Hi Felix and Kate thanks for the fast response to my post. I'm glad to know that you ARE there in the background reading all of these reponses. I get where you are coming from in saying that you are leaving this site to the members to interact with each other - but it just doesnt seem to work. Maybe I was expecting too much, who knows. Di 🙂 ... View more

Hi kj I have become very disillusioned with this site - (I hate to say it!) - but there are very few responses. I said in my initial thread that I had been lead to believe it was a great site where people could discuss whatever was 'griping' them and also to maybe get some help with their probs. Since joining, I have not seen one response from a Cancer Council spokesperson. I know we as sufferers and carers can all talk amongst ourself (if you get a response, that is) - but sometimes questions are asked of a medical concern, that we cant answer. I thought maybe a spokesperson from the Cancer Council would then jump in and offer advice! If anyone wants to 'suffer in silence' and just read these forums to stay informed - then thats fine, but........ please remember we are all going through the same thing!!! You may have a comment to make that will make the person asking the question feel more secure and happier. We dont come on here for nothing! We come on here to try and get help and answers. Anyway, thats enough babbling for me, I am just replying to kj's thread (which I still agree with!) Hope you are all travelling well. Di 🙂 ... View more

Hi Chery, The oral chemo I am on is called Xeloda. I was a little hesitant at first, as with the IV chemo you can actually see it going into your body. I thought that the oral chemo may not be as strong or have the same effect on the cancer, but I have been reassured by my onco that it is as effective as IV, same potency, etc - but with less side effects, ie: no hair loss! Each cycle is 4 x 500mg tabs daily with 2 weeks on tabs, then 1 week off to let body recover. I have just finished my 3rd cycle with not really any side effects to speak of, except the usual bone aches and tiredness. I have had a couple of 'off' days were I just have no energy at all - but its a small price to pay if the drug is working! Apparently I can stay on this drug indefinately!!! I'm not to sure about this, I have lots of questions for onco this week. I have just had a full bone scan, so if there has been no improvement with the bone 'hot spots' then I may ask about different treatments. I really dont like the idea of this drug 'running through my body' for an indefinate period. My query is: what does it do to my healthy parts?? haha Anyway, enough about me - I hope you have a great holiday (wish I was coming with you, haha!) A month, wow, thats a long time. I hope you enjoy every minute of it, and put this 'cancer journey' as far out of your mind as your body will allow. Take care Di 🙂 ... View more

Hi Chery, Welcome to the site. Cant help you with anything to do with the stomach cancer, but I have advanced breast cancer, with widespread bony mets, diagnosed just over 2 years ago. I also have had chemo, radiation and now on a course of oral chemo. Sorry to hear that you may have a new problem (fingers crossed that you dont) - but if I were you, I would certainly go on that trip of a lifetime, enjoy it, and then 'worry' about the cancer when you get back. Live for the moment and worry later! Hope it all goes well for you. Take care Di 🙂 ... View more

Hi Carolyn I am confused! I might have to step away from this one, cause I thought cancer was cancer and you would get some form of treatment. Maybe one of the Cancer Council staff would be best to answer this one for you. Good luck Di 🙂 ... View more

Hi as far as I am aware - carcinoma = cancer. As for the treatment of it, this is something that you will need to discuss with your doc. You sound as though you have very limited information - you need to get more precise info from your doc's - they are your best source of help at this stage! Good luck Di 🙂 ... View more

Hi, I'm so, so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Thank for your taking the time to let me know. I'm so sad for you and your family that he has gone, but I am happy that he is now in a better place, with no more pain. Cherish the time that you had with him and remember even though he has gone, he will always be in your heart - no one can ever take that away from you. Sending big hugs your way and my thoughts are with you. Di 😞 xoxo ... View more

Hi so glad you are having lots of time with your dad - even though its not nice to see him fading away, you will cherish this time with him after he has gone, and you will be so proud of the fact that you were there for him when he needed you! Even though he doesnt look the same - your 'real' dad is in there somewhere. I dont know if you are religious and really it doesnt matter if your not - but towards the end dad was in hospital for a complication (however,he died at home, as per his wish) but the Palliative care team had a lovely person go and visit my dad just to talk 'things through' with him (we are not religious, but my dad found this very comforting!). They talked about dad's fear of dying and of what it would be like 'when the time came'. How the doctors would make sure that he wasnt in any pain and how he would be surrounded by the people who loved him. These people are trained to deal with these situations and can often handle the conversations better than the family. I dont know if this would work for your dad, but maybe its worth thinking about. As for your dad saying he is a failure in life, just try to reassure him that you dont get to be a Uni teacher if you are a failure - you need brains and people skills to achieve that. Also, remind him that he certainly cant be a failure when he has such a beautiful, caring daughter. 🙂 Your poor mum!!!! Is she getting any counselling from anyone? She cant go on blaming herself for your dads illness!! Its just not logical. is it possible for a counsellor to talk with her at the hospital - she is just going to fall in one big heap if she doesnt get help soon. Please dont worry about me - I feel much better today. I think I was just on a bit of a downer - happens to us all....but we bounce back quickly. Plus I'm into the 'week off' from my chemo so that might help with the emotions too! I had a good time in Melb, but it is so hectic trying to visit everyone in a couple of days. Because my life in the country is so laid back, it is a shock when you get to suburbia - everyone is rushing everywhere. It is very tiring going from our house with only 2 people, to my daughters house where there are 7 (5 kids all talking at once!!!) - at least little Bailey didnt 'talk my ear off', haha. I need to come home and have a rest after my little holidays to Melb. Anyway, must go - my little Lilly (dog) wants cuddles - so I might go and have a nanny nap before tea with her. Talk soon. Take care. Di 🙂 ps: this post is a bit 'all over the place' due to the lost posts - anyone new reading this will wonder what the hell we are talking about. haha ... View more

Thanks Kate for your quick response to the problem (and thank Felix for contacting me also) - it is much appreciated. Di 🙂 ... View more

Hi, what an excellent comment, and so, so true! I hope you stay well and have a wonderful life! Di 🙂 ... View more