Thanks Genevieve.  I reckon the word 'gruelling' was created for such circumstances!  I think there aren't any words that can help, but we can all stand and be exhausted together, and that's some comfort at least.  Hope your day is going well.  ... View more

Thanks Kj for your response. Yep, alot of variables for me to consider, and we are all different.   ... View more

Belle41 You sure had a shocker of a year being diagnosed with cancer ,surgery and radiation later is in itself very traumatic and now having the Ct checks regularly,means you can be living with the thoughts of what if it returns which can be very unsettling,I found when I was in that situation to take it one day at a time Sometimes professional help can be of benefit to someone with these thoughts have you had a chat to your GP I did,I think it wouldn’t be normal not to have these doubts I can’t imagine finding a parent of mine deceased a very traumatic event and losing your dog after so many years,they become members of our family,no one can say it’s time to get over it we all grieve differently,and for lengths of time,all this happening after what you have been through would be extremely difficult. If you do seek professional advice maybe ask your husband to accompany you ,he may gain a better insight,you may not think so but hopefully things and your thoughts will improve,You have been through so much and are still functioning,don’t be hard on yourself it takes time as much as you need. kj ... View more

Thanks KJ Sorry for the delay in response. It looks like Mum is going for the quality of life option rather than treatment. Admittedly I'm struggling with that, even though I know full well it's her decision. In truth, I'd probably opt for the same thing if I was in her shoes.   Trying to put on a brave face for Mum, but very hard to keep it together when I'm by myself.   Feel bad that I can't be as fully supportive at the moment as I should. Though she did only tell me last night.   ... View more

Ron that is a good way to explain survival I will remember your words it just happens ,Best wishes and wellness to all for Christmas and As Ron put it  a cancer free future. ... View more

Thanks Kate very informative I will keep the links ... View more

There is actually one place in WA called Xantippe according to Google... I've never heard of it, that's for sure!   Z is for Zeehan (Tas).   Time to restart! ... View more

Chef T, mate, I hope you're still with us - and if you are, I'd also urge you to push for clinical immunotherapy trials. These days drugs like Interferon are keeping people with blood cancer alive indefinitely, which was back years ago pretty-much a death sentence.  My half-brother's father (no idea what word applies to that relationship, stepfather twice removed or something, heh) has a very similar cancer outlook to you, and was given <6 months to live, put into a palliative care facility.   Now, on some immunotherapy drug, he is still alive (and this is at least 2 years later - in the intervening time I was diagnosed, treated and limping along for a year after).  His tumours have not vanished but have shrunk by about 80% and they're cautiously using words like remission instead of palliative.   Just in case your doctor has given you "I'm sorry there's nothing we can do", even if your remaining life is measured in weeks and months, you sound like a FIGHTER and one thing I'd do is fight the system making sure that if there is an unexpected treatment path, or even new experimental treatments, you're on the list.   If it's a side-track, I'm sorry, I'm just remarking in case it's something that nobody else has mentioned and might be useful.  Good luck with your fight, as you say, make sure your last breath is exhaled from a body and mind that still has hope and love and strength intact.  All the best. ... View more

Hi Zaces,   I have just read your blog about your mum.  I am 21 days post a Whipple procedure and finding it difficult to find a support group in Brisbane.  I see you also live in Brisbane.  Have you had any luck? ... View more

Just realised I had commented on this before! Excited to see some positive news I guess. The chemo hasn't been too bad for me overall. I still have all my hair and don't feel nauseous. The worst is the metallic taste in my mouth which is making food unappetising. ... View more