I’ve had the hemicolectomy and so fortunate that it was done laparoscopically. Hospital time was only 4 days so I’m happy to be home again. The cancer was also found in one lymph node so I will see an oncologist in a few weeks to discuss further treatment. At the moment I’m just very grateful to be recovering well.  ... View more

This is great news. All the best for the future. ... View more

Like sch said.   My mother had cancer on and off all her life and finally died of it when she was 65. I'd convinced myself, by age 60, that as I hadn't had cancer so far, I wasn't going to get it. I'd made it!   Then came a diagnosis of a small cancer in my saliva gland at then end of '21. Things crumbled for me and everything I'd told myself suddenly seemed like a big lie. It was all doom. As it turned out, the removal of the tiny cancer was straightforward, I was recovered in no time and on my way. Until a CT as part of the 18 month review.   On the CT they discovered an anomaly on my left lung which turned out to be lung cancer. The prognosis is good, I have good respiratory function, will be getting it removed (lobectomy) within the next few weeks I'd think, and should be back to close to my current state of fitness (with a lot of hard work and in time) post-op. I'm up for it! Thing is, unlike yourself, my mother had cancer, yes, but never in the two places that have been diagnosed with myself. So, has my run in with cancer got anything to do with my mother having cancer all her life? Possible. Possibly not.   Research I have been reading recently puts the influence of genetics at around 20% at the most. 80% of the cause they are now putting down to other factors (environment, lifestyle, etc.). So, the thinking on genetics has changed over time. You could think of it like this; if you have had cancer in the family, you have a propensity towards it and MIGHT, given the right combination of factors beyond just genetics, get cancer.   A lot of people overlook the factors other than genetics, despite the statistics. If you've had cancer in the family and you live a very stressful lifestyle, eat poorly, and breathe in a lot of polluted air, then hey, guess what, cancer! Or not. If you have heart issues on the other side of the family, heart problems might be just as possible I'm guessing.   What I'm saying is that you perhaps shouldn't jump to conclusions about why you have cancer in the same spot as your relation. At the end of the day, you are here now and it doesn't matter. You need to get positive and use your energy on the job at hand rather than spending time wondering.   Ask your doc what they think about the link with genetics and what they think about it generally. I doubt they'll have any conclusive answer because, when it comes to cancer, there isn't a definitive one. Since being diagnosed with lung cancer I've seen survivors who have never smoked and never had any history of cancer in the family. Go figure.   Stay positive, try and stay calm, ask lots of questions, listen carefully to what the medicos are telling you (as this may prevent your mind going to dark places it needn't) and don't forget to breathe. I wish you all the best with it. 😉 ... View more

Hi @Antan  I'm very sorry to hear about the cancer. When I was diagnosed with bowel cancer I was told I would need surgery to remove the tumour. After surgery they found the tumour was pushing/nudging up against a lymph node. They were unsure whether or not the tumour got to the lymph node or not. I was given the option of monitoring only or chemotherapy. Because I was 40 when diagnosed with cancer, I chose chemotherapy to hopefully kill any cancer cells that may or may not be in the body.   5 years post  surgery + chemotherapy, I am still cancer free. I do have some neuropathy in my hands and feet, but that reduced over time. I'm happy with the side effects and have no regrets about any of the choices. -s     ... View more

Sorry to hear about your skin cancer, it is a horrible thing. I do these things: sun protection from UV protective clothes (fabric 50spf UV protective), very wide hat, vitamin D3 everyday, niacinamide vitamin B3 everyday, blood group diet, stay out of sun 10 to 4 and also wear mask over lower face. I also am blonde and fair and skin cancer all appearing in my 50s. Grew up in sun. Stay positive and make the most of life, blondes also have fun! ... View more

Hi Ned Exactly as Sean wrote check with medicos first,I was encouraged to walk while waiting for Whipple,but that was after extensive testing to see if I was eligible for surgery and  after a stent was put in before that I was in a wheelchair no strength to walk. Good luck ... View more

Hi @JoJo_star , I'm very sorry to hear about your mother. How is she feeling about what is going on? How are you?   Here on the online community you will find many examples of people living long and productive lives, whether they make full recoveries or not. Treatment from a medical team and help provide a full recovery, help extend life, provide pain relief, provide advise and many others things.   If she is in the early stages of cancer, then she should have a good diagnosis. Regardless of your mother's diagnosis, I hope that you both find a new found energy.   Here are some links that might be helpful. https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/breast-cancer/after-a-diagnosis-of-breast-cancer https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/new-diagnosis/ https://nbcf.org.au/about-breast-cancer/treatment/   All the best, S           ... View more

Hi sch,    This is another primary triple negative breast cancer, most probably stage 2 but not confirmed.  The first cancer, 11 years ago was cured.  I do have treatment options so very grateful for that.  Thanks for your support.  Xxx ... View more

Hi @Shae77  I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis, I really am. Three months isn't very long post treatment.   I was diagnosed with lynch syndrome in 2006 after I had genetic counselling followed by genetic testing. , and started monitoring (colonoscopy every 12 months and endoscopy every 2 years). I ended up being diagnosed with stage 2a bowel cancer in 2017 when I was 40. After discussion with my surgeon I had a total colectomy (it significantly reduced the risk of bowel cancer coming back). A few years later during a regular review my surgeon referred me to another doctor who does endoscopic ultrasounds of another internal organs.   Scan anxiety is just the worst. It really is. Maybe you could discuss with a GP or a surgeon or another specialist about what other surgeries to reduce risk, or even better, other scans they can incorporate in your regular survallence as I mentioned above.   All the best, s   ... View more

Hi @Evo , Sorry noone has responded to you yet. I guess the right people have seen this yet. Did you end up taking Anastrozole? (I'm assuming it was for yourself)   Just for reference; https://breastcancernow.org/information-support/facing-breast-cancer/going-through-breast-cancer-treatment/side-effects-anastrozole-arimidex ... View more