The radiation was ok. It's the recovery that is still difficult. I was 62 when I had the lumpectomy and lymph glands removed.  Went through 16 sessions of daily radiation and thought it was over. I was told there could be a sunburn like sideffects but I'm still coping with swelling, and redness. Mammogram and ultra sound all showed nothing. Dr. confirmed it wasn't any more cancer and that my deformed breast was from the radiation and takes time to heal. It's been 8 months now it's not changing. It was a very small lump removed and never expected my whole breast to be so deformed. Does anyone else have this problem?  ... View more

My thoughts are with you. ... View more

Linda, My heartfelt sympathy to you on the loss of your sister, Jenny. Sending you love and strength, Jill ... View more

My sister was diagnosed in March 2010 with Peritoneal Mesoth.. and sadly passed away on Friday. She fought a huge battle after having 2 lots of breast cancer then this. she was so strong and gave herself goals all the way. she spent some time in hospital and stayed at home for most of it. She tried chemo right up to the end. On Thursday night she had tickets to the Beach Boys and she went. It upset her she could not climb the steps and had to be carried but she got over that. Sadly she got blood clots in her leg and ended up in hospital on Monday. We got a call on Thursday to say she was not seeing visitors so we heading to Perth. I did not go straight to see her as it was very late, choosing to visit Friday morning. We received a call to say she had a turn for the worst at 7.10. We jumped in the car but sadly she passed away just before we got there. It was a huge shock as we did not expect it so soon. After the shock I went in to see her and I was able to smile and give her a hug as she had no more pain and she looked so peaceful. My sister should be an inspiration to all cancer patients. She had so much fight in her. After each chemo she would walk out and book a trip to Bali, her favourite place. She would come back ready for the next round. Her funeral is set for the 24th and this will be a big day but I can assure you she will be sent off with the strength and dignity she deserves. Linda ... View more

Condolences to you & your family Alison xxx ... View more

To all you poor darlings out there suffering the fear of losing the battle, or watching a loved one struggle on, it's too much for a person to bear, too much for the soul, it is understood. I am sure I am not going out on too much of a limb when I speak for others here but, we feel your pain, we really do and we are sorry, very sorry for your pain. God bless, may we be reunited with our loved ones again. ... View more

the appointments start - MRI booked for today at 1pm, then ultra sound tomorrow, then appointment with the Dr. i wonder what they will tell us. Linda ... View more

Hey Linda Congratulations to you all, what a wonderful achievement. Hopetoun is a smaller community and it is great to see everyone banding together to help one another. Nice of the people that have made donations also, it is amazing how much people are willing to give and how readily they give also for cancer. Rgds Julie ... View more

Professor David Morris and the peritonectomy team at St George hospital Kogarah NSW Australia are doing about 2 of these procedures a week for about 6 conditions including peritoneal mesothelioma. Patients come from all over Australia and the Southern Hemisphere. Probably the biggest operation you can do, you can have confidence in the St George team. Many hours in surgery and a long careful recovery. Thank you to everyone involved. The peritonectomy with heated chemotherapy during the procedure, followed by chemotherapy is the best practice treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma. It provides an improved prognosis to those patients that undertake it. ... View more

Hi Km The first couple of months after the initial diagnosis is a blur of what ifs and other questions. My husband was diagnosed with GBM last March and we lost him in December. We were told he would have anything between 7 months to 2 years. He lasted 10 months. I wouldn't say there is a balance but I'd recommend you think about what you want to do for your mum and what you need to do with your mum for you to be ok should her time be limited. We are the ones who have to pick up the pieces of what's left of our lives when they move.Leave nothing left unsaid...that helps with the grieving process. Also factor in what she wants to do. My husband worked 3 days a week right up to 4 weeks before he passed and I had to facilitate that by driving him to and from work. The drives to and from work (about an hour each way) gave us time away from the girls (we have 2 little uns) to talk about everything and nothing in particular so in facilitating his wish I filled my memory bank with many precious moments. All the best and know there are people here to listen. Sangeeta ... View more