Hi Lisy, I always wear a mask when I go out, & lately, disposable gloves. My understanding is at the moment, the authorities don't think it's airborne & so don't consider wearing masks a necessity. Pretty silly if you ask me. Take care Budgie ... View more

I miss working. I miss the social interaction with my work colleagues. When I was diagnosed, I was living & working in Darwin. My hubby is in the Defence Force & we move around alot. In December of the year I was diagnosed (2012), we were posted back to Canberra. Yeah, I was closer to family, but, given my age & now, the fact I had cancer, I was un-employable. So, yes, I do resent my cancer. Budgie ... View more

Gosh Maggiemoo, I'm very sorry you're going through this horrible thing. I hope they can do something worthwhile to stabilise your pelvis. My very best wishes for a good recovery. Budgie ... View more

Hi Maggiemoo, I understand totally, how you're feeling. Please don't worry too much. I believe your attitude plays a very big part in how things go. I never believe in a time frame given by doctors as everyone is different, & your attitude to life can make a very big difference. There are people who have beaten a terminal cancer diagnosis. In the report, it sounds like you have now developed deposits in your lungs, but they may only be small. Also, it's been a few years since you were told there would be no hope, & things can change. New treatments may have come out. You never know what can happen, so please don't give up hope. I wish you all the best Budgie ... View more

Hi PaulaK, I couldn't imagine not being able to taste or smell. One thing I had happen 6 months after my RT finished, was every time I yawned or lowered my head, I would get a burning/tingling sensation down my shins. It turns out that radiation had damaged the myelin sheath around my spinal cord. It only lasted about 6 months, but was quite painful at times. That's got nothing to do with taste & smell, but hopefully, your side effects will only last a short while. Unfortunately, you can't be sure of what else gets damaged during the radiation, or how long the damage will last. I hope it comes back to normal for you soon. Budgie ... View more

Hi Pinesink, I would have thought it would be better to have the teeth extraction before the radiation, so your gums can heal before treatment starts. If you have to have the teeth pulled after radiation, make sure you have a healthy diet & keep your teeth & mouth scrupulously clean. Brush gently, & rinse with a warm salt/carb soda solution after each & every time you eat anything. I wish you well with your coming treatment. Budgie ... View more

Hi debbiev, If you're not ready to see her, then don't see her yet. Do remember though, that life is short, & if she is a friend you would like to see in the future, don't burn your bridges with her just yet. Have an honest talk with her & let her know exactly how she is making you feel, then take things from there. If she thinks you're being unreasonable, there's not much you can do, so then you can definitely cut her away. That's just my 2 cents worth, anyway. Good luck with her. Budgie ... View more

Hi Jamo,   I would keep the cat off the kitchen bench, in fact off all meal prep/eating areas.   It's easy to teach it to stay down, just get a small spray bottle ($2 from coles or woolies), fill it with water & squirt the cat with the bottle set on a jet stream setting every time it gets onto the bench or table.  Ensure it has a clean bowl of water within easy access instead of the kitchen tap where it normally drinks from.  The cat will soon learn to stay off the bench, & will get down as soon as it sees you pick up the spray bottle.  I have a cat, & she has learned.  She is now very well behaved.   All the best for you & your family.   Budgie         ... View more

It's all relative. Everyone handles chemo differently, suffering differently. I agree with sch, don't put any faith in a prognosis because, depending on your attitude, you may live a very long time. All the best Budgie ... View more

Hi trcy, There's not much anyone can say to you when someone you love dearly is close to death. Nothing that will make any difference in the outcome of things, anyway, but I would just like you to know that I'm thinking of you & your mother. I hope she has the easiest & most enjoyable time that she possibly can, given her situation. Please accept my best wishes.🕊 Budgie ... View more