I'm sorry to hear that you're going through that. My situation is slightly different - I was the patient but I can relate a little bit.    Really sucks to be going through this as a young person. I was 25 when I was diagnosed and it really disrupted and affected the trajectory of all aspects of my life - career, income, independence... etc etc. I agree that people who have 'been there' can support you on a whole different level to health care professionals. This forum is an excellent place to start! If you haven't already, I suggest you get in touch with CanTeen as well. They provide support for those aged 12-25 who are affected by cancer (either they have/had it themselves or their family member or friend). They have an online community and also do camps and things like that. Best wishes 🙂   ... View more

From what I understand, a mass is not necessarily cancer. It could potentially be benign (ie not cancer). Malignant (cancerous) tumours tend to be highly vascular (high blood supply) so the fact that yours is 'partially vascular' is encouraging I think. You need to have a biopsy to confirm whether it is cancer or not. Waiting for appointments suuuucks. Hang in there. Best wishes. 🙂 ... View more

Yeah, I know what you mean about not wanting her to go through unnecessary treatment. At 92 you really have to weigh up risks, benefits and quality of life. My grandfather is also in his 90s and I think that in his case, having radiotherapy (for a skin cancer - squamous cell carcinoma) wasn't really beneficial. It made him so tired. It was a bit of a hike to the hospital as well - about 1.5 hours each way. He didn't do the driving but I'm sure it would have compounded his fatigue. Eventually he chose to stay closer to the hospital during his treatment. Unfortunately while he was there he had a fall which he is still recovering from. The joys of getting older! He has never had any scans so we have no idea what effect the radiotherapy has had so not sure what the whole point of it was... Hope things settle down for you soon.. it sounds like they are starting to. ... View more

Hi Jess, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma when I was 25. Although it is a different cancer to yours, I can relate to the grief you have for loss/decreased fertility which is something I still grapple with now. I had the option of freezing my eggs but I chose not to because I wanted to start chemo straight away - I had just finished my period so it meant putting chemo on hold for a month to complete the egg freezing process. I sometimes regret the decision I made but I am slowly coming to terms with it. I know how tough it is to go through cancer as a young person so please feel free to PM me if you want to chat. X ... View more

I'm so sorry to hear you are going through that. It must be tough caring for your grandmother on your own. The Cancer Council provides transport which might take the pressure off you when your grandmother starts radiotherapy (especially if the sessions are everyday like my Grampa had!) If that's something you would be interested in just give them a call on 13 11 20. They also provide home help as well which might be worth looking into. In regards to financial assistance, the Cancer Council has the capacity to provide this (not sure how much they give). You might be eligible for the carer's allowance through Centrelink. The social worker will know all about these as well as assistance available for care at home. So if you want to further discuss what options you have, just ask the oncologist for a referral to the social worker. Take care x ... View more

Oh Ruby, I'm so sorry to hear you are going through that. I've had cancer once so far - non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. I've now been in remission for 2 and a half years and still experience aches and pains. From what my health care team have told me, I understand that this is from the treatment that I've had. In the early days of my life after cancer, it was difficult not worry that these aches and pains indicated that the cancer had returned. I'm definitely not the same person as I was before cancer. I think that probably most people change in some way after confronting their mortality and escaping Death. Some of the changes I've experienced are good, some bad. That's ok though. It's my 'new normal'. Life after cancer is not a walk in the effing park - that psychologist was all kinds of wrong. It's not easy. Especially in your situation which sounds like you don't have much support. I hope you find a psychologist who 'gets it'. In the meantime, I am here. You're not alone in this. ... View more

Hey Molly, I hope things with your Mum have improved since you posted this. Have you come across Canteen? They are an organisation which provides support to young people who are affected by cancer - as a patient, a relative or friend of someone with cancer. Check them out if you haven't already. Best wishes xx ... View more

I'm sorry to hear about your struggles. Have you come across Canteen? They provide wonderful support for young people who have a family member with cancer (or have cancer themselves). https://www.canteen.org.au/my-parent-has-cancer/ I hope things improve. Xx ... View more

Obviously Tinder works well for poly couples too (although sounds like you don't need it). Didn't mean to come across as judgemental! ... View more

You should check out Rekindle if you haven't already. http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/104755/get-support/when-treatment-finishes/face-to-face-programs/rekindle-relationships-after-cancer/ I was single at the time of my diagnosis. Still single after 2 years in remission. The thought of being intimate again somewhat terrifies me. The scars I have (from my port and the other from a biopsy) are pretty small but they make me feel self conscious. Sometimes I feel like I'm not as attractive as I used to be. Also, getting into a relationship means that I have another person who will be hurt when (and if) the cancer comes back. I'm on Tinder and have been open about what I have been through on my profile. I have several matches! It has been good so far but get the odd person who just wants to ravish my fragile, broken, scarred body. It is a self esteem boost but not what I want. Definitely recommend Tinder for other single cancer 'survivors'. ... View more