Hi Grova,   Welcome to the group. I have stage 4 kidney cancer, but I also had a total hysterectomy back in 2008.  I, unfortunately, couldn't have keyhole surgery because my uterus was enlarged.  So I ended up with a nice 30cm scar across my lower abdomen.  For me, it was the best thing I had done.   When were you diagnosed with your cancer, & how has your treatment been for you so far? My mother had ovarian cancer, my 2 older sisters had breast cancer, & one of my brothers has prostate cancer.  It's absolutely everywhere in this world, but there's plenty of people on this site to have a chat with.  😊   Budgie ... View more

I am very sorry to hear that Ky.  Please take care of yourself.  ... View more

There are some strange thoughts out there. I once had a woman tell me that if I spent some time in nature, hugging trees & foraging for my food, that it would cure my cancer!  That & having some guru gaze at me through a computer screen.    Whilst I do believe in eating well & I love nature I don’t believe that people should go around saying it’s going to cure you.  At the end of the day, I think if you’re going to use alternative therapies it should be done in conjunction with recognised treatments & with the supervision of your oncologist.  ... View more

Hi Annette,   Don't put that scan off!  It might pick up something, yes, but it would be better to treat it sooner rather than later.  If something is found in the scan, see if you can bring your appt with the oncologist forward instead of waiting for May.  Three months can be a long time with cancer as it can grow quickly.  Besides, if the scans are clear, then you can sit back & relax, or play bowls with a clear mind.   It looks like my treatment on Nivolumab isn't working for me.  I have more scans next week to make sure.  Then I might be lucky to be put on a sample drug called Cabozantinib.  It has just been approved by the TGA for use in Australia.  It's not on the PBS yet though, so hopefully it will be soon.  Fingers crossed.   Take care & enjoy your bowls.  😊 ... View more

Hello Ky, You need to take a break. Find someone you can download to.   Has your father made connections with his palliative care team?  They are there for him & can offer advice & support for your father & you & your family.  You don’t have to be the only rock in the family.  Please take care of yourself.    All the best Budgie  ... View more

i was diagnosed through a lump which I had removed from my neck, so it had already metastasized for me. I had the lump removed in the August then the right kidney & adrenal gland removed in the September.  I then started on the drug Sunitinib.  I have since been on 3 other drugs which have kept me going for the last 5 years.   I don't look like I have cancer, except for the large lump protruding from my jaw 😉 but I do still get out & do things.  My husband & I travel quite a bit, though sometimes it has been hard.  I've had quite a lot of fatigue associated with the drugs, but now I'm off the oral chemo & have the fortnightly injections of Nivolumab.  At the moment, I am feeling better for it.  I hope it continues that way.    Budgie ... View more

Hi Annette46   I have stage 4 Kidney cancer as well.  Was diagnosed in August 2012, had my right kidney & adrenal gland removed in the September of that year.  Unfortunately, with kidney cancer, once it has metastasized you're stuck with it.  There is no real remission.   While I have alot of deposits, I have been lucky enough to have all my other major organs free from any spots, except my left kidney. It has quite a few deposits in it as well.   Recently, a deposit in my left bottom jaw has been growing alot, so I'm to have 5 sessions of radiation on it starting tomorrow. What treatment are you on?  I have recently started on the immunotherapy (Nivolumab).  So far, I can't tell if it's working or not as apparently, it can take a few months before you see any benefits (if it's going to work for you). Anyway, we shall see how it progresses.   Budgie ... View more

Hi Alex,   I'm sorry to hear of your Father's cancer.     I use my mobile phone for reminders for my medication throughout the day.  I find it very helpful.  You can also have the pharmacist put the medication into a Webster Pack.  This has all the necessary meds put into a blister pack  ready for taking a specific times of the day.     As to transport - perhaps your father can be assessed for patient transport through the hospital or Community Health Centre.  These are all worth looking into.  Be sure to have him connect with his Palliative Care Nurse as she/he could provide alot more information with regards to things that would be available to him for his ongoing care.   All the best Budgie         ... View more

I understand. I hope you & your family have a very good Christmas. ... View more

Wonderful news for you Felix34.  I hope you continue to have good quality of life for a long time to come yet.   All the best Budgie ... View more