That's for the link - had a peek and all I can see is 40 or younger. You're right - this demographic is often forgotten (well it's mostly forgotten for other groups too) Maybe I'll give 'em a call next week for more info Cheers ... View more

Hey CFJ I would say for your friend to throw anything and everything at this. If the onc's recommend mop up chemo do it. I was suggested that I have mop-up chemo after my bowel surgery (ultra-low colorectal cancer). Even though I did not finish the treatments 10/14 use everything that is at the disposal and suggested by the specialists. At the time it was inconvenient and down right awful - I'm happy to say the other side is a bright future. Good Luck :0 Darren PTDT ... View more

Today is it. The last day of RT and chemo before surgery. I was told I was in for a rough ride initially but you cannot prepare yourself for the pain, sleeplessness, burning, and frequency of visiting the loo. To describe the pain - it's like sitting on a white hot coal, dipped in acid and rolled in glass. It's horrible!!. Walking with my wife to a work Christmas party I laughed as it looked like she was walking a monkey - you know that wide-crotched waddle walk they do? Well that was me! Lasted all of 20mins at the party then home. Even had more fun that night with a trip to hospital in the ambulance as I had a fever and the chills - not good when on chemo (febrile neutropenia). A short 4hr stay with a course of antibiotics and I was home. Now if I could only just shake this bronchitis as coughing causes leaking issues. Looking forward to being untethered from the 5-FU through PICC. Some I know gave their bottle a name - me, I just didn't want to get attached (hehehe). More later friends ... View more

OMG what a week it has been! Had to change a tyre on the car last week - that knocked me out for the afternoon with energy levels sapped completely. Tuesday morning I awake to find that I have pulled the picc line connection from my arm attachment - off to the hospital for a new bottle (Tuesdays are my refill days anyway) but the safety valve didn't shut off the chemo - so I arrive with a chemo covered arm. Not good, but not distressed. Tuesday arvo - couldn't work as I was just too drained. Slept most of the arvo off and on. Wednesday felt awesome, normal and super human. A really good day but a few more toilet trips than usual. Thursday - lots of burning (OMG what pain is this in the waterworks and the bottom) wow - really takes it out of you but now I have wipes, creams and potions to better manage these symptoms. Still not a happy place. Friday - RT as per normal. Perfect landing on the belly board so 10 points to me. I know where to land as there is a bar that runs across my chest and is mighty painful without my required additional padding. Wait to see the RT Dr. Called into his consult room where he disappears for 30mins or more and then brushes off pain and management. Maybe he's heard it all before and I'm doing the right thing but even some qualification that I'm managing all well would be good. Nurse had suggested that we have a look-see at my bottom this week just to make sure and then the Dr just waves it away with the flick of a hand and a "I'll see you next week" line. Not really happy and not feeling really important. Back to work for the arvo and managing my symptoms Have a great weekend - ... View more

An interesting flip of the coin with today's health and well being. Yesterday i was heady, unsteady and lethargic and all I wanted to do was sleep. Today I'm 10 ft tall, bullet proof and feeling pretty good with life, a total 180deg flip from yesterday. It's not until you have your bad days that you can truly appreciate the good days. I have been surprised that simple tasks can sap the entire life force out of this body. My wife's car had a flat tyre and I needed to change it. It took all of my energy (and some) to change that tyre, but after the task was complete it was time for a nana nap. I'd like to thank all the wonderful people looking after my health and treatment regime. Some really special people work in the "care industry" and it is these people that make this journey somewhat enjoyable (if you can call the treatment enjoyable - but it's the journey to the final product, the cure!). I'm not sure that makes sense and I know that my editor friend will probably correct me here - I know what I want to say but it's a mess. Time to seek out some support groups and see what they can offer. A sympathetic ear, a different perspective, a different journey and a unique experience that only a few in "the club" will understand and appreciate. Another chapter in my story continues.... ... View more

Heading into week 3 and this weekend I've really noticed that the wind has been knocked out of me. Tasks that I would do easily are now taking more time and energy - even to the point where I needed a little nana nap in the arvo (the cat has taught me well). Just feeling fat and lethargic and would love to get out on the bike for a ride but there is so much that needs to be done here at home and the weather is appalling. Tasks are done in little bits - then a lay down and rest. I was told tiredness would kick in later in the treatment but this is only just 1/2 way and I'm pooped. What is it going to be like towards the end of 6 weeks? Maybe I'm being a little lazy and this is psychosomatic? Brain says go and do and at same time says have a rest. I feel both guilty for wasting a weekend and needed rest too. Both flip side of the coin to each other. Happy times I keep telling myself are at the end of this treatment Cheers ... View more

Hey Julie without chemo I'd walk into a room and forget what I was doing 🙂 It can only get better ... View more

Has anyone had confusion and slowed reactions while on chemo and RT? This is week 2 and today it seemed to kick in about 3 - 5 hrs after today's treatment Sorry (chemo is constant feed with me for 6 weeks) ... View more