I wish everybody can be like you. You're so optimistic, may this attitude radiates to the members of this forum. If you will notice the threads here, its more of stress , fear and anxiety. Me, myself, feel that. Its good to read this stunning post of yours.  ... View more

You always have to stay healthy and safe! Get well soon.  ... View more

Hi Paul, Congratulations on getting the all clear! I don't know about you, but I've always found it a huge feeling of relief. I'm glad that the having to stop the BCG didn't effect the outcomes for you. That's so good to hear. This is the first post of yours that I can recall reading, so I'll have to go back through them all and have a read. Looking forward to it.   -s ... View more

Hi every one and yes things have improved over the last 6 months, I had some bio's done and the BCG had left a desease in my bladder and the Mater team have dealt with that. I am now unable to receive the BCG treatment and have been told if  and when the cancer returns it will be dealt with (it will), unforunately if it proves to be muscle invasive then the bladder comes out. Getting used to that thought as it's better than not being able to walk which I can now after a long, long period of pain, I am fully aware that my situation isn't any where near  other cancer sufferers but even though we are one and all on our cancer journeys our individual suffering makes us understand how other people in the cancer team are effected. My saviour throughout the last 6 months has been Tapentadol but you can really be effected by this so be careful. Love and best wishes to all on your journey's. Paul  ... View more

Hi Fergs,   It's great the Sutent has been working for you for so long.  Hopefully,  you will have just as good results on your next line of treatment.     All these drugs we take to give us more time -if we're on them for so long, who knows exactly what they do to our bodies.  It's no wonder the body kicks up a bit of a stink every now & then.     Take care  🙂   Budgie ... View more

It’s a question I’ve often contemplated.   i was diagnosed with Stage 3B melanoma in Sept. 2016 and had a full inguinal removal in Dec. 2016.i was fortunate enough to qualify for a Targeted Gene Therapy trial 5rough the Melanoma Institute of Australia in Sydney and I have been told I’m ‘cancer free’.  My first 3 month check up following the finish of my treatment is coming up in a week’s time and I’m terrified. Despite feeling fine physically, it’s like having a monkey on my back when I think about my health and the possibility of it returning. Luckily, I keep my self active and don’t dwell on the negative thoughts but I can’t help wondering how I navigate the next few days before my tests and oncologist appointment.   ... View more

Many thanks Kate and yes not to bad today and wishing every one in our community a hopeful and painfree year. Love and Best Wishes to all, Paul D ... View more

James I quite agree with you in trusting your GP more than a "Junior Doctor" or registrar as they call themselves, I have been going to the Mater Hospital now for 15 months for treatment with my particular cancer and haven't met the head of the department even though everything so called goes to him. On my first visit last year a doctor I named "Doctor Doom" told me everything bad that would happen if the treatment didn't work, the doctor came back after my procedure and again gave me bad news even though everything was succesful. I believe that doctor is on another team now, my GP on the other hand is full of hope and understanding of all things and is very positive.  Regards Paul ... View more

 To "Never Ending", I have treatment on a 3 monthly basis for my Bladder Cancer and yes it can be very hard to take as a long term thing but as you yourself have answered your own question in "I have this for the rest of my life". Yes the alternative isn't good without the treatment so learn to live with "your new normal" which we all have to and as Nikki says enjoy your grandkids as they will put a smile on your face every time you look at them even when they get grumpy. Love your life Paul  ... View more

Hi Happy Dragon and the subject of dental problems came up at a recent Cancer Support group meeting, a few of the people who have had chemo said their teeth were cracking and decay setting in. Apparently they all suffered with daily vomiting which brings up the acid from your stomach and general immune problems cause the teeth to suffer, I too had a couple of problems there as well even though I am on BCG treatment. We all got referred to our local oral health clinic which costs nothing. Your cancer coordinator should be able to refer you for a check up. Hope this helps and good luck. Love & Best Wishes Paul ... View more