Surgery date

DottieDean

I have a date for surgery - 10/2.  I thought I would've been relieved but it opens up a whole bunch of "what ifs".  Colonoscopy, CAT, pre surgery - all frightening stuff. 

MAbound

Alternative Medicine

Have you given any thought to seeing a naturopathic oncologist to take an integrative or complimentary approach to treatment? They have a lot to offer to help support you through the traditional treatments and I'm thinking you might really benefit from some things like learning to meditate to help you with your anxiety. It really helps to know how to go to your happy place instead of dwelling on the "what ifs" that only upset you. Where your brain goes during this is really sometimes a matter of choice that can be directed with practice. There is so much a complimentary approach has to offer that you can continue even when you're done with surgery and whatever gets proposed for after that. 

Kvdyson

One step at a time

DottieDean, try not to get too far ahead of yourself.

If you have chosen a good medical team that you trust and that has your best interest at heart, then you have done what you can at this time. It is now up to them.

Trust that they will walk you through each step of this quite long journey. Take it one step at a time. You are going to be okay.

We will all be thinking of you on 10/2 and sending you positive vibes. We have been where you are and made it through. You will, too.

 

DottieDean

Kvdyson said:

One step at a time

DottieDean, try not to get too far ahead of yourself.

If you have chosen a good medical team that you trust and that has your best interest at heart, then you have done what you can at this time. It is now up to them.

Trust that they will walk you through each step of this quite long journey. Take it one step at a time. You are going to be okay.

We will all be thinking of you on 10/2 and sending you positive vibes. We have been where you are and made it through. You will, too.

 

I am finding it so difficult

I am finding it so difficult to remain positive.  This dagnosis has taken over my once full life - work, family, friends.  I am now in the system of the medical folks - once they have you, they don't easily let go.  Nights are the hardest, but even during the days I'm unable to get beyond what is coming up.  I have requested robotic, but what I'm reading says there's no difference from the regular procedure.  I am really trying to depend on my oncologist, but there are so many different opinions out there.  Thank you for your support.  It helps.

Cass83

DottieDean said:

I am finding it so difficult

I am finding it so difficult to remain positive.  This dagnosis has taken over my once full life - work, family, friends.  I am now in the system of the medical folks - once they have you, they don't easily let go.  Nights are the hardest, but even during the days I'm unable to get beyond what is coming up.  I have requested robotic, but what I'm reading says there's no difference from the regular procedure.  I am really trying to depend on my oncologist, but there are so many different opinions out there.  Thank you for your support.  It helps.

robotic vs regular

It will depend on your tumor and Dr., but mine said doing robotic on me was not an option because when you piece the cancer/tumor out, it can cause it to spread, so I had the full, old fashioned abdominal surgery with a cut from the belly button down to the pelvic area. I never had any pain in that site though. (muscle soreness, yes, but incision pain, no). As it was suggested, take one day at a time. Thinking about "what if" does no good. Focus on each day. It is hard if you are a planner (like me) but you learn to slow down and take it one day at a time.