   Vanessa Katz  ... View more

Hi Mary, I am in chemo for a few hours. I wanted to ask about the hemincolectomy. When you have some time could you let me know how severe your intestine was before they removed it. Do you have any other symptoms from it like trouble eating. The oncologist hasn't mentioned it to me and I was just curious about it. I am quite sure the is cancer all through my intestine. Hopefully I have got this info right. Take care until then, Vanessa Katz. ... View more

Hi there, My name is Vanessa Katz. I have bowel cancer stage 4. I now have extra sensitive skin since cancer. Usually after chemo or even walking around in the sun I apply sudocrean (zinc) on my face at the end of the day, then after I wipe it off, then I use a standard moisturiser. I usually leave the sudocream on for ten minutes. You can find it in the baby isle of the supermarket. It helps me alot, so I thought I would let you know if you want to give it a go. All the best. Take care, Vanessa Katz. ... View more

Hi Mary, My name is Vanessa Katz and I also have been diagnosed with bowel cancer stage 4. It is just over 6 months now. I had an abdominal operation where the removed 2 big growths. This is when the cancer was found. I am in my seventh cycle of chemotherapy and it has spread throughout my abdomen. After reading your post i thought I may suggest gastro stop around 4 a day. This has reduced tummy pain alot after eating and easier bowel movements. I also use flushable wipes, again if you can afford it. Also hydralites again if you can afford it, they have helped drastically. I am 43 yrs old and have a disabled, nonverbal autistic 16 yr old son. So I can get pretty frustrated 🥴. There have been many tears and alot of yelling in pain, but it is getting better now. So let me know if your interested in keeping in touch, you would be the first, I haven't started up any companions yet. Please let me know if you have any tips. I live in Perth. Take care and rest well. Regards, Vanessa Katz      ... View more