transitition from cancer patient to survivor, and living with side effects

We all have our own ways to deal with the beast. I myself am a 3 yr. survivor and I still feel like it may strike again at any moment. I have had a few other medical issues since then and each time I was afraid to go to a doctor because they would tell me it was back. But so far so good. As for the wigs, you will know when and if the time is right for you to pass them along to another survivor.

Hugs,

Georgia

Double Whammy said:

Welcome

I think you came to the right place, Cricket.  I, too, am a Stage 1 survivor, almost 3 years now.  It took me at least 2 years to sort of relax a bit, but I still worry, especially around appointment time.  And everything new that goes on with me physically, makes me wonder.  Thank God I feel really really good 99% of the time.  I understand about hanging on to your wigs.  My friend is a 10-year survivor and she keeps hers on hand for insurance against a recurrence.  I gifted some hats and scarves (I didn't have a wig) and then most of my hair never returned and I wish I had them back.  Bad karma getting rid of things before their time!  Now I wear a wig!!

We "get it", Cricket.  Most friends who have not had cancer really don't.  You will see many of us posting about our concerns that if we told some of our friends about, we would be told to get on with our lives and put anything cancer behind us.  I learned (and now accept) that our friends do get tired of hearing about it and I finally figured out that this is the place to come when I need that shoulder or cyber hug to get me over whatever I'm facing.  It's sort of like a bookclub.  If you don't read, you have no interest in whatever book is being discussed and you'd rather talk about something else.  You get tired of hearing about it.

Welcome!

Suzanne

Cricket,

I like Suzanne's analogy about cancer and a book club.  It's not that some people no longer care we have/had cancer but they didn't read the book.

As for cancer lurking over your shoulder, those feelings vary among us.  No one way to feel is right or wrong.  We just have to cope with how we feel.  If it becomes overwhelming then we probably need to address the concern with our doctors.  It is never good for anyone to let something rule their lives.  But what you seem to be experiencing seems very normal.  You are not really that far out from your treatments and you have several issues that you are still actively dealing with.  They are physical reminders of your cancer.  It's like putting something on a shelf that's a little too small, it keeps fallilng off.  With time the shelf should get larger and you will be picking it up less.   It helped me to move on by not letting my worries about tomorrow rob me of today.  Someone here once said Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, enjoy today.  Not always easy but a good philosophy for me.    As far as the wigs, I can relate but not wig wise.  Mine is wardrobe related.  My weight has always flucuated.  Every time I would lose weight I would keep my "fat" clothes and it always seemed as soon as I got rid of them my weight went back on.  It actually went back on gradually but it seemed like a curse.  For good or bad, my weight is up and has been for years. I am okay with it but should I ever see 120 pounds again I am keeping my "fat" clothes as insurance.  So keep the wigs.  Think of them as your comfy blankie.  My sister kept hers cause they give her a sense of security. 

Know that this site is a wonderful haven where you can ask questions, vent, rant, celebrate and share your knowledge.  Giving to others can really help you to deal with your own situation.  We have had some sisters who give love, support and advise while battling through stage IV, some right until they lost their fights.  Sad, yes, but also such an inspiration of their spirits and strength. 

I hope that you find a place among us.   We hate that you need to be here but we welcome you as a sister.

Stef

Cricket64 said:

I can already understand why 

I can already understand why  it was suggested that I join this web site, your responses make so much sense to me.  THANK EACH OF YOU!  The analogy about if haven't read the book, you can't really understand it, especially resonated.

So, I'll keep the wigs until I decide to let them go, and know where to reach of help from survirors.

And, yes, having had cancer makes you almost paranoid about other health issues.  And so often, the have you had cancer issue raises its head.  For instances, I have back 'issues', just last week, instead of just doing a bone scan of my spine/back, no because you've had cancer you need a total body scan.  So now, as I wait to see if there is a way to ease the back pain, you know it, the fear, is there cancer there lurks also.

Suggestions for dealing with nurathopy?

 

I'm having problems with neuropathy, too.  I have an appointment with a neurologist this Thursday.  I'll share on site what I learned.

I just finished chemo on 8/15 so I'm not far enough along to get rid of anything.  But I can completely understand you concerns for the future.  I had a DCIS on one side and Stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma on the other. After chemo I decided to pass on rads and will be going in for a double mastectomy with reconstruction the end of this month.  I know this won't be an absolute guarantee that cancer won't return, but I feel there are fewer side effects than rads so I feel safer.

We all react differently to various stages in this journey.  At each crossroads we have to chose when and what to do that is best for ourselves.  After all, no one is walking in our shoes but ourselves.

Remember we are here for you and look forward to hearing how you are doing; good or bad or angry or laughing.  We care.

Sandy