Cervical Cancer

big T
big T Member Posts: 12
edited March 2014 in Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine) #1
I have just been diagnosed with Cervical Cancer and am stil reeling from the news. And though I have never missed my annual exam and pap smear, my cancer has grown so fast between checkups, surgery is not even an option. I have stage III A! I felt perfectly safe getting the annual pap smears and thought if anything would ever be found, it would be found early enough to take care of it before it turned into full fledged cancer. This has really blind sided me and my family. Has this ever happened to anyone else?
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Comments

  • deanna14
    deanna14 Member Posts: 732
    #2
    I can relate...
    In a way, I can relate to what you are feeling. I faithfully had my pap tests every year and now I had Stage 3C uterine cancer. My cancer was in the top of the uterus rather than in the cervix, so the pap test did not detect it. Will you have to have a hysterectomy?
    I am sorry you are have to go through this. Hang in there, you have come to a great place to get some support and understanding.

    Prayer and Hugs
  • big T
    big T Member Posts: 12
    #3
    deanna14 said:

    I can relate...
    In a way, I can relate to what you are feeling. I faithfully had my pap tests every year and now I had Stage 3C uterine cancer. My cancer was in the top of the uterus rather than in the cervix, so the pap test did not detect it. Will you have to have a hysterectomy?
    I am sorry you are have to go through this. Hang in there, you have come to a great place to get some support and understanding.

    Prayer and Hugs

    "I can relate"
    Thank you, Deanna 14 for replying to my comments and question. Not only am I new to cancer, I am new to blogging and chat rooms etc. I do hope that your situation has improved and you are on the road to recovery. Did you have to have surgery? As for me, I'm here waiting for the Radiologist to give me a call as to when and what kind of radiation treatment he is going to do. Surgery is not an option for me. The cancer has spread too far and wide. And as soon as the radiation treatments start, I will also have to have Chemotherapy treatments. I have to admit, I'm very frightened about going through these treatments and the possible side effects I will endure. I had two CT scans this past Wed. to see if any cancer could be detected anywhere else in my body. I'm trying not to think about that.
  • deanna14
    deanna14 Member Posts: 732
    #4
    big T said:

    "I can relate"
    Thank you, Deanna 14 for replying to my comments and question. Not only am I new to cancer, I am new to blogging and chat rooms etc. I do hope that your situation has improved and you are on the road to recovery. Did you have to have surgery? As for me, I'm here waiting for the Radiologist to give me a call as to when and what kind of radiation treatment he is going to do. Surgery is not an option for me. The cancer has spread too far and wide. And as soon as the radiation treatments start, I will also have to have Chemotherapy treatments. I have to admit, I'm very frightened about going through these treatments and the possible side effects I will endure. I had two CT scans this past Wed. to see if any cancer could be detected anywhere else in my body. I'm trying not to think about that.

    I'm sorry
    I'm so sorry that you are having to go through this. I'm relatively new to the whole chat room thing. I have found several ladies on a different thread here that have the same diagnosis as me and it has been good to be able to discuss what is going on with them. I had a hysterectomy in September, I knew going in that I had cancer in my uterus. The hysterectomy alone was upsetting enough at 39 years old. When they got in there, it had spread to 1 pelvic lymph node, which booted me from stage 1 to stage 3. I just finished 25 external radiation treatments and start this week on internal radiation, weekly for 3 weeks. I will start chemo therapy probably around the middle of February. The radiation side effects were not so bad. I had to watch what I ate (low fiber), as diarrhea is a big side effect of pelvic radiation. I did experience some "fussy bowel" symptoms as my doc would say. Also in the later weeks of it I was extremely fatiqued in the afternoon and evening.
    I can't tell you first hand about the side effects of chemo, but if you want to read through the posts on the uterine papillary serous carcinoma thread, you might find useful info. There are 2 ladies currently taking chemo and 1 who is a 2 year survivor. They all have uterine cancer, so I don't know how much the meds differ. Check it out, I think it will ease your mind some. I know I had these thoughts of horror stories you hear or what you see in movies. It sounds like the treatments are do-able now days. They have really great drugs for the nausea now days.
    Hang in there. I pray that your CT scans are good news. I'll keep you in my thoughts.

    Deanna
  • big T
    big T Member Posts: 12
    #5
    chemo. treatment soon
    Again, Deanna, thank you for your encouragement. It eases my mind some that the external radiation treatment you had, wasn't as terrrible for you. At least that part of your treatment is over. It sounds like your treatments are almost being done one at a time. I am very sorry that you had to endure cancer at all and at such a young age. Age 39, is awfully young to have to go through all of that. As for me, I'm going to be 53 soon. The plan for me is to start radiation treatment five days a week, then have the chemo. one day a week. So there will be one day a week that I have both. I don't know how many weeks yet. Wish me luck and I will pray for minimum side effects for you too and a quick recovery. Let me know how you are doing. Hopefully you have full confidence in your doctors. Though my doctors are new to me, I feel that they will do their best for me. Even my husband likes them. And that is saying something. And I will take your advice and try to find ladies that have gone through what I will be for their personal experiences. I have always heard that knowledge is power.

