Link to Story: Uterine Cancer, by yours truly

Deb, thanks for that link. You are such a fine writer. 🙂 Your story is a familiar one around these parts as I think we all try to educate those around us. Also, ladies with anxiety or sleep problems might try the pot gummies. THC. I started using them when I lived in CO as it was legal, for my terrible insomnia. They work! I take one about an hour before bed and I get a good night's sleep. During the worst of the depression and anxiety in the early days of my dx I took them during the day to get me through and they really helped. I did not want addictive or disorienting sleep or anxiety meds that the docs offered, they are ok with me using the gummies but do an eye roll to the nurse when then think I am not looking. 😂 I also get PTSD for a few days when we move back to our summer home for the season as this is where I was the most stressed during the early days. My bedroom, the light at a certain time of day just brings it all back. Each year is a little less stressful but still very traumatic. Knowing that I might expect it to happen makes it a bit easier.

Thanks!

Denise

Thanks for the link, Deb! I enjoyed your article! I particularly like your description of the 20-somethings! I’m glad the gummies helped you!

Pot isn’t available ‘round here! As I’ve said somewhere here before, Xanax is my go-to anxiety drug. I started taking it for sleep years ago, given to me by a neurologist after I’d had an embolic stroke…age 50…almost no long-lasting effects, (they never could figure the cause)… except my already-wound-too-tight way of being was worse than ever.

I’ve never taken it during the day, until this cancer business. It was the only thing that helped with nausea. So, occasionally I took it so I could muster an appetite. At one point the GO’s office was saying, “Take The Xanax!” Thank goodness I have a PCP who has zero problems prescribing it, because when I asked about it at the GO’s office I was told, “oh…we don’t treat psychological issues.” I said, “Y’all are the instigators of my problem!”

Seriously…they’re wrecking this enoromous havoc on our lives, but aren’t interested in the emotional problems that creates….

❤️, A

I enjoyed your story very much.

Ladies,

I always feel so much better checking in with everyone. I am so glad you are here. I appreciate you all sharing your feelings of anxiety and depression so much. I am not alone!

'Waiting for the other shoe to drop' just about says it all for me!There isn't a day I don't think about recurrent disease looming somewhere in my body or the list of the many target or immunotherapy drugs scrolling thru my mind. I cannot even count how frequently my mind goes there daily. I have drug therapies listed in my cell phone notes anticipating bringing them up to my ONC one day. Like he doesn't already know of them! Unfortunately, my ONC has never been particularly encouraging with my high risk stage IIIA disease. Mentions of my depth of invasion (98%) and extensive LVSI is part of every 3 month checkup oratory. I think PSTD is a perfect description of the fear I have.

BlueBird, I am so glad you shared using THC. I brought the subject up to my ONC's nurse once prior to chemo who expressed 'their not recommending' anything like THAT'. I would have to obtain my medical marijuana license in MO . I currently use lorazepam prescribed for nausea during chemo but it makes me sleepy. The RN for the Cancer Survivorship Program suggested Xanax. I turned her down my first visit but may be headed there in May. TY for also stating your anxiety has decreased over time.

A, your puppy is so cute. I am sorry you lost your loving pet. My cats are so important to me. ((Hugs))

Deb,

TY for the welcome smile.

Voicing the emotional toll my cancer dx has had on me, particularly in the abyss of post treatment, has been freeing. I know I can come here and share without judgement. I want to recapture the me I was before this cancer, too. Not all of it, because I have changed, just part would be wonderful!

My cancer survivor meeting is in early May and I have some points to bring up about anti depressants and thc. I would like to find a face to face group meeting of gynecological cancer survivors.

Clinging to the hope that time and sisters here offer.

((Hugs))

I was never offered any kind of numbing cream or spray for when they put the needle in my port either. That does smart, but for me the pain usually doesn't last long...just a few minutes. By the time I had read about the numbing cream, I was halfway through chemo, so decided not to bother asking about it. But since I still have my port at my oncologist's recommendation, I wish now that I had asked about it. I go in every 3 months for surveillance exams and my port flush is scheduled for right after, so not a big deal to get that done. But even though it doesn't last all that long for me, that sting when the needle goes in is not pleasant to say the least. In the beginning I had pain similar to yours after the port was installed, but it very rarely bothers me now. Hopefully that will be the case for you also.

HFTG61, I can't believe the health care workers that you've had dealings with treat you and your pain so callously.