Hi John, How fabulous - you did it and I bet you had the most fantastic time. Would love to hear where you went in Italy. I am going there early next year with my sister. She has been going there for the past 20 years and wants to show me the sites. I have friends in Switzerland and Holland so might get to see them too. To be honest, I have no excitement but Im sure that will come as time gets closer. Are you packing your bags for your next trip John. They tell me its very addictive and what an addiction to have....costly but hey what the heck..... Hope you are keeping well and all results are coming back in your favour. Jan ... View more

Thats the one Kate...Thank you so much. Everyone needs to read this and grit their teeth... ... View more

Hi John, Just a quick message to thank you for all of your kind words of encouragement. Kevin and were married on Aug 6th and he passed away peacefully in my arms at home on Aug 28th after a couple of days away. The pain is horrific but I know I can work through it and come out the other end. I hope you are keeping well John and wish you loads of great health and happiness. Take care and thank you again x ... View more

Hey John, Italy and Egypt sound fabulous. You really must do it and don't put it off. I do the same and unfortunately have put off some things that would have been important to our situation now. I have googled a lot of information on kidney cancer but right now I am looking for natural pain relief and something for nausea. Ginger beer seems to help a lot with the nausea. Kevin lost approx 12 kgs in two weeks so I am trying to build his strength up but he doesnt have much of an appetite. We have a lot of information on Sutent and it appears to much friendlier that chemo which we are thankful for. Did you get a second opinion when you were diagnosed John? I read about a second opinion but I feel unless I am an expert how would I know which way to go. The doctor we have seen, be it ever so brief, spoke to us with confidence and compassion. We felt comfortable and at ease with her. I must say that the first few days in hospital I was searching for a middle age man wearing an expensive suit, glasses and greying at the side with professor on a name tag and a plum in his mouth. Not to be, it was more like an episode of Scrubs with lot of good looking YOUNG doctors. Certainly didnt make me feel good but I convinced myself they would be up to date on all the modern day medicine. Were they able to tell you why you got kidney cancer John. It appears that its due to chemicals or something similar. I don't understand why you say it will come back ? We go back to the specialist mid July and I would be more than happy to say they were going to do surgery but at this stage it doesnt appear like that is a priority. Thank you for writing John, its good to hear that you are doing so well...Now get those bags packed :) Jan ... View more

I have been trying so hard not to think about what it is that you are going through right now because its far too painful. I hope and pray every day that I won't have to feel the Real hurt. I know that time heals all (most) wounds Hopeful but that does not help you now. Nothing anyone says will take the pain away but hopefully it will provide you with some comfort and warmth. My partner and I had our (second) wedding planned for early Oct and two weeks ago we were hit with devasting news. We wont wait till Oct now. Take care Hopeful and cry and scream when you need to and lean on those who have a good shoulder. xx ... View more

Of all the mistakes I could have made.. Second paragraph, second line..Doesn't...NOT Does. :) ... View more

Hello John, Thank you for your reply. Your circumstances are so very similar, Kevin's tumor is 9cm and both lungs are effected badly. The doctors mentioned that there was no point taking the kidney out because it had spread to the lungs and also some nodes. I was so sad reading your story John but part of me felt comforted (that we are not alone I guess). I hope that does sound too selfish. I am pleased to hear that you are coping with the Sutent AND that you are going back to work. That is wonderful. Kevin is so very tired too. He was tired before the diagnosis but really battling since being on all the medication. We have just been to the doctor and had is patches (pain killers) doubled and a script if they don't work for something stronger. He is struggling a lot with the pain in his back. How did you overcome the pain John. We have a heat bag that Kevin is using and other than some massage its just the drugs. We go back to the see the Oncologist mid july and Im hoping to get some details of people who can support us and give information. Right now I feel a little lost because there has been no real information given to me...so Im searching but will pick some brains when we see the doctor in a couple of weeks. John, thank you again for writing and I do hope everything turns out for you. Please stay in touch and let me know how you are keeping and please if you have great remedies, I'd love to hear them. Take care Jan ... View more

I have just read all of your comments and it makes me wonder if its worthwhile filling out the centrelink forms i have here. HOW does the Gov't expect you all to live ?????? ... View more

Thank you KJ for taking the time to respond to my message. Hopefully we won't have too many issues with the super companies. Enjoy your evening and thanks again. ... View more