New Diagnosis....fear is Overwhelming
Comments
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Fear
Boy, I think all of us on this board relate to your fears and stress. This horrific disease is a monster that we are all fighting! I just wanted to take a minute to mention the drug, Ativan. As a nurse, I'm sure you are well aware of it. I primarily take it at night to help me sleep, but my chemo nurses tell me that it is a wonderful anti-nausea drug and is used mostly for that with chemo patients. Perhaps that is why I have never had any nausea with years of chemo. Anyway, it really sounds like you need to be taking something. You are in my thoughts and prayers. With hugs, MM0 -
Thank youMichaelaMarie said:Fear
Boy, I think all of us on this board relate to your fears and stress. This horrific disease is a monster that we are all fighting! I just wanted to take a minute to mention the drug, Ativan. As a nurse, I'm sure you are well aware of it. I primarily take it at night to help me sleep, but my chemo nurses tell me that it is a wonderful anti-nausea drug and is used mostly for that with chemo patients. Perhaps that is why I have never had any nausea with years of chemo. Anyway, it really sounds like you need to be taking something. You are in my thoughts and prayers. With hugs, MM
I have never tried Ativan but yes do know of it. I have taken Xanax and it does help but kind of leaves me real tired the next day. I think I may ask to try the Ativan though because if it helps with nausea too that would be a great added bonus. MichaelaMarie, thank you so much for the suggestion. Hugs to you too, Michele0 -
Lots of experience with radiation on the UTERINE cancer Boardluvseals said:Thank you
I have never tried Ativan but yes do know of it. I have taken Xanax and it does help but kind of leaves me real tired the next day. I think I may ask to try the Ativan though because if it helps with nausea too that would be a great added bonus. MichaelaMarie, thank you so much for the suggestion. Hugs to you too, Michele
First, a BIG HUG! This is terrifying, at least until you get used to it, and maybe always to some degree. I wanted to invite you to also stop in to the UTERINE CANCER discussion board, as we have many endometrial cancer survivors there, and most of us are very experienced with the radiation protocol that you are about to go through. Please stop over there. You can use the 'SEARCH' box to find posts specifically on radiation therapy.
I have a very rare aggressive form of endometrial cancer that behaves more like ovarian cancer than the more common uterine cancers. For those of us with UPSC, our surgery, chemo, prognosis and recurrance rate is similar to ovarian cancer, and so we drift back and forth between bpoth Discussion Boards. But radiation treatment is much more common for us than for ovarian cancer, and I just yesterday finished up 28 rounds of external pelvic radiation (same as you will have / 5 days a week) and will have my internal radiation June 17th, 24th, and July 1st. Please feel free to contact me and ask me anything about it. It's VERY do-able!
I encourage you to check and see if you will be given IMRT radiation, and if they don't have it at your cancer center, please see if IMRT radiation is available within a reasonable driving distance elsewhere and if your insurance will cover it. IMRT does a better job at protecting surrounding soft tissue, and it's worth driving a couple of hours to get the safest treatment if you can.0 -
Welcomelindaprocopio said:Lots of experience with radiation on the UTERINE cancer Board
First, a BIG HUG! This is terrifying, at least until you get used to it, and maybe always to some degree. I wanted to invite you to also stop in to the UTERINE CANCER discussion board, as we have many endometrial cancer survivors there, and most of us are very experienced with the radiation protocol that you are about to go through. Please stop over there. You can use the 'SEARCH' box to find posts specifically on radiation therapy.
I have a very rare aggressive form of endometrial cancer that behaves more like ovarian cancer than the more common uterine cancers. For those of us with UPSC, our surgery, chemo, prognosis and recurrance rate is similar to ovarian cancer, and so we drift back and forth between bpoth Discussion Boards. But radiation treatment is much more common for us than for ovarian cancer, and I just yesterday finished up 28 rounds of external pelvic radiation (same as you will have / 5 days a week) and will have my internal radiation June 17th, 24th, and July 1st. Please feel free to contact me and ask me anything about it. It's VERY do-able!
