After the operations and treatments... what about...
Now I'm sitting here, back to work and fairly active again, dealing with some minor pain from the residuals of my hernia and still a little fatigued, but otherwise fully "back in the saddle again". Except..... Now I'm a little concerned about some POST-cancer aspects.
Like most, I had my "wild oats" period after high school and during college. Drinking on weekends was one of my favorite past times, but after I started working in law enforcement, and after I got married, I practically "dried up" to nearly a tea totler. I would have the occasional beer, or glass of wine, but could count on one hand how many times in the past 15 years I had a genuine "happy thought" while drinking.
I find now, however, that more and more, when I have time off and nothing to do and nowhere to go, I enjoy cracking the top on a bottle of whiskey and getting a good "happy thought" going. I don't drink every day, and I don't "crave" it as if I'm thirsty for it, so I don't really think I'm on the path to anything so drastic as alcoholism, but looking back on my lifestyle PRE-cancer and my new "near-normal" lifestyle, I'm seeing this "new me" and it's making me a little nervous. I know that there's nothing wrong with the occasional drink, but is this going to develop into a problem?
And, knowing that I'm talking to a WEALTH of experience here in this sanctuary on the web, I'm wondering if anyone else has faced this, and what YOUR experience is. Is this normal for folks who have "walked through the valley of the shadow of death"? Should I be worried about myself?
Just curious if anyone out there has already walked down this path and has any wisdom to share....
Comments
-
Your holding the answer to that in your hands..........
with another right behind you............no, put it down, and leave it down.....the first sign of a problem arising...is self recognition, or it may be that you are trying to rationalize the occasional sip....if you feel it will become an issue then most likely it will.......I say nip it in the bud, right now......
.....find another "happytime", they are standing all around you....... peace bud.........buzz 0 -
G'day Tiger
I can honestly say that I have not been on the right side of life for close to twenty five years. I quite freely admit that the probable reason that I survived ca is that I did not give two hoots if I did or not. At any time in those 25 years it would not have surprised friends or family if I had crawled inside a bottle and pulled the cork in after me. But I didn't,wanted to ,but I didn't. Got too much pride. Have this moral hang up about doing the right thing,being a good example ,all that sort of stuff. Doesn't make me happy,rich or famous but at least I can look at myself in the mirror. I am a survivor and a sober one any other way and I probably wouldn't be.Ron.0 -
I've talked with people whoPhillieG said:Your Liver?
Did you have surgery on your liver? If so, then it's functionality has been compromised. I'd certainly take it easy on that. Also, if you ask yourself if there's a problem (like Buzz mentioned), potentially there's a problem.
Smoke pot instead!
;-)
I've talked with people who said about their "habits".....it's easier to stop a habit by replacing it with something else. There's healthy pleasures all around. You've come so far. (I enjoyed a little bourbon, but now I look at it as poisen. Same with sugar, it just isn't worth the few seconds of pleasure in my mouth.) Not to say a little of this will undo the treatment, but certainly if there is a chance of the alcohol use becoming routine, you'd be far better off enjoying something else. Dwell on thoughts about having a healthy long future. You really are in a good place. Stay on the path.0 -
Thanks for the thoughts
Everyone... I appreciate your opinions. I guess I'm just a little confused at the moment. I know I USED to have a good time with the occasional drink, but after a virtual 20 year "dry spell", I now find myself again enjoying the occasional drink and maybe I'm just over-analyzing things.
Buzz, you're absolutely CORRECT... my MAIN sources of joy and healing are standing around me in my profile pic, and of course the lovely Angel behind the camera. I treasure them each and every day
I guess the best way to sum up my fear at this point is to use analogy... a man drives a car for several years, then goes for many years without driving. Then one day, finds himself behind the wheel of a car again. He knows it's safe if used properly, MANY people drive them every day, but it's been awhile for him and he's a little unsteady.
I know that folks get enjoyment and find stress relief each and every day with alcohol and don't go overboard with it. Like anything else, used in moderation, it's not a big deal. I guess I was just curious if anyone had heard or experienced any sort of post-cancer stress/alcohol correlations, and if it was as bump in the road I should be concerned about..
Hope I'm making sense, just finished a string of midnight shifts followed by a string of day shifts and my brain is shriveled and smoking a little.. lol0 -
your liver will love youPhillieG said:Your Liver?
