Hello Carly, I dont supposed you are based on Sunshine Coast are you. I cannot find a Derm with experience/interest in chemotherapy skin problems..... Oncologist and GP cant suggest anyone, every other avenue I go down draws a blank and I would prefer to see someone with that experience.... thank you, Jackie ... View more

Hi Peter, I'm sorry to hear about your situation. For context, I've lost many family members to cancer, had cancer myself and I was involved in a serious auto vehicle accident that took me a lot closer to death than my cancer, and I certainly was not expected to recover from that one either. It was a protracted painful recovery with very little hope of a good outcome.   Before that accident, I was certain that I would choose to die over losing any of my quality of life (I was in my 20's). But in the aftermath of the accident and spending time with people worse off than I was, I learnt I had to change my expectations of what a good recovery was or what I considered quality of life. I learnt to love and appreciate different aspects of my life, my family and loved ones, and who I was.   Now, I'm not trying to suggest one thing or another to you, just give a slightly different perspective to this. The line, no doubt, is different for everyone and it's a very complicated subject. But that line can change given our perspective and expectations.   I wish you well Peter. -s ... View more

Dear Budgie, thanks for replying about hair loss with radiation. It’s great to hear your hair grows back, and I’m still hoping I’ll be able to keep my hair which is thinning. Thanks again Budgie 🌺 ... View more

Oh Tom, how horrible for you and your family, to be dealing with that!   When I got my diagnosis I was freaked out that it was in the liver, but relieved that so far (touch wood) it hasn't gone into the lungs.  I did manage to develop blood clots in the lungs, but hopefully the cancer will stay out of there.  Mine was in the liver, too - so much so that it was initially inoperable.  I, too, have been doing chemo every fortnight (and isn't that fun?) so I can sympathise with your wife for the probably limited days she's feeling even remotely well.  I have the three drugs on the Thursday, with the takeaway bottle for the next two days... also high on my list of stuff I'd rather do without.   It does tend to shift the goalposts a bit, when the cancer goes wandering.  Mine's reduced somewhat, enough that they now think operations are a possibility, however, I'm always aware that it could decide it wants to grow again.  So my deepest sympathy for your wife there - it's so horrible when you've got yourself braced for the operations, only to have that change so suddenly.   I'm glad she's off the oxalyplatin.  That's yucky stuff.  My own neuropathy has been getting worse, so I suspect that's a big factor in the oncologist deciding to stop that treatment.   There's a clinical study being done by QUT, Queensland Health, and UCSF (?) into chemotherapy induce peripheral neuropathy  (CIPN) which is seeking to alleviate symptoms using home based therapies (heat and massage).  The website is research.qut.edu.au/real/cipn/  if you think that may be of some use.   My own philosophy has changed to "que sera sera" but I hope your wife's strength of character wins out over this pernicious disease.  Sending hugs and love to you, your wife, and your little one...    Hugs, Pauline ... View more

I think this chemo brain thing is over-emphasised. I have had 2 types of cancer ( St.3 Colon in 2007, Stage 3 NSCLC in 2017, NED and recurrence of NSCLC this year). Both times I have worked through treatment and still work 3 days a week at 70. I have experienced none of those symptoms which seem prevalent among patients who "take to the couch". Use it or lose it. ... View more

Hi wwroam, thanks for sharing. Looks scrumptious! For anyone interested, here is the link to the recipe book wwroam is recommending 🙂 https://www.rebeccakatz.com/one-bite-at-a-time ... View more

Thanks very much for your reply.   I am in fact going to follow your advice (and Nike)  - and just do it.  I find that I am more tired on days that I am less active (mentally or physically). Whereas when I make the effort to start doing things early in the day, I can achieve quite a lot and have more energy than if I just lay about reading or watching tv.   Cheers Angela                       ... View more

I make no claims about being a tough old rooster. I have continued working from Day 1 and have been through Stage 3A Colon Cancer in 2007, Stage 3A NSCLC in 2017, recurrent Stage 4 NSCLC in 2019. People sometimes need reminding that it isn;t quite business as usual but I'm not ready to take to the couch yet. ... View more

Saw the radiology oncologist last week.  Nup - unless I have chemo  first,  it's not going to happen.   Where the primary cancer is located is very close to the Pulmonary artery,  the secondaries are over the Aorta.   I also have an Aortic aneurysm, located very close to the secondaries.   Is referring me to the palliative team.   Of course all of this takes, what seems to be a hell of a long time.    I started this journey in about July last year.     ... 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