I encourage you to check and see if you will be given IMRT radiation, and if they don't have it at your cancer center, please see if IMRT radiation is available within a reasonable driving distance elsewhere and if your insurance will cover it. IMRT does a better job at protecting surrounding soft tissue, and it's worth driving a couple of hours to get the safest treatment if you can.
Hi luvseals,
You will definitely find this a place to share your ups and downs, ask questions and help others. These are amazing woman here full of encouragement, enthusiam, compassion and support. I take an antidepressant called Zoloft, it has helped with all that I am dealing with. I was dx stage 3c in Feb 2008 and have been on non stop chemo. Linda has given you some really good advise, she has had a lot of radiation. Please come here as often as you want.
I wouldn't know what to do with out my friends here.It's an awesome bunch of "Teal Warriors".
Hugs and Prayers, Terry0 -
Hugs ♥ Prayers
Dearest Luv,
I am so sorry you are here and going through all this, but you will find lots support and encouragement here. The ativan is a good suggestion from MM (Hi MM so good to see you)
For me just speaking out loud my fears and lifting them in prayer :-) helps lighten the load. Also resting in the prayers of others and there are so many Prayer Warriors here for you. Remember "Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles; it empties today of its strenth". I know for myself easier said than done sometimes.
Sending lots of Prayers ♥ Hugs your way Bonnie0 -
IMRTlindaprocopio said:Lots of experience with radiation on the UTERINE cancer Board
First, a BIG HUG! This is terrifying, at least until you get used to it, and maybe always to some degree. I wanted to invite you to also stop in to the UTERINE CANCER discussion board, as we have many endometrial cancer survivors there, and most of us are very experienced with the radiation protocol that you are about to go through. Please stop over there. You can use the 'SEARCH' box to find posts specifically on radiation therapy.
I have a very rare aggressive form of endometrial cancer that behaves more like ovarian cancer than the more common uterine cancers. For those of us with UPSC, our surgery, chemo, prognosis and recurrance rate is similar to ovarian cancer, and so we drift back and forth between bpoth Discussion Boards. But radiation treatment is much more common for us than for ovarian cancer, and I just yesterday finished up 28 rounds of external pelvic radiation (same as you will have / 5 days a week) and will have my internal radiation June 17th, 24th, and July 1st. Please feel free to contact me and ask me anything about it. It's VERY do-able!
I encourage you to check and see if you will be given IMRT radiation, and if they don't have it at your cancer center, please see if IMRT radiation is available within a reasonable driving distance elsewhere and if your insurance will cover it. IMRT does a better job at protecting surrounding soft tissue, and it's worth driving a couple of hours to get the safest treatment if you can.
Linda:
You truly are an angel to give all the information you do to people. I myself appreciate it immensely. I did check on the radiation just now and yes it is IMRT. That in itself made me feel much better. So, I begin my treatments on Friday and I do feel better with the extra knowledge you have given me. Even though I am a nurse I don't have any knowledge in the oncology area or very little at least. My whole career has been in Newborn Nursery and most people think that because you are a nurse that you have total knowledge about every medical area. Sometimes I don't want people to know I am a nurse for this reason, so they will treat me as though I have no knowledge. Have you had any side effects from the radiation? I now all of sudden remember the third side effect they mentioned, fatigue. They said the most common were fatigue, diarrhea and nausea. Have you experienced any of these? or any others? Thank you for all your help
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Zoloftladyjogger31 said:Welcome
Hi luvseals,
You will definitely find this a place to share your ups and downs, ask questions and help others. These are amazing woman here full of encouragement, enthusiam, compassion and support. I take an antidepressant called Zoloft, it has helped with all that I am dealing with. I was dx stage 3c in Feb 2008 and have been on non stop chemo. Linda has given you some really good advise, she has had a lot of radiation. Please come here as often as you want.
