New Member Struggling a bit....

Eims said:

hi michelle i am sorry you

hi michelle i am sorry you had to join us here but as i always say there are a FABULOUS bunch of people here.  we are or have been in the same boat as you and trust me we know how you are feeling.   we are all here for you and you will find this is a really nice place to check in and have a chat, vent, discuss, cry, laugh and every other emotion that you can think of and yes there will be many!!!

eims x

i agree with Eims! You have  come to the right place.  

Since I am in a similar situation, I don't have as much wisdom/knowledge as others on this board.  I can tell you that you aren't alone, and you are among friends.   Stay positive!  It sounds as though you caught it early, which is great!

Jen

Hi Michelle, 

There is no two ways about it, having a cancer diagnosis is very scary. I am glad that the operation is behind you now though, it was dealt with so quickly too.The aftermath does leave you shocked and feeling pretty low, with a high level of fatigue, mental and physical. It takes quite a few weeks to heal and there are times when you feel you will never regain your energy, but you will.

You have probably been advised to drink plenty of water, filtered if possible. Also cut sugar out of your diet. I have pretty much cut meat out of mine especially red meat. I eat chicken from time to time and more fish, I love vegetables so eating plenty of veg is not a problem. I do have a sweet tooth though, but surprisingly I've  not had too much of a problem cutting back on cakes and biscuits. I just have a small treat now and then.

I think that it is important to absorb yourself in some form of relaxation. I have regular massages which removes all the stress, I especially love aromatherapy treatments. I meditate every day and go swimming or walking. I find all of that's a good fit for me, but I do think finding something to help you relax is important, it helps  you mentally as well as physically.

Try not to focus on having had cancer, just don't let your mind dwell there. None of us knows what the future has in store, worrying everyday about the what if's in life is time wasted, and honestly, we don't need the stress:-) 

Take care

Djinnie x

Welcome to the club nobody wants to join.  I was diagnosed May 20 and had a radical nephrectomy June 5.  Still kind of new here myself.

You won't find a better, more supportive group than this one.  With humor and compassion, they have got me out of my state of sheer terror.

I'm sorry you had to join us, but happy to have you here.

Warm regards.

Annie

anmazon said:

sorry for the double post!

Oops!

Hi Michelle.. as you just found out.. no need to have multiple posts on the same subject..  you will get more replies soon I bet...  So, all I can add to my last reply to you... is...  Woiw..!  Another young Chickie in the group..!    Again, sorry you have to be here.. but if you keep a good sense of humor all will be fine..!

Oh yes, the follow ups are key.. no one can 100% predict the future just heal up and enjoy life.. If something shows up down the road, deal with it then... nothing to do now but smile...

Ron

I too just had surgery, partial nephrectomy.  Having a hard time myself.  I've gotten help from a ton of awesome people.  Welcome  

Miashelle1 said:

Thanks!

For the welcome  

I am not sure which type of rcc it is yet. I was told all the results on the phone and have an app coming through for post op check so will ask more then.

I have had a bit of a struggle walking..is this normal? I mean I can walk but it is slow and a bit sore and makes me tired. I did do more yesterday tho' managed to walk slowly up a small high street and buy some stuff!! That felt good  Hubby standing by scared to even think about complaining lol .... Ha! I bought a dress a cardigan a ton of nail polish some books allsorts of stuff .. desperate times and all that... lol

I dont know how i feel really .. i am usually out going and i think fairly amusing and good fun but this has hit me hard in lots of ways. I am worried but I know I have to be positive. I had a amusing mix of responces to my results from the inlaws phoning and talking to me as if I was allready on my way out .. dare to dream! My buisness partner burst into tears ffs wtf? But my kids and husband and a friend were very positive. Truth is no one knows do they. Ah and I have had two friends avoid me which saddened me deeply.

Anyways.....I hope to be around for awhile and make friends here.

