Cancer Survivors Network - The F Word - Comments

The freedom to kick back and just do nothing.

terato — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 11:47:09 -0400

I no longer feel guilty about spending lazy afternoons at the computer or on the couch. There was a time when I could not say this because I was plagued with the whole "work ethic" dogma that unproductive time was wasted time. But who really determines what time is "unproductive"? My best ideas have come while I was lying on the couch, staring at the ceiling. On Friday, I was installing a lock on my back door, frustrated, after an hour, at not being able to get the screws from one side to fit into the holes on the other side. I called "time-out", retreating to my couch where I stared into space, picturing the lock assembly in my mind until I could figure out what I was doing wrong. A "bolt" shot through my mental configuration, not a bolt of lightening, but the bolt of the lock assembly, the third component that I had neglected in my previous attempts at installation. Once I loosened the bolt from the door, it was easier to fit the other two parts together, taking only 30 seconds to complete.

It is far wiser to be a "human being" than a "human doing"; think, dream, contemplate, meditate, above all, rest.

<< Luke 12:24 >>
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
"Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds!

Love and Courage!

Rick

Thank you

janet45 — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 09:37:47 -0400

Thank you, kimby for this posting. I had not seen this discussion when I posted my inquiry yesterday about physical activity. I have made a copy and will give it to my husband and keep it in a prominent place for myself. The hopeful words at the end that the fatigue was manageable was especially appreciated.

Thank You

faithandprayer — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 20:37:04 -0400

Thank you, kimby, for sharing!!! I'm 39 and for the past 4 years, I have suffered tremendously from fatigue. In addition to my recent BC diagnosis, I also have Severe Vitamin D Deficiency.

This describes everything I have experienced and felt but not been able to put into words for years. My fatigue has paralyzed my health, relationships, career and every facet of my life experience.

Again, many thanks. I'm going to share this post with everyone who watched me transition from an active early 30's to a sedate, inactive, socially retreated mid & late 30's woman.

You have posted the words I have simply been too fatigued to find!

Warm Hugs,
KC

know what? even us healthy

sue Siwek — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 20:23:46 -0400

know what? even us healthy care givers should learn this. when i want to take a day off from working out i remind myself that i need this for my physical as well as mental well being and i get busy. it gives me the strength to help my husband get out of his chair.

I know that feeling..

lindaprocopio — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 16:59:05 -0400

Sometimes I'm just so tired that I could just cry.

But you're right. When I push myself to do some sort of exercise, I do feel better and not as fatigued.

The F Word

kimby — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:48:14 -0400

This was actually posted on another message board that I frequent. I love it and found it wonderfully helpful. I hope you do, too. Kimby

The F word

Fatigue is the most common challenge of cancer -- pervasive, life-changing, and not responsive to rest. But there is an answer

By Julie Mason, The Ottawa CitizenJune 28, 2009

It was laundry day in our three-storey townhouse, and I'd already made two trips between bedrooms and basement.

I looked fine and, if you had asked me how I felt that day, I'd probably have answered "fine." But when the Man of the House found me snivelling at the bottom of the staircase, I was forced to admit I'd succumbed to one of cancer's unfortunate side-effects -- fatigue.