I wouldn't know what to do with out my friends here.It's an awesome bunch of "Teal Warriors".
Hugs and Prayers, Terry
Terry,
I am greatful that there is so much support, what a wonderful group of people. I have actually tried Zoloft. It is the only drug I have ever taken that really made me sick. So, I was unable to use it and I didn't seek another antidepressant. This was about a year ago and up until this past month with the reocurrance of my cancer I didn't feel I had to have something, but at this point I know it would be beneficial. I am looking into the suggestion of Ativan. Thank you Terry though, all advise is greatly appreciated.0 -
Prayers and HugsBonnieR said:Hugs ♥ Prayers
Dearest Luv,
I am so sorry you are here and going through all this, but you will find lots support and encouragement here. The ativan is a good suggestion from MM (Hi MM so good to see you)
For me just speaking out loud my fears and lifting them in prayer :-) helps lighten the load. Also resting in the prayers of others and there are so many Prayer Warriors here for you. Remember "Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles; it empties today of its strenth". I know for myself easier said than done sometimes.
Sending lots of Prayers ♥ Hugs your way Bonnie
Bonnie:
Thank you for the support and encouragement. I am looking into the Ativan, I called the dr. this morning and they are going to call me back this afternoon. I do so much appreciate the prayers from everyone...thank you0 -
Yes, there is some fatigue with radiation.
I came through my radiation really well. If you pop over to the Uterine Cancer Discussion Board (this same website), you will learn of other women who experienced more severe side effects, but I really don't think they had the IMRT type of radiation. I was able to work throughout my radiation, but I did often go stretch out in bed for an hour over lunch and read a book, and I found myself getting a bath and into my jammies before 8 PM and going to bed by 9 most nights.
I encourage you to get some Immodium and keep it with you at all times. I only took the Immodium twice during my 28 rounds of IMRT, (for me the feeling that I NEEDED to go, and then couldn't because of the Immodium, was worse than the diahrea.) You want to have Immodium on hand if you can't get the diahrea under control as it works fast and you need something that works fast. You can keep the diahrea manageable by sticking to the low-fiber diet they will give you to follow. I also used a lot of the 'Tucks' type of medicated wipes (medicated with witch hazel) and even kept some in my purse in a Ziplock. And if I got sore from the diahrea, I'd keep that area coated with vaseline at night and that seemed to heal it up overnight. (Just be sure and wash that off before your treatments every time!)
I drank cranberry juice mixed with water every day, just in case in would help my urinary track, and ate yogurt every day to help keep my intestinal track healthy. I religiously made sure I drank 64 ounces of fluids daily (no caffeine; no alcohol; no carbonated drinks), as dehydration is dangerous and the thing that causes hospitalizations during pelvic radiation more than anything else. So stay hydrated; work at it.
You need to eat protein to help you keep your strength up, so if you like hard-boiled eggs, they are nice to have on hand for a snack. Boost is another good staple for protein during this time. I went out for pancakes and a plain cheese omlette 3 or 4 times a week right after my treatments and that always worked with my digestion. White rice or pasta with broiled chicken or fish was my most common dinner. I take one of those candy-type mutiple vitamin plus a calcium chew every day, no other supplements.
You're going to be surprised how EASY this is! By the end you will be tired, but IMRT is soooo much less scary than the old-type radiation. So if you read blogs where women are posting that they had to have their bowel resectioned or ended up with real bladder issues, please remember that that wasn't IMRT. 5% of IMRT patients have some time of serious side effect; 95% don't. You'll be in 95% group!0 -
Journal
I think that starting a journal helped me the most, other than this site. I would write down a comforting Bible verse each day and then hand all my fears to God. Writing them down helped me. It took about two months for me to calm down and I do take Pacil because I could not sleep.