Michelle x

Hi Michelle, 

We can all identify with how you are feeling right now Michelle, you probably feel like you have gone ten rounds wth a lawn mower. Your insides have been cut and shifted around, they will take time to settle down. Walking is not easy at first, I remember struggling to walk especially up hill, just persevere, gradually increasing the distance and pace, you will get there. Trying to keep in motion helps improve recovery, and also prevents adhesions. Exhaustion hits you like a brick wall, so sleeping for long periods is not unusual at this stage, just be patient with yourself.

Feeling low or even depressed is very normal, as your body heals these feeling will lift. For me, it felt like a form of post traumatic shock, there is a feeling of loss and the experience is difficult to comprehend. You will get back to your old self though, I promise you, in a couple of months these symptoms will become harder to remember.

It is interesting watching how people react when you mention cancer. I think that some people almost have an irrational fear of contagion.  Others may feel inadequate and don't know how to respond, so it is easier to avoid you. This is the time when you can sort the wheat from the chaff though. Right now, when you feel vunerable having a support system is vital, you are lucky to have a strong family by your side. You will come through this, stay positive!

You sound like you have the right idea, there is nothing like a bit of clothes shopping to give you a boost. Manicure and a good book, sounds good to me:-)

Take care

Djinnie x

Dear Miashelle1,

Hi.  I was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2011 at age 53.  The malignant tumor on my left kidney was over 9cm.  Both the tumor and my left kidney were removed, the area around the margins was clear.  I credit early detection (well, not so early), great doctors at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, and access to good healthcare for making my recovery successful thus far.  I feel great.  I did experience some weight gain and my body, FINALLY, after almost three years of recovery seems to be in my control again.  I do watch what I eat: low amounts of complex proteins, no more wine every night, less processed sugars, more fruits and vegetables.  I'm better about excercise, too (although, I will despise it to my grave).  I check my blood pressure frequently (have a home device).  And all is good.

My advice is to keep up with your check-ups and bloodwork. Follow the dietary guidelines, and live your life normally.  As my husband says, "it ain't a problem, till it's a problem." Worrying is not good for you, or your family.  Although, gifts of jewelry can help ;->

Best to you,

Sophie

Hi Michelle,

     My name is Brenda and I live in Leonardtown Maryland.  I am 55 years old and was diagnosed with RCC in April of 2011.  I had left kidney removed in August 2011 and  then in March of 2013 my lower right lung removed.  I am happy to say that my scans in June were clear, and I don't go back until October.  I am taking things one day at a time right now  and I can say I am very lucky to have a great family and friends with a fantastic support system.  This is the place I come to just talk sometimes, they understand the fear of the scans and are the best support anywhere!

     I went back to full time work in April, have drastically changed my eating habits, and I am even walking on the tread mill about 3 nights a week, about 1 to 2 miles.  Make life happy, live, laugh, and love!

                                                                                                    Sending prayers and wishing you good health!

                                                                                                     Brenda 

Miashelle1 said:

Thanks!

For the welcome  

I am not sure which type of rcc it is yet. I was told all the results on the phone and have an app coming through for post op check so will ask more then.

I have had a bit of a struggle walking..is this normal? I mean I can walk but it is slow and a bit sore and makes me tired. I did do more yesterday tho' managed to walk slowly up a small high street and buy some stuff!! That felt good  Hubby standing by scared to even think about complaining lol .... Ha! I bought a dress a cardigan a ton of nail polish some books allsorts of stuff .. desperate times and all that... lol

I dont know how i feel really .. i am usually out going and i think fairly amusing and good fun but this has hit me hard in lots of ways. I am worried but I know I have to be positive. I had a amusing mix of responces to my results from the inlaws phoning and talking to me as if I was allready on my way out .. dare to dream! My buisness partner burst into tears ffs wtf? But my kids and husband and a friend were very positive. Truth is no one knows do they. Ah and I have had two friends avoid me which saddened me deeply.

Anyways.....I hope to be around for awhile and make friends here.

Michelle x

I visited my job all I did was walk across the courtyard and I was done.  Some days I get farther than others but its difficult.  It makes 1 month yesterday from my surgery and I'm still not myself.  If I've learned one thing since I've joined is that we all heal at different rates and to be patient.  Take care

tiff