Did you have surgery on your liver? If so, then it's functionality has been compromised. I'd certainly take it easy on that. Also, if you ask yourself if there's a problem (like Buzz mentioned), potentially there's a problem.
Smoke pot instead!
;-)
i loved getting smashed on the right occaisions, and not every friday either.
maybe replace drinking with another pastime like stamp collecting or sex.
we are all trying to beat the metastasis monster and from my research a healthy liver is the top of the list. the implications were the alcohol causes scarring on the liver tissues and you need the liver cells functioning optimally to detox the blood.
i hope a super healthy liver is able to resist liver mets. this is only a hope, but i have
formed that hope from reading a few papers on liver cells.
not planning to drink grog anytime soon. the pot sounds like a good option. i might start
planting the herb garden.
hugs,
pete0 -
Ahem.. LOLpete43lost_at_sea said:your liver will love you
i loved getting smashed on the right occaisions, and not every friday either.
maybe replace drinking with another pastime like stamp collecting or sex.
we are all trying to beat the metastasis monster and from my research a healthy liver is the top of the list. the implications were the alcohol causes scarring on the liver tissues and you need the liver cells functioning optimally to detox the blood.
i hope a super healthy liver is able to resist liver mets. this is only a hope, but i have
formed that hope from reading a few papers on liver cells.
not planning to drink grog anytime soon. the pot sounds like a good option. i might start
planting the herb garden.
hugs,
pete
Guess y'all missed the part of my post about my career being in law enforcement... and in the U.S pot's illegal. LMAO!!!!
I see your point about the liver. I guess I'm forgetting that once a cancer patient, ALWAYS a cancer patient.. my cards are just biologically STACKED that way, hence... the beast will always be lurking somewhere inside.
And to answer your question Philleg, my cancer was in the colon... as far as I know, my liver is in pristine shape. I've NEVER been one to put chemicals, other than tobacco smoke, into my system, and I've even quit THAT now (5 weeks in the hospital without a smoke is one HELL of a way to quit, but it WORKS!! lol)0 -
I say, "Quit!"AncientTiger said:Thanks for the thoughts
Everyone... I appreciate your opinions. I guess I'm just a little confused at the moment. I know I USED to have a good time with the occasional drink, but after a virtual 20 year "dry spell", I now find myself again enjoying the occasional drink and maybe I'm just over-analyzing things.
Buzz, you're absolutely CORRECT... my MAIN sources of joy and healing are standing around me in my profile pic, and of course the lovely Angel behind the camera. I treasure them each and every day
I guess the best way to sum up my fear at this point is to use analogy... a man drives a car for several years, then goes for many years without driving. Then one day, finds himself behind the wheel of a car again. He knows it's safe if used properly, MANY people drive them every day, but it's been awhile for him and he's a little unsteady.
I know that folks get enjoyment and find stress relief each and every day with alcohol and don't go overboard with it. Like anything else, used in moderation, it's not a big deal. I guess I was just curious if anyone had heard or experienced any sort of post-cancer stress/alcohol correlations, and if it was as bump in the road I should be concerned about..
Hope I'm making sense, just finished a string of midnight shifts followed by a string of day shifts and my brain is shriveled and smoking a little.. lol
First of all, thanks for the work you do. I appreciate any who are involved in law enforcement. That career alone is enoough to drive some to drink.
My advice would be to give up the drinking, though. Sounds like it's getting to be more frequent, and has already been pointed out, if you're questioning yourself, you probably already know you should quit.
Hope you can find a great hobby or exercise or some other form of enjoyment that will take the place of drinking. You are healthy now, and you want to stay that way!
*hugs*
Gail0 -
"(5 weeks in the hospitalAncientTiger said:Ahem.. LOL
Guess y'all missed the part of my post about my career being in law enforcement... and in the U.S pot's illegal. LMAO!!!!
I see your point about the liver. I guess I'm forgetting that once a cancer patient, ALWAYS a cancer patient.. my cards are just biologically STACKED that way, hence... the beast will always be lurking somewhere inside.