I'm Stage IV Ovarian and have not had radiation, so can't help you there. Focus on turning your fears into a warrior mode and fight for the cure!!! (((Hugs andPrayers)) Saundra0 -
lindaprocopiolindaprocopio said:Yes, there is some fatigue with radiation.
I came through my radiation really well. If you pop over to the Uterine Cancer Discussion Board (this same website), you will learn of other women who experienced more severe side effects, but I really don't think they had the IMRT type of radiation. I was able to work throughout my radiation, but I did often go stretch out in bed for an hour over lunch and read a book, and I found myself getting a bath and into my jammies before 8 PM and going to bed by 9 most nights.
I encourage you to get some Immodium and keep it with you at all times. I only took the Immodium twice during my 28 rounds of IMRT, (for me the feeling that I NEEDED to go, and then couldn't because of the Immodium, was worse than the diahrea.) You want to have Immodium on hand if you can't get the diahrea under control as it works fast and you need something that works fast. You can keep the diahrea manageable by sticking to the low-fiber diet they will give you to follow. I also used a lot of the 'Tucks' type of medicated wipes (medicated with witch hazel) and even kept some in my purse in a Ziplock. And if I got sore from the diahrea, I'd keep that area coated with vaseline at night and that seemed to heal it up overnight. (Just be sure and wash that off before your treatments every time!)
I drank cranberry juice mixed with water every day, just in case in would help my urinary track, and ate yogurt every day to help keep my intestinal track healthy. I religiously made sure I drank 64 ounces of fluids daily (no caffeine; no alcohol; no carbonated drinks), as dehydration is dangerous and the thing that causes hospitalizations during pelvic radiation more than anything else. So stay hydrated; work at it.
You need to eat protein to help you keep your strength up, so if you like hard-boiled eggs, they are nice to have on hand for a snack. Boost is another good staple for protein during this time. I went out for pancakes and a plain cheese omlette 3 or 4 times a week right after my treatments and that always worked with my digestion. White rice or pasta with broiled chicken or fish was my most common dinner. I take one of those candy-type mutiple vitamin plus a calcium chew every day, no other supplements.
You're going to be surprised how EASY this is! By the end you will be tired, but IMRT is soooo much less scary than the old-type radiation. So if you read blogs where women are posting that they had to have their bowel resectioned or ended up with real bladder issues, please remember that that wasn't IMRT. 5% of IMRT patients have some time of serious side effect; 95% don't. You'll be in 95% group!
Hi Linda,
all the ladies had such wonderful and compassionate advice, but your suggestions and information particularly made me stop and read it slowly again.
I hope I never have to deal with radiation therapy, but we never know and I think your down to earth advice was so informative.
I hope you're feeling well,
Jane0 -
Luvseals
I, like most of the ladies on this wonderful board can relate to your cancer fear, we've all been there.
I was diagnosed stage 4B, two+ years ago and now I'm facing my third chemo regime.
We know it's a chronic disease, but each time it raises it's ugly head, the old terror comes back.
We have to face it head on, with inner strength we never knew we had and beat it back into the hell it came out of.
I'm so glad that your hubby has said he'll be there for you, that's the strength you need to lean on.
the only advice I can give you is to take it one day at a time, and remember that there are so many types of treatments now, and coming along and you'll find the right one.
good luck, be well and please feel welcome to post and vent whenever you need to.
Jane0 -
Janejane65 said:Luvseals
I, like most of the ladies on this wonderful board can relate to your cancer fear, we've all been there.
I was diagnosed stage 4B, two+ years ago and now I'm facing my third chemo regime.
We know it's a chronic disease, but each time it raises it's ugly head, the old terror comes back.
We have to face it head on, with inner strength we never knew we had and beat it back into the hell it came out of.
I'm so glad that your hubby has said he'll be there for you, that's the strength you need to lean on.
the only advice I can give you is to take it one day at a time, and remember that there are so many types of treatments now, and coming along and you'll find the right one.
good luck, be well and please feel welcome to post and vent whenever you need to.