    Wishing you well soon. Love, big T
  • deanna14
    deanna14 Member Posts: 732
    #6
    big T said:

    chemo. treatment soon
    Again, Deanna, thank you for your encouragement. It eases my mind some that the external radiation treatment you had, wasn't as terrrible for you. At least that part of your treatment is over. It sounds like your treatments are almost being done one at a time. I am very sorry that you had to endure cancer at all and at such a young age. Age 39, is awfully young to have to go through all of that. As for me, I'm going to be 53 soon. The plan for me is to start radiation treatment five days a week, then have the chemo. one day a week. So there will be one day a week that I have both. I don't know how many weeks yet. Wish me luck and I will pray for minimum side effects for you too and a quick recovery. Let me know how you are doing. Hopefully you have full confidence in your doctors. Though my doctors are new to me, I feel that they will do their best for me. Even my husband likes them. And that is saying something. And I will take your advice and try to find ladies that have gone through what I will be for their personal experiences. I have always heard that knowledge is power.

    Wishing you well soon. Love, big T

    God Bless You
    big T,
    Enduring cancer is difficult at any age. That sounds like an intense treatment regime. It helps so much to have doctors that you have confidence in. My doctor treated my mother 15 years ago for endometrial cancer. She is still with us and has since beat breast cancer as well. Both times, surgery has been a cure for her. I am glad that you and your husband like your doctors, that is very important on this journey.

    I wish you the best of luck with your treatment. I hope that the side effects will be few and manageable, and that you are restored to health. Having your husband actively involved in your care helps so much. Mine has been so supportive.

    So, take care of you. Keep in touch, let me know how things are going. I hope and pray the best for you.
    Hugs,
    Deanna
  • big T
    big T Member Posts: 12
    #7
    deanna14 said:

    God Bless You
    big T,
    Enduring cancer is difficult at any age. That sounds like an intense treatment regime. It helps so much to have doctors that you have confidence in. My doctor treated my mother 15 years ago for endometrial cancer. She is still with us and has since beat breast cancer as well. Both times, surgery has been a cure for her. I am glad that you and your husband like your doctors, that is very important on this journey.

    I wish you the best of luck with your treatment. I hope that the side effects will be few and manageable, and that you are restored to health. Having your husband actively involved in your care helps so much. Mine has been so supportive.

    So, take care of you. Keep in touch, let me know how things are going. I hope and pray the best for you.
    Hugs,
    Deanna

    Getting ready to start chemo. and radiation treatment
    Well, here I am trying to imagine what it is going to be like taking external radiation therapy and chemo. (There is an option for internal radiation also later on.) This will be my first time for either. I'm a bit apprehensive as well and anxious. I have known for nearly two months about my diagnosis and I can't get well until I get done with the treatments and I can't be done with the treatments until they get started. It has been almost overwhelming for me, reading and re-reading all the information the specialists have given me. And the possible side effects are scary, to say the least. Short term and long term. Please, someone, wish me luck! Say a little prayer for me. The radiation starts tomorrow, whith the chemo. on Monday. I have tried preparing myself mentally and physically. Right now, I'm not feeling very brave.

    Whomever notices this, thank you.
  • deanna14
    deanna14 Member Posts: 732
    #8
    big T said:

    Getting ready to start chemo. and radiation treatment
    Well, here I am trying to imagine what it is going to be like taking external radiation therapy and chemo. (There is an option for internal radiation also later on.) This will be my first time for either. I'm a bit apprehensive as well and anxious. I have known for nearly two months about my diagnosis and I can't get well until I get done with the treatments and I can't be done with the treatments until they get started. It has been almost overwhelming for me, reading and re-reading all the information the specialists have given me. And the possible side effects are scary, to say the least. Short term and long term. Please, someone, wish me luck! Say a little prayer for me. The radiation starts tomorrow, whith the chemo. on Monday. I have tried preparing myself mentally and physically. Right now, I'm not feeling very brave.

    Whomever notices this, thank you.

