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Topic
sunshine posted
about 2 years ago
Joining CanTeen
I've been considering joining CanTeen, however I am 22 and am not sure whether it's 'too late'.
I just finished a round of 'mop up' radiation therapy (6.5 weeks, everyday). This was precautionary therapy to make sure they didnt leave anything behind.
They found a tumour in my parotid gland which extended 12cm deep inside my neck. The treatment affected me quite badly because of the area they treated and the high dose I was given.
My oncologist is quite certain that it will not return, so I feel like this is the end of my cancer journey.
I'd love to hear what everyone thinks.
7 Comments in this Topic
Jen said
about 2 years ago
Hi Sunshine,
It's never 'to late' to join CanTeen as you put it. CanTeen is an amazing organisation to be involved in. The support you can get from talking to other people that have gone through a similar situation or are going through is totally priceless. Our members are aged between 12-25...so don’t think your 'to old' either! We also have Over 18’s programs for us oldies to! I am personally 23 and have been a member of CanTeen for 3 years now...I’m a Bereaved Offspring member and from personal experience I had no support from friends and they really did not understand what I was going through with my mums cancer. After her death things got even worse. When I joined CanTeen I met so many other amazing young people who showed me the true meaning of peer support. I cant give my opinion from a patients view obviously. All I can say is that CanTeen changed my life and I would not be the person I am today without the support I received (and still receive) and from the tight friendships I have made.You really don’t have anything to lose to maybe join up, go along to something and see how it goes? We have offices all around Australia-where abouts are you at? Oh and just because you sign up doesn’t mean you have to be active/involved. You can do as little or as much as you want.
You mentioned the treatment affected you quite badly-How are you going now? Who have you received support through during your journey? Were you treated in an Adult Oncology ward and how did you find it?
Anything else you want to know about CanTeen just shoot...
Jen
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sunshine said
about 2 years ago
Hi Jen
Thanks for your reply!
I think I will join and see how I go - I'm in Hobart, Tassie.
I finished treatment on Friday 19th Feb, so I'm still dealing with symptoms. I still cant eat (i'm on liquids only) but am slowly introducing some solid foods. I have alot of friends and family who have supported me through my journey. Even though I've had the support from them, I have still felt like noone truly understands what it feels like (emotionally and physically).
My partner had just taken 12 months off work to travel just before my diagnosis, so he put his travel on hold to look after me (he's going to be leaving by the end of March, we think - all things going well with me!).
I was treated in an Adult Oncology ward. I found it okay because I hadnt experienced anything like that before, and I was also treated right at the end of the day, so noone was really around.
About CanTeen - what kind of stuff do the Over 18's groups do? How often do you guys meet up (generally)?
Cheers - Sunshine -
Jen said
about 2 years ago
Hey Sunshine,
To easy. Tassie have some pretty cool people. Im from QLD Division but we do some National Programs (Camps etc.. with young people from all around Australia) so I have come to know some of the crew down there. I would say join-that way you will get sent the pack and a year calendar-with all the programs on it. TAS also link up with VIC to do lots of programs to. I think It would be a great way to meet people that will understand and hopefully gain support (and get where your coming from in regards to emotionally, physically etc.)
Sounds like your treatment was pretty good-lucky...sometimes your people get stuck in wards with lots of oldies around them J That’s great you had such a supportive partner and family J
There are a number of programs from Healthy Living (We do gender specific ones), Good Grief, Big week long camps-Summer and Winter, Patients Camp, 18+ Weekend away, Cafe Crawls, REC Days the list really goes on and on... I would say give the TAS office a call and say your interested in being a member and ask them to tell you what’s coming up in your area (cos obviously i only really know QLD’s programme!) I know Tas catch up a lot out of CanTeen hours to aka friend catch ups and stuff.
Let me know how you go! I will see if I can get a Tas friend to post on here to let you know whats coming up to!
Jen
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Jen said
about 2 years ago
Oh you can click here and scroll down to Tasmania for the Contact Details to: http://canteen.org.au/default.asp?menuid=161
Lachie said
about 2 years ago
Hey Sunshine
Really sounds like your partner is looking after you! Wow
Were you at the RHH? I worked there for a month last year, I'm a Radiography student at Monash.
The Tassie crew combine with us (the Vics) for most programs, just because they don't yet have the numbers for separate programs all the time. As a result we're all pretty close.
Our 18+ Camp is in June this year at Anglesea in Victoria. The camp is a Friday arvo - Sunday arvo Camp, and will be a pretty chilled affair. The Tassie crew come over earlier in the day obviously, but it's a good fun weekend away.
There are other 18+ events that happen, the older Tassie members will organise those though, and I think that they are usually in Hobart.
So, anyway, joining up. I don't know what the number of the Tasmanian Office is, but I do know that the street address is 38 Cromwell St, Battery Point, right near the church at the top of the hill at Battery Point, if you know where that is. I could probably get one of the Tassie Members to give you the phone number.
Anyway, if you join up soon, you should be able to come on the 18+ Camp. You could probably bully the other guys into holding an 18+ Rec Day as well :)
Good luck
Lachie-
sunshine said
about 2 years ago
Hey Lachie!
Yes I was at the RHH (W.P. Holman Clinic).
I would absolutely love to come to the event in June. I have signed up online, but will also go and visit the office in Battery Point - the numbers are all on the CanTeen website by the way!!
Thanks so much for your reply - I think I will definately get involved. YES my partner is amazing. Even though my diagnosis put his travel plans on hold, and also my travel plans - our journey together through this has made us stronger.
Cheers!!!
By the way - I'm feeling quite sick still, and to feel your and Jen's support so far today has already made me perk up (and that's not the morphine talking!!!). - Thank you -
Jen said
about 2 years ago
Good work Lachie!!! See being up here amongst the sunshine...I don’t really know whats happening in your part of the world! Thanks mate!
Woohoooo glad you signed up!!! And hearing that you feel better just from the support for us makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Thats the CanTeen vibe coming out! Love it!
Good Luck getting on board down there J
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