Jane
Thank you so much for the uplifting words and support. I will keep all that you said in mind and try to remember to work through it one day at a time. I know there is alot of different types of treatment out there and I am praying that this monster of a disease is one day soon no more. Good luck to you as well Jane and thanks again.0 -
Saundrasaundra said:Journal
I think that starting a journal helped me the most, other than this site. I would write down a comforting Bible verse each day and then hand all my fears to God. Writing them down helped me. It took about two months for me to calm down and I do take Pacil because I could not sleep.
I'm Stage IV Ovarian and have not had radiation, so can't help you there. Focus on turning your fears into a warrior mode and fight for the cure!!! (((Hugs andPrayers)) Saundra
Thank you for suggesting a journal. I have thought that I would like to do that and I think it may help me with my fears. I wrote a jounal in college when I was having a tough time and it did help. Hugs and prayers to you too Michele (luvseals) 0 -
Tipslindaprocopio said:Yes, there is some fatigue with radiation.
I came through my radiation really well. If you pop over to the Uterine Cancer Discussion Board (this same website), you will learn of other women who experienced more severe side effects, but I really don't think they had the IMRT type of radiation. I was able to work throughout my radiation, but I did often go stretch out in bed for an hour over lunch and read a book, and I found myself getting a bath and into my jammies before 8 PM and going to bed by 9 most nights.
I encourage you to get some Immodium and keep it with you at all times. I only took the Immodium twice during my 28 rounds of IMRT, (for me the feeling that I NEEDED to go, and then couldn't because of the Immodium, was worse than the diahrea.) You want to have Immodium on hand if you can't get the diahrea under control as it works fast and you need something that works fast. You can keep the diahrea manageable by sticking to the low-fiber diet they will give you to follow. I also used a lot of the 'Tucks' type of medicated wipes (medicated with witch hazel) and even kept some in my purse in a Ziplock. And if I got sore from the diahrea, I'd keep that area coated with vaseline at night and that seemed to heal it up overnight. (Just be sure and wash that off before your treatments every time!)
I drank cranberry juice mixed with water every day, just in case in would help my urinary track, and ate yogurt every day to help keep my intestinal track healthy. I religiously made sure I drank 64 ounces of fluids daily (no caffeine; no alcohol; no carbonated drinks), as dehydration is dangerous and the thing that causes hospitalizations during pelvic radiation more than anything else. So stay hydrated; work at it.
You need to eat protein to help you keep your strength up, so if you like hard-boiled eggs, they are nice to have on hand for a snack. Boost is another good staple for protein during this time. I went out for pancakes and a plain cheese omlette 3 or 4 times a week right after my treatments and that always worked with my digestion. White rice or pasta with broiled chicken or fish was my most common dinner. I take one of those candy-type mutiple vitamin plus a calcium chew every day, no other supplements.
You're going to be surprised how EASY this is! By the end you will be tired, but IMRT is soooo much less scary than the old-type radiation. So if you read blogs where women are posting that they had to have their bowel resectioned or ended up with real bladder issues, please remember that that wasn't IMRT. 5% of IMRT patients have some time of serious side effect; 95% don't. You'll be in 95% group!
Linda:
Thank you sooo much for all the valuable tips. The one thing that will be hard for me is the no carbonated drinks, as I do drink quite a few diet soft drinks. I am not a big water drinker either, but I will certainly work at it. Sugar free koolaid and lemonade etc. would be great if that would be acceptable. I love cranberry juice so that would work well too. Thank you for all the Great suggestions. You are a wonderful person to be so helpful to so many. I have noticed that you reply to many posts and let me tell you I really appreciate it. You are indeed very special...BIG BIG Love & Hugs to you! Michele (luvseals)0 -
here for you
hi michelle~
i'm new to this board but am hear to support and listen. like everyone here, i can relate to your fears. cancer is a terrifying thing and i'm just learning how to live with/alongside it or as i say to my friends and family how to "wear it." it's good that you are articulating your feelings. the last thing you want is to keep it in and just marinate in it.
