Oh that's really good news and so glad you are feeling better. Hope the future is bright and happy. xxx ... View more

So very true, how do we cope with our cancer diagnosis, it is hard and twelve months on emotionally I am a wreck, I am well , have gone through all my treatments and six overnight hospital  procedures with only needing Panadol for pain relief  No matter how you feel that cancer word  is always running wild in your head, it haunts us non stop and like you jigsaw puzzles are a great distraction and I would say my best distraction  ... View more

Thank you. I did check with the Cancer Council who were most helpful. And also had a checklist of questions to ask. In the event, I'm not eligible for chemotherapy ( surgical team had miscalculated stage if) but will be starting immunotherapy in 2 days time. ... View more

Thank you, Linda. I really appreciate your response. I dont have a great deal of luck with my biolohical family. I will call the Cancer Council tomorrow. I wish you all the best. ... View more

Definitely go and see a doctor and have your fears either confirmed or denied.  Worrying about having cancer is terribly debilitating.  You are 18 and have the best of life still to come.  You have a 50% chance of not carrying the gene.  Always try to find the positive because negativity will kill you.  Ask to have genetic testing done to be sure either way.  If you find out that you're safe, party, travel, love, find your purpose in life and live a full life in honour of your brother and your father.     I wish you well and hope you can find the courage to approach this head on and get the answers you need.   Good luck. x ... View more

thanks for the reply.   i forgot to come back and update you on my journey.   so i had the CT scan and ended up seeing my gyn on the monday. i was desperate for something and although it wasn’t her forte, she took me through the results. it said a lymph node looked suspicious but there was no spread to lungs, bone or liver. that was very reassuring.   i saw the gyn onc the next day who said “im not worried about you at all” but then told me the next step was sentinel lymph node dissection (bilateral) and another wide local excision to remove more margin off the VIN taken in the original procedure. this was early december and surgery was booked for early jan. she told me to forget about this and go enjoy my christmas. easier said than done but ok. i managed to get through the holidays without worrying too much.   january rolled around and i had my nuclear scan last week then the surgery the following morning. all went well and i was sent home after 2 nights at the hospital. the drains were the worst part. i’ve been home resting since then and my gyn onc called on tuesday with my results. it was a tense wait for that phone call not knowing what the result would be (she assured me the chance of lymph node spread was very small but still, you just never know) but she called and the nodes were all clear. she also said the extra tissue she took in the second wide local excision showed VIN changes but it was all excised with good margins and in her words “you have a perfectly healthy vulva now”. epic relief. there are no words.   ill be watched like a hawk now and of course i’m petrified of a reoccurrence but i’ve been given a reprieve and i’ll take it. i’m so grateful 💜💜 ... View more

Hi Chris, sorry you have to have surgery. Yes it’s a scary choice to have to make. I’m sure there are people on here who have had Whipple surgery so hopefully they will respond to you. Maybe do your own research about this type of op or speak to the cancer council for information. Sending you love and prayers 🙏💕. Linda  ... View more

Thank you, Susana.     ... View more

Hi John. I'm Liz and my biopsy was positive to right kidney  cancer on October 27th 2023. I had a laparoscopy for full kidney removal last Tuesday, 19th Dec. I was operated on as a public patient at Canberra Hospital. My operation was rescheduled from 21/11/23 and 28/11/23. The only bill I had to pay was for the biopsy, minus the Medicare rebate. I receive a part aged pension. Can Assist will pay all bills for me from diagnosis onward. They also give fuel vouchers. The xray was before I found out about Can Assist. Prescriptions are automatically billed to them by the pharmacy.  As I live more than 100kms from Canberra Hospital, I am eligible for Government accommodation and travel assistance. I don't understand why your op is taking so long. Mine was a full nepherectomy. Hoping things get better for you. The specialist did say that kidney cancers are slow growing.     ... View more

Hi Mafileo58, I felt so sad reading your story about your brother. How crushing for you and him after everything he has been through. You are both so young too. I am a cancer survivor but also experienced being a caregiver for my very unwell mum after dad died. I know some days I would feel completely overwhelmed physically and emotionally. Somehow I got through it until mum passed away. We managed to still have good times and make good memories. You are a wonderful brother to care so much. Just keep loving him, ask him what he needs from you. Make sure you have someone you can talk to honestly about your feelings and get support.  Keep praying 🙏. I ask God to give you peace and courage. 💕🙏 LindaG ... View more