Hi Lynda, I am only just checking in on messages, and this MAY help you. My doctor explained the chemo as being more of a mopping up of cells that MAY be there, but still way too small to be detected. The radiotherapy specifically targets the known site of the cancer, again for cells to small to be detected that MAY be there. I also had brachytherapy to really SUPERZAP the specific area that the cancer was mostly likely re-occur. NONE of this meant that there WERE cancer cells still around, but was covering all bases. All my pet scans were completely clear of anything showing up, so I feel very confident now. My checks are every three months for - I think - the first two years, then not sure how long. Just try to think of the chemo as another shot of insurance, and I do hope you are as fortunate as me, and don't suffer any side effects....... my very best wishes to you love Margaret ... View more

Hi Anxiety, I don't know if this will help, but here goes, I don't get anxiety or panic attacks but a side effect of chemo is deep depression, and while in hospital Dr. gave me Temazapam,. I was told to wait till I felt sleepy, THEN take the pill, lovely nights sleep, waking up refreshed and NO after effects. I can't see why your local doctor can't prescribe them for you. Don't bother taking one if you are wide awake, they are too weak to have any effect then. If you like milk, a hot milk (try melting a piece of dark chocolate into it) drink just before bed is also good. Maybe your chemo doctor is the one to talk to, not psychologists. Maybe you can sleep when your body wants to, not because its night and you should? I haven't read all the messages, so will read them now and see if any other bright ideas come to me. Whoever comes up with the trick to turning off the "thinking bit" and the creating constant scenarios in your head" section of your brain, would be worth their weight in gold..... My best wishes for you to overcome your problem, hang in there, we are all trying to come up with solutions for you.... ... View more

I'm crying inside for you, there are no words. But i send you this huge ((((((((((hug)))))))))))))))))) with love and the hope it can give you a little comfort...... Margaret ... View more

Good morning Vlasta, first, I'm in Melbourne - sort of - I live in Cockatoo, I had surgery too, that was the easy part, then I will be having three chemo sessions, (am two weeks into my first dose) then a not yet decided number of radiations, then three more chemo sessions. Of course they could change this after their next think about things to do to me. I have been fortunate so far, no sickness, just tiredness and bone pain, and of course crying for NO reason at the drop of a hat. I feel guilty when I complain, but not ever having been ill, its a big jump from minor things like a cold to cancer!!!. Reading about you, and others facing awful things to come, is bringing me back to some sort of perspective though, I just wish there was something we could do to make is all go away for everyone. I'm being treated at Ringwood Private, going to various programs etc that they have for us. The up side?? my chocolate addiction hasn't been affected :-) hugs Margaret ... View more

Thanks Harker and Vlasta, will take both on board, although I suspect oxynorm is morphine based which is probably not for me. Today was pain free, this is what is a pain, the unpredictability, and the self pity tends to take over too, completely unjustified as I think I may be one of the "lucky" ones.... Thanks too Vlasta for your best wishes, are you OK now? hugs Margaret ... View more