Cancer dx highlights other losses

Bitzy
Bitzy Member Posts: 2
I'm gritting it through day 5 of what is for me 9 days of post taxil/carbo pain &nausea. I'm feeling particularily lonely today. This is mt 8th round of my second time through chemo since 2009. Lost my only sister to Breast cancer last year, my Mom same cancer in 1980. I retired last year & those friends have sort of slipped away. Others used to call but don't seem to anymore. HUbby tried but he's waiting for double knee replacement so barely gets around himself. Only son tried but doesn't get it. I didn't get it with my Mom either so I can't resent him.

I feel trapped. My numbers are dropping so slowly I don't know when this will end.

Where did fun go?

Comments

  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    Cancer is not easy
    Bitzy,
    Your situation sounds sad and lonely. There are a lot of sources out there telling us that the feeling of hopelessness and helplessness makes it more difficult for our bodies to fight this disease. It's hard, however, to get out of that place, when you are there.

    Not knowing exactly how serious your emotions are or what you are able to do for yourself, I make the following suggestions:
    1. Counseling could be helpful to you, if you can afford it.
    2. You could ask your doctor to prescribe anti-depressants.
    3. There is an organization who can pair you up with a mentor, who has been through a similar cancer experience. Their website is:
    www.imermanangels.org
    If one of their mentors cannot help you, they can have a counselor help you. All of their services are free.

    I truly hope you can find peace and contentment. I really think this is one of the lessons this illness is here to teach us.

    Take care
  • kikz
    kikz Member Posts: 1,345 Member
    You are not alone, Bitzy.
    A few weeks ago I posted a similar post. During my treatment I had people around all the time. Now that I am "well" most everyone has gone on with their lives and well they should. I retired at the end of November and it has been hard to stay in touch with the pals who used to be a part of my daily life. I miss them but our lives are so different now. I have gotten involved in two groups. The living well/living strong program and a weight loss challenge. I am now busy every day. These programs will each last about 3 months so after that I will have to figure out what is next. I want to continue exercising at the Y and go to my weekly yoga class. I have also been going downtown on Friday evenings to hear local bands play. It is outside. It is fun. I am going to make more of an effort to keep in touch with my friends.

    Karen
  • Bitzy
    Bitzy Member Posts: 2
    kikz said:

    You are not alone, Bitzy.
    A few weeks ago I posted a similar post. During my treatment I had people around all the time. Now that I am "well" most everyone has gone on with their lives and well they should. I retired at the end of November and it has been hard to stay in touch with the pals who used to be a part of my daily life. I miss them but our lives are so different now. I have gotten involved in two groups. The living well/living strong program and a weight loss challenge. I am now busy every day. These programs will each last about 3 months so after that I will have to figure out what is next. I want to continue exercising at the Y and go to my weekly yoga class. I have also been going downtown on Friday evenings to hear local bands play. It is outside. It is fun. I am going to make more of an effort to keep in touch with my friends.

    Karen

    loneliness
    Thank you for the quick replies. I do try not to dwell but some days it just never seems to end. Its good to have found this group as no one else I know is going through anything like this. MY Sister was my cancer companion last time and I was hers last year. I miss her to distraction. Stupid cancer!