    Stay strong!
    Big T,
    I know all of this is really scary, but it is do-able. I am not having my treatment concurrently, but right now I am doing radiation. I just finished external radiation last week and I start internal radiation tomorrow. Pretty much, I just had to watch what I ate and I didn't have too much trouble with the external radiation. Are you having full abdomen or just pelvic radiation? Mine was pelvic area only. If you follow a low fiber diet and keep Imodium AD with you wherever you go, you'll be fine. Toward the end of course of treatment, I started getting very tired, particularly in the afternoons following my treatments. I can't speak for the chemo because I haven't started yet. Other than to say that I am very anxious and apprehensive as well. I try not to think about the long term effects, I figure the alternative is worse. I know it's all so overwhelming, just hang in there. Stay strong. Know that you are not alone, you can come here anytime for encouragement. You are asking for prayer so I will presume it is okay to say lean on the Lord.
    Good luck, my prayers are with you. Check back in and let me know how you are doing.
    Deanna
  • deanna14
    deanna14 Member Posts: 732
    #9
    deanna14 said:

    Stay strong!
    Big T,
    I know all of this is really scary, but it is do-able. I am not having my treatment concurrently, but right now I am doing radiation. I just finished external radiation last week and I start internal radiation tomorrow. Pretty much, I just had to watch what I ate and I didn't have too much trouble with the external radiation. Are you having full abdomen or just pelvic radiation? Mine was pelvic area only. If you follow a low fiber diet and keep Imodium AD with you wherever you go, you'll be fine. Toward the end of course of treatment, I started getting very tired, particularly in the afternoons following my treatments. I can't speak for the chemo because I haven't started yet. Other than to say that I am very anxious and apprehensive as well. I try not to think about the long term effects, I figure the alternative is worse. I know it's all so overwhelming, just hang in there. Stay strong. Know that you are not alone, you can come here anytime for encouragement. You are asking for prayer so I will presume it is okay to say lean on the Lord.
    Good luck, my prayers are with you. Check back in and let me know how you are doing.
    Deanna

    How did 1st radiation day go?
    Big T,
    I was checking in to see how you did with your first radiation day? I hope it was easier than you expected. I had my first internal radiation tx today. The simulation on Tuesday was pretty horrid, but the actual treatment today was not so bad. Let me know how it went when you get a chance.
    Relax and enjoy your weekend, try not to think about the upcoming chemo on Monday.
    Hang tough and take care of yourself.
    Peace,
    Deanna
  • big T
    big T Member Posts: 12
    #10
    First Radiation Treatment
    Deanna,

    Thanks for asking about my first rdiation treatment. You were right, it wasn't as bad as I feared. I thought about you having to go through with the same thing and handling it well. It made me feel a little braver. Also the staff were very nice and patient with my questions. They explained everythng and gave helpful hints, I am much relieved. What about you? You said that the simulation on your internal radiaton on Tues. was terrible. Can you explain? Are you all right? You did say the actual radiaton appointment went better though and I'm very happy to hear that. How many weeks of this kind of radiation will you have to have? You too have a good weekend. I plan to do all I can to keep my mind off of Monday and enjoy the weekend myself. You have no idea how much I appreciate your uplifting words.
  • jll
    jll Member Posts: 3
    #11
    Dear Big T

    Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I'm going through exactly the same thing as yourself and just wanted to offer some support. I've just recently been diagnosed with Stage 3 Cervical Cancer too. I'm a week and a half into Radiation and Chemotherapy and I'm doing ok. The Radiotherapy is quite easy to cope with but it does make me tired. My first week of Chemo I was sick for about 3 days after but I let them know and I've been put on much stonger anti-sickness drugs and I'm absolutley fine this week.

    I was a bit gutted with what some of the side effects would be I'm 26 so was really hoping to have a family but just got to concentrate on getting through this and getting better.

    Please let me know if you want someone to chat to or have any questions, thinking of you!!

    Take care

    Jac x
  • deanna14
    deanna14 Member Posts: 732
    #12
    big T said:

    First Radiation Treatment
    Deanna,

    Thanks for asking about my first rdiation treatment. You were right, it wasn't as bad as I feared. I thought about you having to go through with the same thing and handling it well. It made me feel a little braver. Also the staff were very nice and patient with my questions. They explained everythng and gave helpful hints, I am much relieved. What about you? You said that the simulation on your internal radiaton on Tues. was terrible. Can you explain? Are you all right? You did say the actual radiaton appointment went better though and I'm very happy to hear that. How many weeks of this kind of radiation will you have to have? You too have a good weekend. I plan to do all I can to keep my mind off of Monday and enjoy the weekend myself. You have no idea how much I appreciate your uplifting words.

