Only cancer patients can laugh so much at poo stories or as my family call it - toilet talk. And I don't even have a bag! So many senses involved in the imagery! ... View more

I really feel for you. When I was on chemo, my Jack Russell, Spud the wonder dog followed me around like a two year old. She definitely knew that something was wrong. My son's (then aged 13)favourite story is when he cam home from school one day all he could hear was me snoring on the lounge (nanna nap time)and the dog at my feet snoring as well in synch with my own! thoughts to you. S ... View more

Hi Meagan, I has surgery and chemo for Stage 3 colon cancer 4 years ago. I agree with kj that chemo affects everyone differently but I would be interested to know the drugs you will be on and what your regime will. I had a picc line inserted and had oxalipalitan and 5FU infusions. I had an infusion every fortnight and then went home with my "jet pack" for 2 days of slow release 5FU.I then went back after 2 days to have that removed and another short infusion. This went on for 12 rounds of treatment - basically 6 months that was extended due to about 7 due to some weeks not being able to have treatment and Christmas etc. The unknown is really scary so ask as many questions as you can. I found that the nurses at the clinic were sensational and I am lucky to have a really good and kind oncologist who answered all of my questions with a great amount of humanity. He still does. One piece of advice - take someone with you for the first round. It is long and boring but they may think of questions that you don't and it someone else to listen and take in the enormous amount of information. This is assuming that you are having infusions. If you having the oral chemo, then you may find it to be toatally different. Good luck and never fell afraid to pop in here! If you wish to, you may drop me a personal message. S ... View more

i just came across this post. It's funny how we need, at times, to give ourselves labels to try to make sense of our lives. BC, I predominantly classified myself as a teacher and wife and mother. Now I also see myself in terms of a survivor but ironically I haven't been able to do the survivor's lap at Relay for Life, despite having a number of friends who are involved in the event. I have only 1 more year to go to the magic 5 years and then I wonder if I really will think of myself as true survivor. Another observation- I am no longer definite about how I will feel in a year's time. 4 year's ago I would have been more definite about my opinions and views. i guess now nothing surprises me. One thing is certain - the survivor badge is one we certainly all earn. ... View more

I'm with Harker. Definitely need a photo of the dress as the dress is what makes the whole thing real isn't it? That and a $20,000 price tag for a big gathering where no-one talks to the couple? Pretending is much cheaper and I would imaginr much more fun. Keeps the excitement and the mystery! ... View more

Craftyone, Chemo does wonderful things to the smell of everything doesn't it!? My family would howl if they were unfortunate enought to venture into the loo after I had need of rushing there as a result of chemo side effects. Not only was there little warning and even less control, but the chemo smell was horrendous! How wonderful it is to have a forum where bodily functions (and disfunctions) can be discussed with candour and humour while always keeping in mind those who help us through the ordeal. Hope things are improving Ben. Samex ... View more

Hi Ben, I I am nowhere near as young as you - 50 at diagnosis but I also had an interesting experience with my then quite elderly parents. They, at the time were early 80s. As with most of us my diagnosis was out of the blue and hit my parents the hardest of all - much harder than my husband and at least one of my sons. (That's another story!) My Dad had received radiation treatment for prostate cancer so had some idea of what was going on, but every second Wednesday, they were at the hospital for the final 2 hours of my 4-5 hour infusion. We then formed a ritual of Dad buying me lunch at the cafe at the hospital while I was still able to eat!They continued this for the entire 7 months of treatment and when they went away fo a couple of weeks, I had to plead with them to go and assure them that I would be OK. Funnily I still had lunch at the cafe after treatment! One of the most poignant moments of the whole ordeal was when Mum cired and said that even though I was 50, I was still her little girl. So yes, I agree - tips our lids to the parents - whatever the age!. Samex PS - My Dad had the same difficulty that you have with leaky bits. His was caused by the radiation burning his rectum and anus.I think that he found this part the worst of the whole ordeal. Good luck with it all. ... View more

Just a short update. The boys finished their run last Saturday and at last count they raised over $50,000 for McGrath foundation. When we criticise "young peole of today" it helps to stop and take note of those who put themselves out to benefit others. I was impressed. S ... View more

Ahh Sleep. Where do it go? Sorry not being of any help - I only found out about dex way too far down the track but if you were a good sleeper before, this could be part of the problem. You may also wish to talk to a medical professional about relaxation techniques to help you switch off your brain. Not sleeping is the pits especially when you need all the rest that you can muster. Sleep has been an ongoing issue for me and even neqarly 4 years down the track my residual neoropathy keeps me awake at night. You'd think that it would behave at night wouldn't you? Seriuously, try and address some of the issues if you can. S ... View more

Just started reading this thead. I am a lucky one who seems to have survived and every day I am grateful for this but I have lost 3 very dear friends just before , during and just after my own diagnosis and treatment. One of my most poignant moments was at a Christmas do with a group of very close and old friends. I had been on treatment for about 3 months and a friend (our best man) had so far endured 2 years of treatment for lung cancer (non-smoker).He called me his chemo buddy. The boys were planning a road trip and my friend very quietly said "don't leave it too long." I think I was the only one who heard him or perhaps I was just sensitive to these type of statements. My husband, who really never conceeded that our friend was dieing, later stated that he probably had a year or so. When I urged him to hurry up and organise the trip he thought that I was being paranoid. Our friend died 6 weeks after their trip. My husband actually conceeded that he was glad that I forced him to organise the trip as our friend lived a considerable distance away and it was the last time he saw him. Perhaps it is paranoia or I believe it is being realistic. As I said, I am lucky but I hope that I am of some comfort(?) to those whose outlook is not as rosey. I have always felt that if I hadn't heard those words, the trip may not have taken place and they would all have lived with "what ifs". Deb, I hope you had a fine birthday and maybe this is the time to surround yourdelf with those who in some way, get it. Take care, Samex ... View more