Hi Maggie, I am just wondering if you are still with us? My family member from overseas is going through the same as you and would like to know the results. Hope you are here ! ... View more

Hi Tina I too haven't been on the site for a while but it was nice to hear from you again. You certainly have been through the wringer. I can't read the end of your blog as it seems to be cut off but would like you to know that I am thinking of you and will send you a big hug. I have an illeostomy bag (the small intestine) and its not that bad. I have had it for 9 months now and even with the occasional 'blow out' it just becomes part of your everyday routine. Just go with it. You are still here and thats the main thing. What I have come to realise is that everyone has something they are dealing with in their lives - this is just our quirky thing to deal with. I called mine 'little squishy' - very creative I know. I don't hide it from anyone. My girls have seen me change the bag and think its cool - weird but cool. I have stoma nurses that still check on me as I am still going through chemo (only one more cycle to go) and they are great. Always new products coming out. I tried a few and stuck with the first one I had - what you know. Hang in there and good to hear from you. Warm wishes for your recovery. Leeanne ... View more

Hi Wombat, Thanks for the positive story it really makes a difference,it helps to know people care and can pass on good stories as we so often hear negative stories.I will look forward to the day I meet my future grandchildren and very much enjoy seeing them become annoying teenagers.Thanks Wombat hugs and wishes.Tina ... View more

It is no wonder that you are so proud of your daughters . They sound truly wonderful . They could not have turned out this way without a wonderful mother. ... View more

People that use derogatory terms when talking of cancer, any type of cancer, are indeed showing their ignorance and perhaps their naivety in thinking there is no way they are going to be a sufferer or a carer for a loved one, in their lifetime. The people that say this are not worth a second thought. Things have a habit of biting one on the bum ( pardon pun ) when we least expect it, then education on such matters involves a very sharp, steep learning curve. Its your support team that are important. So... hand and foot, keep them nice and warm, nice thick socks, thermal gloves are good, avoid standing on cold tiles in bare feet like bathrooms etc use a moisturiser to prevent dry skin, get one of the family to do feet, very gently though, its easier for someone else to do your feet and more relaxing. Every night, we would set aside one hour and I would sit down with my wife and gently massage her feet with Sorbalene, a good moisturiser. We did this for 2 years. Peripheral neuropathy and dry skin was never an issue with her feet, some slight pn in her hands and that was after 8 rounds of folfox. Keep your hands out of fridges / freezers etc, even loading frozens into bags at the checkout and unloading them at home, all these little things assist in minimising side effects of the treatment. Take care Wombat4 ... View more

Hi Silly thanks for your kind words and your understanding,it does help when people like yourself say that it is okay to feel sorry for yourself at times.I feel that people like yourself help others with their advice and kindness and it makes it easier to do what needs to be done.Thanks again hope you are doing okay Huge hugs and wishes Tina X ... View more

I also agree. I found the same back in 2010 when having 6 weeks of IMRT. ... View more

Kasianne ,you have done very well. Congratulations . You have been through a LOT and come out of it smiling . ... View more

Tina,don't feel bad calling me Silly. I just use that name as I don't want to be identified by the public in cyberspace. Even now if I google my real name some Facebook posts appear . Things I've said on this and another site came up a while ago when I googled my cancer . I do hope all goes well for you. ... View more

Hi Samex,What you went through sounds absolutely horrendous and it must have been up their with the most frightening times of your life.I can relate to how much your children help you to find an inner strength and the extra motivation sometimes needed.Thankyou for your kind words and advice,it is nice to know that there are people out there like yourself who do get it and I will continue to use this site as much as I can to not only help myself but also help others.Hugs and wishes.X ... View more