Hi everyone I will celebrate my 9th cancer birthday in July.  On being diagnosed with a squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary in July 1999 I had a pity party for 2 days then decided that this uninvited guest would not define who I was and control my life.  I still have blood tests and scans and see my oncologist every year but I choose to look on that as simply confirmation that I am doing well. Cancer changed my life bigtime, I found a person inside me I did not know was there.  I have since really lived my life, had some amazing experiences, met incredibly inspiring people, and learned some great life lessons.  It hasnt always been easy and my life is now vastly different from what I ever imagined it would be at 60 years young. I have been a support group facilitor for almost 7 years, have completed various training programs through the Cancer Council and other organisations, and have just begun to do a Diploma in counselling. We can learn from and support each other through our journey and while I fully accept that having had an "unknown primary" there is a possibility that this little rogue may surface again some time, I think in the meantime, I have other more exciting things to think about. I also want to say that having been honoured to read the Relay for Life oath in 2002 [central coast nsw] the importance of being able to attend this event is significant to many of us for different reasons.  We understand each other, we dont need to explain why this event is so special, why we are there, we just know.  I love relay, it is my personal reaffirmation time, and even though I think they make the track longer each year - lol, it is a wonderful time for renewal and reflection while raising funds for the Cancer Council. Finally, I was told I would probably not survive 5 years. Hope and humour - yep - I will take them anyday.  Best wishes with your continued journeys everyone. Lyn ... View more

I am an almost 9 year survivor and have read  Lance's books.  As a group facilitator, his books are the ones I always recommend to members.  To have faced the challenges he did, with an amazing attitude and a never give in philosophy, he truly is an inspiration and great motivator for us all.  The work he does today through his foundation is a credit to him.  A great advocate for all of us in this special club.  Hope and yellow have  a new meaning because of Lance.  Stay strong, stay focused and LiveStrong everyone. Lyn     ... View more

Hello Mark I  empathise with you regarding the uncertainty you face.  I can only share how I have coped Mark and hope that it brings you some comfort and hope. After a cancer diagnosis of any kind, we must accept that our lives are never going to be the old "normal" again.  We begin a new chapter in our life and create a new normal.   We must trust and believe in our medical team.  Having check ups in 6 months would indicate to me that the team are happy enough to see you again in 6 months, otherwise it would be sooner. Try not to let this disease define who you are Mark.  Go out there and live your life.  Set small achieveable goals, focus on staying well, dare to dream.  Martin Luther King Jnr. said "I have a dream" - we can share a dream too Mark, to beat this monster. Stay strong - Go Forward. Lyn ... View more

Hi - my diagnosis was a metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary.  It decided to take up residence in the right inguinal gland.  I had surgery to remove the tumour, then a hysterectomy [trying to locate the primary] and almost 6 weeks radiotherapy.  Originally I was told that the outlook was not good and I probably would be lucky to make it to 5 years. I celebrate my 9th anniversary in July, and have had no further problems.  Take care Lyn    ... View more

Hi Annie Thank you for sharing this - is it okay to use this in my support group?  I am sure there are some people there who would really appreciate this information. Take care Lyn ... View more