And to answer your question Philleg, my cancer was in the colon... as far as I know, my liver is in pristine shape. I've NEVER been one to put chemicals, other than tobacco smoke, into my system, and I've even quit THAT now (5 weeks in the hospital without a smoke is one HELL of a way to quit, but it WORKS!! lol)
"(5 weeks in the hospital without a smoke is one HELL of a way to quit, but it WORKS!! lol)"
That's how I quit smoking, too. It does work.
The fact that you're asking about alcohol intake is ... interesting. If you stop that now, there are potential problems down the road you won't have. Think of it as money in the bank.
Phillieg has a good idea, IMO. If you must substitute vices, pot is much kinder to your constitution than alcohol.
--Greg0 -
DrinkingAncientTiger said:Thanks for the thoughts
Everyone... I appreciate your opinions. I guess I'm just a little confused at the moment. I know I USED to have a good time with the occasional drink, but after a virtual 20 year "dry spell", I now find myself again enjoying the occasional drink and maybe I'm just over-analyzing things.
Buzz, you're absolutely CORRECT... my MAIN sources of joy and healing are standing around me in my profile pic, and of course the lovely Angel behind the camera. I treasure them each and every day
I guess the best way to sum up my fear at this point is to use analogy... a man drives a car for several years, then goes for many years without driving. Then one day, finds himself behind the wheel of a car again. He knows it's safe if used properly, MANY people drive them every day, but it's been awhile for him and he's a little unsteady.
I know that folks get enjoyment and find stress relief each and every day with alcohol and don't go overboard with it. Like anything else, used in moderation, it's not a big deal. I guess I was just curious if anyone had heard or experienced any sort of post-cancer stress/alcohol correlations, and if it was as bump in the road I should be concerned about..
Hope I'm making sense, just finished a string of midnight shifts followed by a string of day shifts and my brain is shriveled and smoking a little.. lol
I have one every night, well almost every night, my mother who just passed away this morning had one every night, she lived to 90 years old. I don't think the drink killed her. But I think what everyone is saying is certainly sound advice. Now mind you, there are some nights I don't and I don't miss it, but it's just a bit traditional in my family. I had 15 years I didn't drink at all, don't know why that was, suppose I wasn't in the mood then.
Just don't over kill the liver with alcohol, eh?
Winter Marie0 -
This comment has been removed by the Moderatortootsie1 said:I say, "Quit!"
First of all, thanks for the work you do. I appreciate any who are involved in law enforcement. That career alone is enoough to drive some to drink.
My advice would be to give up the drinking, though. Sounds like it's getting to be more frequent, and has already been pointed out, if you're questioning yourself, you probably already know you should quit.
Hope you can find a great hobby or exercise or some other form of enjoyment that will take the place of drinking. You are healthy now, and you want to stay that way!
*hugs*
Gail0 -
Gracie darn itunknown said:This comment has been removed by the Moderator
I enjoy your stories, do tell them, they are enjoyable.0 -
moderation is key
You can have anything you want, as long as you don't over-do it...and I don't think you're in danger yet either. However, I will point out that I've seen friends who drink regularly and they have built up a higher tolerance to alcohol as a result of daily use. So, every-day drinking is gonna strain the liver over time because you'll need more and more alcohol to feel good and I think daily goes beyond moderation...but that's just my opinion
Janine0 -
"I think daily goes beyond moderation"SisterSledge said:moderation is key
You can have anything you want, as long as you don't over-do it...and I don't think you're in danger yet either. However, I will point out that I've seen friends who drink regularly and they have built up a higher tolerance to alcohol as a result of daily use. So, every-day drinking is gonna strain the liver over time because you'll need more and more alcohol to feel good and I think daily goes beyond moderation...but that's just my opinion
Janine
I'm still at one a day, for years, same was for my mother (she lived to be 90), egads, we must be and have been miracles.0 -
My dadherdizziness said:Drinking
I have one every night, well almost every night, my mother who just passed away this morning had one every night, she lived to 90 years old. I don't think the drink killed her. But I think what everyone is saying is certainly sound advice. Now mind you, there are some nights I don't and I don't miss it, but it's just a bit traditional in my family. I had 15 years I didn't drink at all, don't know why that was, suppose I wasn't in the mood then.
Just don't over kill the liver with alcohol, eh?
Winter Marie
took a shot of whiskey every evening since he got back from the south pacific (WWII)... he's STILL kicking. We celebrated his 94th birthday a few months ago.
