Just diagnosed with cancer

MoonDragon

jenben59 said:

To everyone that has comforted me and answered my questions
I have good news! I thought I was to start Chemo this Thursday, but it was a doctor's visit about all my CAT scans and MRI's. Anyway, as far as the doctor can tell there is NO cancer in my liver, abdoman, lungs, or my brain! This is the first good news I've had since November. It made my day. I told my doctor about this Web site as well and how kind everyone has been. Anyway, chemo does start on Wednesday. So, I'll let you know how it is going and take any advice your willing to offer. Thank you all again for your comments and support.

Yay!! Congrats on not having
Yay!! Congrats on not having cancer in your other organs!!! What a relief!

daydreamer110761

jenben59 said:

To everyone that has comforted me and answered my questions
I have good news! I thought I was to start Chemo this Thursday, but it was a doctor's visit about all my CAT scans and MRI's. Anyway, as far as the doctor can tell there is NO cancer in my liver, abdoman, lungs, or my brain! This is the first good news I've had since November. It made my day. I told my doctor about this Web site as well and how kind everyone has been. Anyway, chemo does start on Wednesday. So, I'll let you know how it is going and take any advice your willing to offer. Thank you all again for your comments and support.

Sleeping with the pump
Just wanted to jump in and add my 2 cents. I go in for treatment number 4 on Tuesday, haven't had any trouble sleeping with the pump - and I sleep on my stomach (but I don't roll around alot either). I just pull the tubing out a little extra, and put the pump under my pillow, and I arrange the pillows so that the needle/port is sort of laying at the edge of the pillow and not sqaushed on the bed. My biggest fear was the cat wanting to play with it, but that hasn't been an issue either - she seems to know and stays away from me those 2 nights.

The only real problem I had was this last time and going to a "closer and more convenient" place, they didn't tape it down which I thought was wierd, and after going to the bathroom the tube got stuck under my breast and pulled apart. I had blood spurting from one end and chemo from the other, and panicked (I hate blood anyway). My fiance came in and calmly stopped the IV with the little plugs - had I not been freaked by the sight of red it wouldn't have been hard to do that myself, I just wasn't thinking! Needless to say - I learned a valuable lesson and will stick to the cancer center!

By the way - I hadn't heard anything about the cat little deal - I have a covered box, but I change the litter - should this be a great excuse to make Nick do it??? LOL!

jenben59

MoonDragon said:

Hi Jenben,
I'm sorry to meet
Hi Jenben,

I'm sorry to meet you under these circumstances, but pleased to meet you nonetheless! I echo every sentiment here, especially the part about staying off the net. I unfortunately didn't follow that advice and was a walking wreck which made recovery more difficult for me. We've all been in your shoes, one shoe style or another and we're all here for you! There's no question that we don't throw out on the table and discuss.

I'm in remission from battle #3 and I've been in your boat financially as well. I lost my home, my children had to go and live with relatives, both my cars were repossessed, my pets went to willing friends and all my belongings were packed up and sent to storage. I went through chemo and radiation on an airmattress in a friend's spare bedroom. I was too ill to work throughout my chemo and my husband's job went belly up while I was in the hospital having my surgery. When he went to claim unemployment we found out that his employer had taken out unemployment taxes from his checks but never paid the gov't. They had no record of my husband working for the last 3 years!! When I was in the hospital, our apartment flooded and ruined all the documentation (don't ever store records in cardboard boxes! lol)that we needed to prove that he had worked. We were stuck on my disability only and have 6 kids. What a nightmare. Our credit being totally shot because of our lack of funds, it was really hard to find a place to rent after my recovery. We're just now making babysteps towards getting our lives back. One step at a time is my best recommendation. That and patience. Be patient with your body as it recovers. Love it and nurture it even though you're frustrated and feeling down over the new changes. I had to tell myself, "ok, this is my new normal" and I'm working with it. Be patient with your financial aspects and know that you'll be taken care of. We always are, in one way or another. Be patient with those who want to make you feel better, they have your best intentions at heart. I looked at my poor husband one day and shouted, "Cut the PollyAnna crap, if I want to feel angry, let me." He was only trying to help me. Most of all, love yourself and let people help you.

We're all here for you, just ask away.

Welcome to our group!

Jorie

Hello
You seem to understand my situation, you've been there. I'm a very structured, "take care of business" kind of person. I don't do well without a home base and at least some basic structure. Not having a home after the flood, not working, and all this cancer "stuff" has just caused me a lot of anxiety. I'm trying to deal with it, but some days are worse than others. Right now, I seem to have no control over anything, not just the cancer. Do you know of any organizations that can help? Even just getting me back and forth to chemo? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.