Off to Brisbane next Tuesday 21st for a Planning Appointment which includes making my mask for the Radiation Therapy that is anticipated to start about 14 days from then.. The trip to Brisbane is my first experience of using DVA travel Section. The lady I talked with on the phone was very helpful.  I am constantly surprised how quickly things move along. ... View more

Hi Bessyh, I am in Qld and will be having the radio therapy at the Royal Brisbane. I am whitecard and Cancer endorsed. So far it has cost not much for accommodation  as it is subsidised by Qld Health.  Food away from home gets a little expensive. Train fares return Brisbane are fully paid for and mileage is subsidised if we go by car. just waiting now for the Cancer Care Unit to tell us when the mask will be done and then the start date for the therapy.  I think I could get DVA to cover any out of pocket expenses.  All staff, Admin, Medical, Nursing, and Doctors at Royal Brisbane have been and continue to be fantastic..   I t  is now just a matter of time. Old ADF saying is now in force “hurry up and wait” “just open up another box of patience” ... View more

It is now about 5 weeks since the surgery to remove the submandibular gland and a couple of the other bits there. The incision has healed up well, but shaving on that side is really hard to do. The whole area is still very touchy.  My left cheek is still fairly numb. I saw the Oncologist last week and I should have to go and get fitted with the mask within the next week or so, then start the radiation about 1 or 2 weeks after that..The Oncologist was keen for me to be treated at the Main Hospital, instead of at a Rural service. It does mean however that we have to be away from home for the 6 weeks of treatment. I would rather be at home but getting better treatment is an over riding thing. I am 76 and all the running around, with 4 hour train trips each way gets a little wearing on both my lovely wife and Me. Having 1hour with a Dr can mean  a 16 hour day allowing travel and waiting times.  The tyranny of distance!  It really hits you fair between the eyes when you are told, you can expect at least 6 years of life if you have the treatment or about 6 months if you don’t.  I don’t want it to appear that I am complaining , because I am not, I am just telling it like it is.  The Medical and Surgical treatment that I have  had has been and is still being fantastic.  ... View more

Bessyh, thank you for your comments.  At this stage I am doing OK.  Next Wednesday should be interesting ... View more

Silly, Are you still with this group. I am off to the Oncologist  in 4 days time after Surgery for the ACC. I guess that means the radio therapy for me. It looks like you have been there and done that..I have read back through the posts here, but am still wondering what is in store for me.  I have been told many things by various people and that has left me  a bit on the worried side. Should I be over worried, or maybe, but not carefree about it?  I have been told absolutely nothing by the Medical profession?  It is almost as if it is preset that this is what is going to be done so just suck it up buttercup ... View more

Thanks chrisuk. This last 6-8 weeks has been numerous scans etc, meetings, surgery, train and car journeys, (with more to come next week.) Doctors consults.  Today has been a real kick back, relax day, with lots of attention from our two small dogs. I only have to look like I am going to get out of my arm chair and the “girls” are down on the floor to go with me where ever I go.  It has been the most relaxing day I have had over the last few months. “Me time” is great! ... View more

Chrisuk you say you have checkups on a regular basis. What do these checkups involve? The Oncologist that have to see in about 10 days time is 4 hours away by train each way. One good thing is the train is paid for and covers myself and an escort, and if we have to stopover the night cost is close on fully covered.  I don’t know, as yet, where the radiotherapy will be at. We are hoping it will be at a nearby Unit, that is only 35 minutes by car from home, not 4 hours by train. I am really trying to remain upbeat about all of this darned cancer thing, and I feel that I am getting there. All I need is the missus, our two small doggies and my music collection for me stay cool calm and collected,  ... View more

I am 76, and am usually fairy fit. My ACC was in the submandibular gland, left side. At first it was considered to be contained,  but when the results came back it had spread . Off to the Oncologist week after next. At this stage I understand 6 weeks of radiotherapy 5 days a week.  ... View more

Thanks MelissaCraig.  Reading back through the comments tells me I have a lot to learn.  ... View more

I was diagnosed with A.C.C. on  Christmas Eve 2019.  I am off to see the Radiology Doctor on 8th January 2020.  I am full of wonder about the future and what lies in store for me. My Surgeon has given me some idea of the future, but for now it is wait and see.  Some of the side effects of the. Surgery are still playing up a bit, but hopefully they will go away soon. ... View more