Hi Tina, I have had a bad skin reaction to one of my immunotherapy drugs, my oncologist recommend I see a dermatologist. He has been brilliant. Chat to your oncologist and see if this is an option for you? I understand how annoying skin issues can be! I hope you get some relief.  Carly ... View more

Hi Irene,   Your immune is related to your white cell count, your personal army of infection fighters. Have you been having blood tests before treatment? This is something your oncologist usually keeps an eye on. Everyone's system recovers at a different rate. If you are really concerned ask for a blood test, a FBC (full blood count) will give these results.   I have 2 little germ balls at home that go to daycare, so I always have to be careful. My best advice is to try not to touch your face. Wash your hands regularly and try not to stress.   All the best, Carly ... View more

Hi Angela,   I know Moogoo do samples, you could email or call them and explain and ask for a couple of samples to check it doesn't irritate. They are really helpful, especially with medical stuff. Their deodorant and sunscreen is good too, if you're looking for something without all the toxins.   I've also switched my toothpaste to Grants mild mint, which you can get from Coles. My usual toothpaste was too strong. But my side effects are from chemo and an immunotherapy drug that effects your epidermal growth factor receptors, ie skin, mouth. So could be completely different.   Good luck! Carly ... View more

Hi Aaki1990,   I'm really sorry to hear you're going through this, especially at a time when you should just be enjoying being a mum. I was diagnosed with colon cancer in December, my youngest was 7 months. I was still breastfeeding at the time and had to express before the PET scan and colonoscopy. I would then need to hide so she wouldn't see me and scream for milk direct from the source. It was terrible!   I weaned my daughter before I started chemo and to be honest she seems to be totally unaffected by the whole thing. My Mum has helped a lot and my partner has been so much more hands on then with our oldest. Because he can be, he loves that he can feed her.   On to the actual cancer diagnosis, of course you are in shock and feeling depressed! Do not beat yourself up about this, give yourself time to process. You will have lots of feelings of "I'm too young for this s**t" and it is a bit confronting when you get asked over and over "Do you have any hearing aids? False teeth?" I'm 37 and usually the youngest getting chemo, but the nurses go above and beyond to make me feel comfortable.    I was given advise at the start by a survivor, he said to only think about the current step, don't think too far ahead. I can't say I've followed this well, but he's right. Every time I've really gotten overwhelmed is when I'm thinking about the long term future. And the fact is what I'm envisioning is not what's going to happen.   I contacted Bowel Cancer Australia and they were so helpful. They also have a buddy program so I have someone to talk to going through a similar experience. Breast Cancer Australia probably has something similar.   When I was diagnosed I felt like I was building my army around me to get ready to go to war. A good Oncologist, surgeon, family, friends, daycare centre, etc, etc.   On the positive, if you can call it that. I am so aware of time now, it is so valuable. Ever minute I spend with my kids, partner, friends is so precious. I make sure I am as available as I can be. Ever when I'm fatigued from chemo I just sit on the ground and let the girls climb all over me and I can not think of a better way to spend my time.   If you want tips and tricks for side effects or what to pack for chemo day or the like, I am more then happy to let you know what works for me.   I wish you all the best with your treatment.   Carly ... View more

Hi Laura,   I think you need to speak with your husbands oncologist, the Immunotherapy can have some bad side effects and this might be a big contributor to how he is feeling?   Palliative care should include speaking with a councillor, so I hope this option has been given to your husband.    Not for everyone, but cannabis might provide some pain relief and stimulate appetite. Personally I take this as a suppository, better absorption without the high.   I hope you get some answers.   Carly ... View more

Hi Jordan,    I have colon cancer and I am on chemo and immunotherapy. The immunotherapy for bowel cancer isn't great, unlike melanoma and some other cancers. They need to do DNA testing on a biopsy, they hopefully took this when they found the tumour? And then depending on the results, either wild-type RAS or mutated RAS, they can work out what is best. I don't know what qualifies patients under the PBS though. Be aware these have some bad side effects and need to be carefully considered, as they are not a cure, but might slow things down a bit.   I hope this helps, if you have any questions I am happy to help with my very limited knowledge.    Carly ... View more

Hi Gloria,   I've just read your message. How are you?   Sending lots of positive energy your way.    Carly ... View more

I agree, Moogoo has been great for me! If I was you I'd order online and order the 1 litre tubs. The Milk Wash is lovely and gentle, but cleansing and the Skin Milk Udder Cream is beautifully moisturizing. I use the code "livelovenourish" and get 15% off online. They do have a chemo pack that is good too. Another natural brand I love is Weleda, they have a cream called Skin Food. It's super thick, if you find you need something stronger. But it is a bit more expensive. Good luck with your treatment! ... View more

https://www.sciencealert.com/new-t-cell-therapy-kills-most-human-cancer-types-and-might-work-across-individuals ... View more

Oh Tom, my heart breaks for your family! It is the worst. During my come down day, after the high from the steroids, I can get very negative! I'm writing my death letters to my girls and my partner in my head, bawling my eyes out. I've spoken with a psychologist and now have a few tricks to stop myself "falling down the hole". I've found it has gotten better. At the time I was diagnosed the tragedy on White Island was unfolding, I kept thinking these people were on holiday - kids, multiple family members, terrible! I'm so thankful that I have time, maybe not as much as I thought, but still time. Both my daughter's are getting a shiny spot on their heads from all my kisses. And I tell all my friends and family that I love them every time I speak with them. Even though my Oncologist has said there is no cure, just management, I haven't given up on a miracle. This might be it  https://www.sciencealert.com/new-t-cell-therapy-kills-most-human-cancer-types-and-might-work-across-individuals  I hope you have friends and family around you. If your wife ever wants to email and compare treatment or tactics for side effects let me know. Also she should contact Bowel Cancer Australia, they have been an amazing support. I've spoken with their nurse and nutritionist, they also matched me with a peer/buddy going through the same thing. Talking to him has been very helpful! I'm sure you feel very alone, but you are not, you've got a beautiful family that loves you. Take pleasure in the time you have, make as many memories as you can. And keep your fingerscrossed for a miracle.  Carly ... View more