Emotional-Normal?

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  • Texas_wedge
    Texas_wedge Member Posts: 2,798
    #42
    flatlander said:

    thank u peeps
    I have been having highs and lows since I got diagnosed. My surgery didnt go well and I couldnt work as a firefighter for the last six months. So I am finaly feeling better and two days ago I taped up my wound and water skied for the first time in over two decades. I wanted to yell 'f u cancer!'. Secretly I was afraid I would jinx myself and the cancer would come back. This thing has made me crazier than I already was. Next week I go back to work. It ought to be interesting when.I treat my first cancer.patient in the ambulance.

    WELCOME BACK FLATLANDER !!!
    I bet I'm not the only one to have been dying to hear that you're OK after all you've been through. Don't leave it so long before you talk to us all again!

    Well done on the water-skiing and good luck with the return to work. Your brothers and sisters there will give you an even warmer welcome back than you'll be getting here - and that's saying something.

    Yours is a unique and inspiring story and has to give re-assurance to newcomers like LuckyLady443 that it's OK to have the emotions that are natural in these circumstances and that even tough guys like you aren't immune to the heebie-jeebies and downs that are to be expected after such najor surgery and change in our perspective on life. People like you and Fox are beacons (especially the way Fox keeps glowing!). You both show that battling on with a good attitude can get you anywhere.

    Maybe you can let us know what it's like to handle your first cancer patient after you are back in the swim with your Force?
  • Texas_wedge
    Texas_wedge Member Posts: 2,798
    #43
    Luckylady443 said:

    Emotional-Normal?
    Hi,
    I feel like I wrote the message you sent! I had my right kidney removed on Feb. 1st, 2012. My tumor was 4 cm and had not gone to the wall so it was contained within the kidney. I did not need any treatment. How lucky was that? It was a miracle they happened to check it out since I had a little pain but the doctor said that was not a symptom.
    I did see a psychologist a few times because of my emotions, however, I decided that all I needed was the doctor saying I was okay. I cry so much and my friends think I should see someone including my daughter.
    My three month ctscans were normal as well as a bladder test. I do that again in three months. I thought I would be just fine but after reading all the messages I have started to worry again.
    I had been looking for a diet to keep my other kidney healthy. My surgeon said I could eat anything, however, I know that salt and protein should be limited.
    I take a cholesteral pill which is a statin and now I see that I shouldn't take it as it could cause kidney problems. I will be talking to my doctor.
    You are young and having three children and a husband who is out of state is certainly reasons for your emotions. I have gotten better but definitely not as strong emotionally as I was before.
    Like you I have quit smoking. When I think about it I decided I would be crazy to have one.
    I don't klnow if you will read this but I am sure that you are completely normal and I wish you the best and continued good health.

    Nastural emotions
    It's no accident that your message is so similar to Shannon's when she started this thread. The obvious comparison is:- both female, pain the only warning and the cause a big surprise, 4 cm tumour, right kidney, good prognosis but a feeling that your emotionality is irrational and an over-reaction.

    However,the more important comparison is with all the rest of us patients on this forum. Whatever our genders, ages, occupations, general health etc, we all faced, and continue to face, a major change in our lives. A strong emotional reaction to that is to be expected and it's then all a matter of how we best handle it.

    You and Shannon shouldn't make too much of feeling so emotionally disoriented and alone. You're not alone and your feelings are perfectly understandable. Compared with a lot of us here, you both have very good prospects for many happy, healthy years ahead but no-one should blame you for being worried and labile.

    I hope you will forgive me for giving this advice: you need to do two things in coping with your situation. One is to accept that your emotional reaction is natural and you shouldn't get too hung up on it (and if that proves difficult, seek help from a clinical psychologist or similarly appropriate counsellor). The other is to accept that your prognosis is very good - remain vigilant but believe in the fact that you have been cured and will probably die of something entirely different and at a ripe old age.

    We're sorry to see you here but you're very welcome and keep coming back here for as long as you need to for our support (and, after that, for as long as you feel inclined to).
  • foxhd
    foxhd Member Posts: 3,181 Member
    #44
    Texas_wedge said:

    Nastural emotions
    It's no accident that your message is so similar to Shannon's when she started this thread. The obvious comparison is:- both female, pain the only warning and the cause a big surprise, 4 cm tumour, right kidney, good prognosis but a feeling that your emotionality is irrational and an over-reaction.

    However,the more important comparison is with all the rest of us patients on this forum. Whatever our genders, ages, occupations, general health etc, we all faced, and continue to face, a major change in our lives. A strong emotional reaction to that is to be expected and it's then all a matter of how we best handle it.

    You and Shannon shouldn't make too much of feeling so emotionally disoriented and alone. You're not alone and your feelings are perfectly understandable. Compared with a lot of us here, you both have very good prospects for many happy, healthy years ahead but no-one should blame you for being worried and labile.

    I hope you will forgive me for giving this advice: you need to do two things in coping with your situation. One is to accept that your emotional reaction is natural and you shouldn't get too hung up on it (and if that proves difficult, seek help from a clinical psychologist or similarly appropriate counsellor). The other is to accept that your prognosis is very good - remain vigilant but believe in the fact that you have been cured and will probably die of something entirely different and at a ripe old age.

    We're sorry to see you here but you're very welcome and keep coming back here for as long as you need to for our support (and, after that, for as long as you feel inclined to).

    emotions
    Let me add just one point. I think that most of us "think" about our cancer, our lives, and our survival constantly. The key is to be able to function and move on. Dwelling on something we can't wish away takes a toll mentally. This is lost energy. It serves no beneficial purpose. Depression is sure to follow. Those of us with good coping mechanisms are able to redirect our thoughts and efforts into productive outcomes. We remain positive in our thoughts and activity. This also influences those around us and creates an optimistic atmosphere in which we can live. This board is proof of this. If and when our time comes, you can bet that people like Tex, me and others will have a joke to share and I know that I will not be wearing a 3 piece suit but a smile. This will keep the deamons away from ourselves and loved ones. Sort of like holding a cross up to a vampire. I hate cliches but what is is. Everyone has a right to be traumatized but don't let it consume you. Now, to set the mood....Two cancer survivors walk into a bar......
  • Texas_wedge
    Texas_wedge Member Posts: 2,798
    #45
    foxhd said:

    emotions
    Let me add just one point. I think that most of us "think" about our cancer, our lives, and our survival constantly. The key is to be able to function and move on. Dwelling on something we can't wish away takes a toll mentally. This is lost energy. It serves no beneficial purpose. Depression is sure to follow. Those of us with good coping mechanisms are able to redirect our thoughts and efforts into productive outcomes. We remain positive in our thoughts and activity. This also influences those around us and creates an optimistic atmosphere in which we can live. This board is proof of this. If and when our time comes, you can bet that people like Tex, me and others will have a joke to share and I know that I will not be wearing a 3 piece suit but a smile. This will keep the deamons away from ourselves and loved ones. Sort of like holding a cross up to a vampire. I hate cliches but what is is. Everyone has a right to be traumatized but don't let it consume you. Now, to set the mood....Two cancer survivors walk into a bar......

    emotions
    Oh no, not a shaggy Fox story!

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