I'm in Canada as well. Ontario to be specific. Although we don't get online access to anything we do request copies of testing completed. We have been able to get CD copies of CT scans and copies of reports as well. I think a lot of the time you need to take initiative yourself and ask for copies.Th...

Wanted to let all the Canadians know it is sometimes possible to get coverage for surgery in the US. BF got declined for HIPEC in Toronto. Toronto is the only HIPEC center in Ontario. We sought a second oppion in Buffalo. Buffalo felt he was a candidate for surgery. Our oncologist filled out the &qu...

The situation is slightly complicated. We were told surgery ideally should be done when 8-10 weeks off chemo...but then the initial surgeon said "no" he no longer thought surgery was appropriate (at week eight). We then got a second opinion and the new surgeon is willing to operate but nee...

I've been wondering.....how fast can cancer mets grow when off chemo? Bf has peritoneal mets only and been off chemo for 11 weeks already. We are starting to worry as it will likely be another 2-4 weeks until he has surgery. Does anyone have any insight about this?

Thanks,

Might be worth getting a second opinion. I don't know much about liver mets myself but I've seen many posts on here with people getting an HAI pump for "inoperable liver mets", having success, and later qualify for surgery.

Hi Arizona mom - I hope all goes well with your consult for surgery. Agreed - waiting is one of the worst parts. We are still waiting to hear from Calgary. Physician was apparently on holidays last week. In the meantime I did find an article based on a study done in Sweden. The article states that H...

So very sorry to hear you lost your best friend. Your words at her funeral are beautiful. If reading them over and over brings you a small sense of joy then keep doing it. I also agree with what missmolly said - talk aloud to your friend if you'd like. I also find comfort talking aloud to those that...

Thought I'd post a reply to my own thread in case anyone else is ever in the same situation. Toronto said no to HIPEC "tumor burden too great". Our amazing oncologist was able to get a hold of the Calgary HIPEC center the same day. Calgary was apparently the first location to do this surge...

Earlier this year I remember reading some studies about the effects of exercise on cancer patients. I believe the results said that even light exercise (like a short walk around the block) helps to manage fatigue and stimulate appetite (which can be minimal on chemo). If you haven't already check ou...

This is a rather specific question but I'm hoping some Canadians might be able to help us out. We are from Ontario and Toronto is the only location for HIPEC in Ontario. We've already been referred to Toronto for HIPEC surgery but after the laparoscopic look last week and being told they want to &qu...

These types of stories keep my hopes up. Thank you for telling your story!

Thank you for posting! Love hearing these stories to remind me it what is possible.

Oh Steph. So sorry to hear this. Did they explain why more surgery is not an option? Maybe it can be later on?

Hi Steph - Hope everything goes well and it's an easy fix. Keep us posted. I'll be thinking about you.

I have experience working with people with injuries. I agree with the previous post. To avoid using your abdominals too much, roll to your side first, then use your hands to push yourself up to a seated position. Another good option is to get yourself a wedge pillow (essentially a large dense triang...