Hi Wazzy and very wise words from Merkel, there is another web site you can use "Bladder Cancer Canada" have a very good question & answer site that I go on all the time. Lots of people who have gone through the RC and now have the Neo-bladder I was diagnosed with non-muscle invasive BC T1, large tumor, C.I.S early this year and have been through a lot of hospital visits to the Mater hospital in Brisbane, I also have BCG treatment in Hervey Bay. You have obviously been through BC for some time now, have a look at the BCC site you might find it usefull. Best wishes, Paul       ... View more

Hi Merkel I'm a fully paid up member of that club and would be happy to assist your friend with peer support if I can. Happy to discuss here or via private message. There are benefits in both, I imagine, but it's up to you. You could also contact the Helpline Number for professional support and advice. H ... View more

Words seem rather hollow but please take all of our thoughts with you and Wazza.Thank you for trusting us enough to share this time. Take care, Samex ... View more

Hi Merkel, I am so sorry about your brother.Makes my "survivor guilt"seem very insignificant compared to what you have been through! I'm trying to get past mine by hopefully doing a bit to raise money and awareness of early symptoms.I believe there must be a reason why some people survive and others don't,who knows! Good luck,Margro ... View more

Kezza,hi. well done on your outcome!!Your fear is totally understandable,but don't let it take over.Your dr(who managed to perform a successful whipples)would not be foolish enough to say you are cured if it wasn't true.Like anyone who has had cancer,you will always have that worry it might come back.Way I look at it 9 days out of 10,if it comes back I will deal with it then,if it comes back and kills me next time,haven't I been the idiot wasting all this time worrying and not enjoying life!!! I'm not a dr and I have no medical training,but when a friend of mine had trouble after his cancer surgery and the dr put him on a short course of anti depressents.Maybe if you talk to your dr he/she may have some suggestions.What you are feeling is normal,but there are people out there that can help get those feeling in perspective. Take care,keep up the good work,Margro ... View more

Hi merkel,My dad also had a  melanoma removed from behind his ear in 1963 which needed a skin graft... since than has had many basal cell and squamous cell cancers on arms, leg and face some were frozen others cut out one on his hand needed a skin graft 3 on his face were removed and a  flap of skin pulled over where the cancers were removed from...dad had a BCC remove from his head in September the doctor did a flap so that dad would still have a full head of hair ( my dad is very proud of his hair)...  we got such a shock when the doctor rang to tell us that BCC he removed was a MCC we had never heard of a merkel cell cancer before...dad had the MCC removed from his head and a skin graft from his thigh on the 1st of Oct and we are now waiting to hear when he is to start radiation....we don't know anything about this type of cancer...dad has new cancers on his head already only been there for a week or so.. don't no what to make of them...Dad was in the navy during the last war (WW11)  his cancers are all sun related ... Pat ... View more

I'm a seven year survivor of Merkel Cell Carcinoma. I would like to thank my oncologist and the staff at the Mater Newcastle for my survival. I also have to thank TROG Transtasman Radiation Oncology Group for the trials they did on Merkel Cell Carcinoma that saved my life. Merkel Cell Carcinoma is a very rare and aggressive cancer, mortality rate high. You can read my post under merkel. Best wishes to all, Merkel ... View more