I don't take a shot, or even a sip, every day. In fact, if I DO drink, it's one evening a week, and even then not every week.
I've seen folks I work with, both behind the radio/phone, and on the road go overboard, and it's a horrible thing to witness. Good friend of mine went down that path and never came back. Guess that's why I'm a bit nervous about this new development in MY life... and again, I may just be over-analyzing myself too. I suspect that might be fairly common with someone who has had the ground knocked out from under them when they hear the words, "It was cancer, but we're going to....."0 -
WowAncientTiger said:My dad
took a shot of whiskey every evening since he got back from the south pacific (WWII)... he's STILL kicking. We celebrated his 94th birthday a few months ago.
I don't take a shot, or even a sip, every day. In fact, if I DO drink, it's one evening a week, and even then not every week.
I've seen folks I work with, both behind the radio/phone, and on the road go overboard, and it's a horrible thing to witness. Good friend of mine went down that path and never came back. Guess that's why I'm a bit nervous about this new development in MY life... and again, I may just be over-analyzing myself too. I suspect that might be fairly common with someone who has had the ground knocked out from under them when they hear the words, "It was cancer, but we're going to....."
You just reminded me of my favorite father-in-law, he's in his 80's and he too takes a shot of whiskey each night and has since the war as well. Brings found memories of the man back, he's still alive and kicking. Thanks for the memories.
Winter Marie0 -
Alcohol is so strange...herdizziness said:"I think daily goes beyond moderation"
I'm still at one a day, for years, same was for my mother (she lived to be 90), egads, we must be and have been miracles.
Tiger, I wrote quite a long reply the other day and poof...it was gone!
Here goes again. This is just MY story but wonder how common it may be. I am not or have I ever been a "heavy drinker" except for a period of a year and a half shortly after finishing tx for stage ivb Hodgkins.
I had been out of tx for about 4 months when one evening I just really fancied a glass of wine. Went to the store and bought a bottle of the really good stuff. Had one glass each night till it was gone. Bought another bottle of the good stuff and finished it in 2 days. You can see where I'm going with this. Before I knew it, I was buying the giant cartons (ya know, the really cheap stuff) with the spout on them. Kept one in the fridge and one in the pantry just in case.
I knew I was having a problem when I started counting the minutes till 5 o'clock, then 4 o'clock and so on.
Needless to say this was so out of character for me. My hubby (and I) had been through so much and I guess this was the proverbial straw. We ended up divorcing. Not that I was a mean or aggressive drunk (ouch) quite the opposite. I was a very happy drunk (ouch).
One and a half years later I stopped. Just like that. No deciding, no dt's, no cravings, nada.
Reading your story made me wonder if perhaps we can suffer a delayed reaction to the shock of diagnosis and treatment? PTSD? I really think that is what happened to me.
BTW, I do come from a family of alcoholics (ouch). All six of my brothers and my father drank heavily. My mom and I were the only ones in my family who didn't drink...till my episode. That craving came out of NOWHERE in the sense that I was never bothered to drink till that period. I have not drunk since and don't miss it but sometimes I do wonder if I will wake up again one day and "need" to start drinking again. It has been about ten yrs. now but I still do think about it.
Tiger, I am NOT saying that my story will be your story. The fact that you brought your concern to our attention worries me though cause you are questioning yourself.
Keep coming here and if it does become an issue maybe one of us can help you sort through stuff. I think I will ask my doctor about it.
Peace, Love, Sparks (R.I.P. Roger) and Hugs.
Laurie0 -
Thank Youellamenno said:Alcohol is so strange...
Tiger, I wrote quite a long reply the other day and poof...it was gone!
Here goes again. This is just MY story but wonder how common it may be. I am not or have I ever been a "heavy drinker" except for a period of a year and a half shortly after finishing tx for stage ivb Hodgkins.
I had been out of tx for about 4 months when one evening I just really fancied a glass of wine. Went to the store and bought a bottle of the really good stuff. Had one glass each night till it was gone. Bought another bottle of the good stuff and finished it in 2 days. You can see where I'm going with this. Before I knew it, I was buying the giant cartons (ya know, the really cheap stuff) with the spout on them. Kept one in the fridge and one in the pantry just in case.
I knew I was having a problem when I started counting the minutes till 5 o'clock, then 4 o'clock and so on.