oscar wilde said: "we are all in the gutter. some of us are looking at the stars." recognizing where you are is important. but more importantly, know that there are stars out there to gaze upon. there's hope. and we're rooting you on!
hugs and blessings,
cece0 -
me toosaundra said:Journal
I think that starting a journal helped me the most, other than this site. I would write down a comforting Bible verse each day and then hand all my fears to God. Writing them down helped me. It took about two months for me to calm down and I do take Pacil because I could not sleep.
I'm Stage IV Ovarian and have not had radiation, so can't help you there. Focus on turning your fears into a warrior mode and fight for the cure!!! (((Hugs andPrayers)) Saundra
I believe in journaling too :-)0 -
CECE: I like "In the darkness you can see the stars"ambientbeats said:here for you
hi michelle~
i'm new to this board but am hear to support and listen. like everyone here, i can relate to your fears. cancer is a terrifying thing and i'm just learning how to live with/alongside it or as i say to my friends and family how to "wear it." it's good that you are articulating your feelings. the last thing you want is to keep it in and just marinate in it.
oscar wilde said: "we are all in the gutter. some of us are looking at the stars." recognizing where you are is important. but more importantly, know that there are stars out there to gaze upon. there's hope. and we're rooting you on!
hugs and blessings,
cece
MICHELE: I'm glad that my research and experience is helpful to anyone else going through this. At least something good comes of all we go through, in the new friendships we make and new knowledge that we can share. Internet research is a big part of my job (I own a small grantwriting company: www.procopiofundraising.com), so it is instinctive and easy for me to do research into anything and everything. I was one of those children that wears out a set of encyclopedias looking things up, and the internet has been a LIFE-CHANGER for me, as a go-to place for my insatiable curiosity about every new thing that I see, experience, or think of. I guess 'cancer' has captured my imagination now that it has captured my body. (blush)
You can have carbonated drinks if you let them sit out awhile and get flat before you drink them. It's the gas that can make you uncomfortable. And you can have coffee, but you just can't count caffeinated drinks as a part of your "daily 64 ounces" as they do not hydrate effectively. I was told to drink an EXTRA cup of water for every cup of coffee I drink. (I need coffee to start my day!) Naturally decaffeinated green tea is a good choice (I'd drink maybe 4 cups of that daily); and water, of course. Sugar-y drinks can also play havoc with your digestion. That's why I watered down my cranberry juice, to get MORE fluid in me, since I don't think drinking 64 ounces of straight cranberry juice would be good for my poor intestines!! I really missed having a glass of wine in the evening, but when I did have a glass at a birthday party, I felt so nauseous that it wasn't worth it and I didn't do it again. The radiation rounds days go by fast, as you are there 5 days a week and it flies by. You can do this! You'll be glad that you did everything you could personally to make this go well; it's empowering to play an active role in your treatments by being responsible with what you consume. ((((Michele))))0 -
Thanks, Linda!
It is one of my favorite quotes. Hope is easy in the daylight. It's when there's hope in the dark that really counts. :-)0 -
fear
Dear luvseals, sorry to hear you are overwhelmed with fear. I have an 18 year old and two 11 year olds and can relate to your feelings very well about not wanting to leave them. I have to process that one a lot.
I was dx 6-07 with 3C and had to process a lot of fear and other feelings. I am just finishing my 2nd line chemo. I don't seem to be going into remission. What has given me strength to face my fears are my faith in God, arming myself with all the best facts and info out there, journaling, trusted friends, and a counselor. We all process differently, but the key is to process and to run all the stuff through you (just like the chemo).
My prayers are with you. May you find peace of mind and strength to face your fears.
Warm hugs,
kathleen0
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