Hey! Not sure if you will see this as your post was from over 10years ago now! But I wanted to check in on how it has been the last 10 years with your son? My 2 year old had been diagnosed with Wilms last month and had just had surgery to remove his whole right kidney with the tumor after 4 rounds of chemo. We are now waiting anxiously on how to proceed next. I absolutely 1000% have the same thoughts and experiences as your rant! It is a shit time and just trying to find any communty connection that has gone through/is going through this. How is you son these days???? Sending love, thank you for putting this up ❤️ ... View more

Hi, I am new to this so not sure if I am replying correctly?  yes, just done 160 gene panel that includes all brcas, Lynch and heaps of others. Family history of ovarian, breast in cousins under 50, prostate, bowel - big family on my mums side. Have always been monitored regularly due to extended family , however came back with something recently that needs a little closer monitoring, and possibly  surgery, then in the midst discovered the family is of ashkenazi decent which adds another layer. The cousins were brca neg ,but that was in 2010 before all of these extra panels were available. My geneticist is hurrying from results through from Finland as they will guide surgery timings wtc. ... View more

Hey Dan, no worries, your question’s a good one and definitely worth asking. You're right that there are some government programs and public dental schemes that can help, especially for people with serious health conditions like cancer. It’s not exactly a blanket "$5,000 free dental" each year, but if you're a cancer patient or survivor and eligible for a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan through Medicare, your GP might be able to include dental as part of your care team.   In my mum’s case (she’s a cancer survivor), her GP helped set up a CDM plan that included a referral to a dental provider. It didn’t cover everything, but it definitely made some treatments more affordable, especially basic checkups and cleanings. It’s worth noting that not all dental clinics bulk bill under these plans, so checking with the clinic beforehand is smart.   You might also want to have a chat with a local dentist who understands the ins and outs of these programs. I’ve heard good things about the team at Kellyville Dentist, they're approachable and experienced when it comes to working with different health plans and patient needs. Might be a good place to start if you're nearby.   Hope things ease up for you soon, painful teeth are the worst when you’ve already been through so much. Definitely book in with your GP; they’ll steer you in the right direction. Take care! ... View more

I had bartholin gland cancer back in 1995 that had spread to vulva area and my lymph node on the right side. After major surgery I had seven weeks of radiotherapy.  I have been lucky up to now with no further issues.  Eighteen months ago I started to have problems walking up stairs and bending down on my right side, I had a CT can which showed scarring? My GP said or that's nothing. Now eighteen months later I am having the same issues, all over my whole pelvic area, so bending down to pick up things or even walking up stairs is causing me major issues with pain. My Gyno told me the other day that I need to see a Pain specialist as there is no treatment for the scarring and that it is only going to get worse.  Has anyone else had these issues and have you have can you tell me how you coped. Susan ... View more

That is so awesome - I love it - being a celebrant will be great.  How cool ! ... View more

Hi Traci-Rene'e,   I know exactly what you are going through.  Cancer destroys everything in its path.  Like you and your husband we had so many plans.  I feel helpless.  I am very happy that your husband realizes how lucky he is to have a wife who loves and supports him like you.  I am very sad to hear about your Mom.  She is your angel and she will guide and protect you.  As of now, nothing has changed and it is unbearable.  I just want to love and support my wife through this horrible illness.  She is very angry at me.  99% of the time I am very patient but sometimes I ask her if she will ever stop being angry at me.  I've apologized for things that I don't even know that I have done.  It just seems that there is nothing that I can say to make things better.  Prior to her diagnosis like any other married couple we would have a disagreement and in a day or so it would be okay.  Once this happened, I am public enemy number 1.  It really hurts.  I just want my wife to stop ignoring and rejecting me.  I am not looking for anything in return...just kindness.   You and your family are in my prayers.   Your Friend,   Ralph ... View more

Please share your cancer story ... View more

Hi Wegotthis, I think it's fair to say that everyone feels that their country is the best 🙂 There are a few Americans who are regulars on this forum. You are always welcome here. Just watch out for the dropbears ok? Best of luck with your treatment. -s   ... View more

John  I hope all is well with you and your family.  Just curious how things are going.  I'm waiting to find if I have cancer.  Reading your blog brings back memories of my father. I can't remember him ever telling me that he loved me.  My kids hear it from me and how proud I'm of them all the time.  I like to use the hard things in life to make my family stronger and better.  If I do have cancer my family is going to see me as a strong role model. Even if at times I have to fake a smile  ... View more

Hi DJ, your post and in particular many of the replies brings many upsetting feelings to the surface for me. Although I'm not technically a survivor, everyday I wake-up I remind myself that I have survived another 24 hours. I no longer disclose my medical state nor any detailed personal history. Past relationship experiences have clipped my openness and honesty and I dump all obvious symptoms on my increasing age. Actually I look quite normal, whatever that is. Attempting to rekindle relationships with old  buddies has been surprising and in a few cases really shocking. Some simply dont wont to go anywhere near a discussion and others already have their opinions. Seems that some even have more knowledge about me than I do. My general attitude is if you dont wanna friend me because I'm sick then your're not worthy of my friendship anyway.  I hope everyone here is doing ok today and survive another day. My LOVE to you all. ... View more