Needless to say this was so out of character for me. My hubby (and I) had been through so much and I guess this was the proverbial straw. We ended up divorcing. Not that I was a mean or aggressive drunk (ouch) quite the opposite. I was a very happy drunk (ouch).
One and a half years later I stopped. Just like that. No deciding, no dt's, no cravings, nada.
Reading your story made me wonder if perhaps we can suffer a delayed reaction to the shock of diagnosis and treatment? PTSD? I really think that is what happened to me.
BTW, I do come from a family of alcoholics (ouch). All six of my brothers and my father drank heavily. My mom and I were the only ones in my family who didn't drink...till my episode. That craving came out of NOWHERE in the sense that I was never bothered to drink till that period. I have not drunk since and don't miss it but sometimes I do wonder if I will wake up again one day and "need" to start drinking again. It has been about ten yrs. now but I still do think about it.
Tiger, I am NOT saying that my story will be your story. The fact that you brought your concern to our attention worries me though cause you are questioning yourself.
Keep coming here and if it does become an issue maybe one of us can help you sort through stuff. I think I will ask my doctor about it.
Peace, Love, Sparks (R.I.P. Roger) and Hugs.
Laurie
Laurie... lovely post,and I appreciate you sharing your story.
I have no idea what sorts of traits run in my background, as I'm adopted and have no knowledge of my biological history. I'm not even sure if genetics has as much to do with the trait as environment (which I'm sure is another topic, for another day. LOL)
I know there are detrimental health issues that come with alcohol use. There are issues with just about ANYTHING you put into yourself, no matter what it is (even WATER can be deadly if overdone), so I guess it comes down to moderation. Is a shot a day too much? Nah, don't think so... a glass? Yeah, probably too much. A pint every other week or so? Probably not a problem, if it stays at that. Does this all apply to ME? That's where I'm at right now... what might work FINE for someone else, might be a step too far down the path for me. I just don't know...
BUT, hearing your opinions and stories HELPS TREMENDOUSLY, and I truly appreciate y'all's input!!!! 0 -
Hi Tiger...kinda like you, I....
have a glass of something just about everynight. And I don't know if its out of boredom, enjoyment, or where the want of it comes from. But I do know I pour something. And sometimes I have 2....others I don't want to finish the first. It's not always every night...then sometimes it is. Through chemo fog treatment I have ended up with quite an array of different bottles and flavors. Most never opened and all full or mostly full. If I do have a drink of anything it's usually a glass of wine. I'd like to know what I was thinking of when I bought all that different stuff. I could have one heck of a party because I will never use it all. Hmmm...Maybe I was thinking I wanted to be someone else and a completely different life. Maybe just buying it made me think of something fun at the moment? I dunno....but I know I have quite the alcohol collection. I should have collected stamps huh Pete? lol
Cheers to us all, Gail0 -
Good for you
for quitting smoking!!! I see nothing wrong with your level of drinking.
I think many people would be surprised to know that drinking 2 cans of soda especially on an empty stomach is just as bad if not worse on the liver than light alcohol use.
Trust your gut, it will tell you what you need to know. Some just won't listen to theirs.........
Lisa P.0
Discussion Boards
- All Discussion Boards
- 6 CSN Information
- 6 Welcome to CSN
- 121.9K Cancer specific
- 2.8K Anal Cancer
- 446 Bladder Cancer
- 309 Bone Cancers
- 1.6K Brain Cancer
- 28.5K Breast Cancer
- 398 Childhood Cancers
- 27.9K Colorectal Cancer
- 4.6K Esophageal Cancer
- 1.2K Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine)
- 13K Head and Neck Cancer
- 6.4K Kidney Cancer
- 671 Leukemia
- 794 Liver Cancer
- 4.1K Lung Cancer
- 5.1K Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)
- 237 Multiple Myeloma
- 7.1K Ovarian Cancer
- 63 Pancreatic Cancer
- 487 Peritoneal Cancer
- 5.5K Prostate Cancer
- 1.2K Rare and Other Cancers
- 540 Sarcoma
- 734 Skin Cancer
- 653 Stomach Cancer
- 191 Testicular Cancer
- 1.5K Thyroid Cancer
- 5.9K Uterine/Endometrial Cancer
- 6.3K Lifestyle Discussion Boards