New here and scared too

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  • golf_gal
    golf_gal Member Posts: 69
    #42
    Patteee said:

    Hi
    I am 3.5 years out from
    Hi
    I am 3.5 years out from treatment and free of this beast. Stage 3B, Dx's May 08. First I drove myself to and from treatments almost all the time. Hospital and clinic is less than a mile- even drove myself 2 out of 3 times I was hospitalized with chemo issues. I actually preferred to go alone- when others went I felt like I had to entertain them, found it so much more helpful to me to just sleep, watch TV or read. Driving became more of an issue later in treatments and only for longer distances- walking from the parking lot was always a pain in the butt because I was so weak.

    I found my family's presence- 3 kids, a mother, 2 sisters- to be very valuable. They cooked, cleaned, ran errands, my mom would lay on the bed with me and we would watch, "Desperate Housewives". I even had a co worker come over and clean my kitchen and bathroom. I didn't have the need to actually talk to them, felt like living the day to day stuff was more than enough. As I got sicker through chemo, they were here more often. I do remember there being a sense of this was just a stage in my life to help me through. My oncologist always took the positive side, always.

    I wish you a rested and yes, even joyful holiday. You will find and experience the bumps on the journey- what helped me the most was to focus only on the moment, to not look back and to be real careful on looking ahead.

    driving
    Good for you. Moffitt won't let me. I am a bit spacey! hubby doesn't stay at infusion...its silly for him too. I usually sleep thru treatment. We live 7 hours from Tampa. Had a fiasco with local infusions. I drive there because I trust them. Only 4 to go!! Yeah!!
  • golf_gal
    golf_gal Member Posts: 69
    #43
    GoBucks said:

    Understand
    Wisp I understand, I'm a recent Stage IV too and I've been through 4 rounds of chemo. Luckily I'm tolerating it fairly well. I have an 18 year old getting ready to graduate high school and a 21 year old college senior also graduating in May, plus a wedding in Sept. I plan to be here for it all, so I'm fighting hard but I still get really scared and I sometimes think too much about this thing. My family is nothing but positve but everyone is dealing differently. They all hate seeing me cry since that is something I didn't do before the diagnosis. I've been blessed by the people who have helped me and my faith has definitely deepened. One of the most frustrating things is people say ,oh you look so good, I believe we'll both get so we can walk one day at a time.

    crying
    Try hitting a pillow with a big plastic bat. Hit it until you are worn out. You'd be surprised how it helps! :-)
  • golf_gal
    golf_gal Member Posts: 69
    #44
    abrub said:

    It's tough having to be strong for everyone else
    when we are the ones who need the support. However, it's common - others need us to be strong to allay their fears. What about OUR fears? We're the ones with cancer.

    Don't feel badly if you can't be strong for others - you have to take care of yourself first. If people can't cope with your situation, that is their problem. At least you have this forum to come to - we all understand.

    I, too, was diagnosed at 55, my daughter still in college. Now, 4 1/2 years later, I've seen my daughter graduate and my son get married. So far, all is good.

    Alice

    being strong
    I also saw and am seeing a psychologist. There are many programs, your social worker on your case should be able to help. Talking with this might just be the ticket, if feasible. Wouldn't suggest, had I not done so. I like the special hour I get.
  • janderson1964
    janderson1964 Member Posts: 2,215 Member
    #45
    I am 74 months into the
    I am 74 months into the stage IV colon cancer jouney.I just had my third liver surgery. It is ok to be scared at first but you must get over it and take charge of your cancer journey. Be proactive and learn as much as you can. Ask your doctors questions and take notes. Oh and I have always driven myself to and from chemo.
  • golf_gal
    golf_gal Member Posts: 69
    #46
    janderson1964 said:

    I am 74 months into the
    I am 74 months into the stage IV colon cancer jouney.I just had my third liver surgery. It is ok to be scared at first but you must get over it and take charge of your cancer journey. Be proactive and learn as much as you can. Ask your doctors questions and take notes. Oh and I have always driven myself to and from chemo.

    another driver
    Good for you. Wonder why they want a driver for me. Travelling that far with hubby has become routine now. Only four more to go. Keep the pedal to the metal and keep moving forward!!! LOL

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