This is valuable research into the impact of COVID-19 on cancer treatment and experience. It’s all multiple choice, unless you choose to add additional info.  An unexpected benefit for me in responding to the questionnaire is that I could express just how deeply I’ve been impacted by not having One. Single. Hug. since my diagnosis due to the whole (very necessary) social distancing thing 🙃 ... View more

Hi Debbiev, It’s great that you’re thinking deeply about how to maximise your health and well-being. Being concerned - without panicking - about possible infection when in large groups is very good self-care!  *A large group of people* *close together* *especially in a closed, indoor environment* might not be the best for you right now. Are your friends and family understanding and respectful of the fact that you are immuno-suppressed? If so, they will hopefully be very understanding of you not attending some gatherings and/or asking people to maintain distance and wear masks around you. Due to COVID-19 at least people are a lot more aware now of the need to protect others, particularly those like you (and anyone with cancer) who has a compromised immune system.   Even though wearing a mask yourself in these situations won’t protect you from this or any other virus, it may decrease any viral load that you might take in ... and I find that when I’m wearing a mask and rockin’ my bald head in my small Tassie town, people give me a wide berth!    it can be hard to ask other people to change their behaviours or be inconvenienced for us. Please stand strong for yourself. Imagine you’re your own best friend and you’re being a warrior woman to keep you safe. Just as I’m sure you would be a fiercely protective ally for any of your friends or family!!!   Blessings of strength, peace and good health to you, xo Laya ... View more

Oh my goodness! All you beautiful people in this video have lifted my spirits beyond anything you could possibly imagine. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your words of encouragement, commitment and support for all of us whose worlds have been rocked by cancer. ... View more

A brilliant podcast. Thank you so much! ... View more

Hi Julia, It’s such a personal decision to make! I’m sure you’ll get lots of tips & ideas here.  It had been suggested to me to cut my hair short/er once I started chemo, so that the transition to no hair wouldn’t be as dramatic. My hair started falling out by the handful a few weeks in & I soon found myself upset & obsessively searching for clumps of hair - it was absolutely everywhere! That was when I knew I had to take action. My son gave me a 3-stage cut. As much as possible we turned it into a fun and adventurous experience. Initially  he gave me an undercut & braided the remaining hair into a Viking style (I’m 58 lol). Then he buzz cut Celtic knotwork into the undercut - I wish we’d taken photos! The final cut was an all-over stubble cut. The reason it’s suggested to not shave the hair too close to the scalp is to ensure that there are no injuries to any lumps or bumps that may be on the scalp which could easily get infected given our compromised immune systems whilst on chemo.  Shaving my head was the most freeing, liberating thing I’ve ever done. I was so anxious beforehand, because my hair was the only thing I loved about my appearance. It was a revelation to look at myself in the mirror afterwards with love & compassion and see my precious, true self.  Let us know what you decide & how it goes for you 💞 ... View more