    Internal Radiation
    The simulation for the internal radiation is just a bit demeaning and uncomfortable, in my opinion. They have to put dye in your bladder and rectum, then you also have the vaginal cannister where they put the implant seeds. It is just a very vulnerable feeling to lay in that way on a table with a complete stranger placing tubes in every orifice. Being a 39 year old in instant menopause doesn't help, I think I was very emotional that day anyway. It wasn't that any of it really hurt. The bladder catheter was a little painful for me as they decided on Tuesday that I had a bit of scar tissue in my urethra that was opened up when they inserted the catheter. So that is why I had pain, which you probably won't. Are you going to have internal radiation? If so, just prepare yourself now for tubes everywhere and strangers all in your private business, if you know what I mean. The actual treatment, they only have to put the radiation cannister in your vagina and that is a little uncomfortable, but is not bad at all!
    You are so welcome, if I can share my experience and it helps you to be more comfortable with your treatments, I'm glad to do it. Hang in there. Don't even think about the c word or treatment this weekend. Just enjoy! Talk to later. Hugs and smiles,
    Deanna
  • big T
    big T Member Posts: 12
    #13
    Internal Radiation
    Deanna,

    Thanks for the info. on internal radiation. About halfway through my five weeks of external radiation, the doctor will evaluate me to see if I can be a candidate for the internal. Also, I'm glad to know what to expect from that. As far as I'm concerned, all of my expereinces so far with this dianosis has been intrusive and invasive. I'm not looking forward to even more. Did they numb you or anything when they put the radiation "sleave" (as they call it here)in? Did they have to sew it in? Thanks again for all of your info. Hopefully, all of this poking and empersonal feeling treatments will pay off for you and soon you can say you are free from all the invasive stuff and free from illness too. Thank goodness you weren't allergic to all of that dye. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
  • big T
    big T Member Posts: 12
    #14
    jll said:

    Dear Big T

    Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I'm going through exactly the same thing as yourself and just wanted to offer some support. I've just recently been diagnosed with Stage 3 Cervical Cancer too. I'm a week and a half into Radiation and Chemotherapy and I'm doing ok. The Radiotherapy is quite easy to cope with but it does make me tired. My first week of Chemo I was sick for about 3 days after but I let them know and I've been put on much stonger anti-sickness drugs and I'm absolutley fine this week.

    I was a bit gutted with what some of the side effects would be I'm 26 so was really hoping to have a family but just got to concentrate on getting through this and getting better.

    Please let me know if you want someone to chat to or have any questions, thinking of you!!

    Take care

    Jac x

    Jac X,
    First of all let
    Jac X,

    First of all let me express how sorry I am that you are also experiencing the same illness that I am. I was blind-sided by the dianosis and I have already gone through menopause. I can't imagine being as young as you. However, you are correct in thinking it is more important right now to get well than anything else. Hopefully you have good support from friends and family. My heart and prayers go out to you.

    It is good to know that so far, you are handling your treatments ok. I hope that you will continue that way through the end of all your treatments. Wish me luck on mine.

    Monday is the day that I will have both chemo. and radiation. That will be a long day each week. I'm going to try and enjoy my weekends.

    You asked about chatting. I would like to, however, I'm not sure how to. This is all new to me. Thank you for your support

    My heart, thoughts and prayers will be with you.

    Love, Big "T"
  • deanna14
    deanna14 Member Posts: 732
    #15
    big T said:

    Internal Radiation
    Deanna,

    Thanks for the info. on internal radiation. About halfway through my five weeks of external radiation, the doctor will evaluate me to see if I can be a candidate for the internal. Also, I'm glad to know what to expect from that. As far as I'm concerned, all of my expereinces so far with this dianosis has been intrusive and invasive. I'm not looking forward to even more. Did they numb you or anything when they put the radiation "sleave" (as they call it here)in? Did they have to sew it in? Thanks again for all of your info. Hopefully, all of this poking and empersonal feeling treatments will pay off for you and soon you can say you are free from all the invasive stuff and free from illness too. Thank goodness you weren't allergic to all of that dye. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Radiation
    I am hoping and praying that will be the case. Every step we take is one step closer to being finished with treatment and on our way to being well.
    They just insert the sleave for the treatment and remove it when the treatment is over. Thank goodness for that! They didn't numb me, but I don't think it would have been painful if it weren't for the issues with my bladder/urethra. The sleave was certainly not comfortable, but not painful.
    I would have to agree with you there. We certainly have to share a lot more of than I actually care to. If that is what I have to do to get well, it is what I will do. And... I will try to keep a good attitude about it.
    Hang in there Big T, I will keep you in my prayers. Hugs.
    Deanna
  • jll
    jll Member Posts: 3
    #16
    Big T
    Big T

    Thanks for your message and hope you are well.

    My first day of both chemo and radiotherapy was a long day I was in hospital from 8.30am - 4.30pm, I was worn out by the end of it, but by the second session it was much more organised and went in quickly. Hopefully your 1st session will go quicker than mine

    There a great website which may be helpful for you its www.jotrust.co.uk its a charity dedicated to Cervical Cancer and if you go to the lets meet section there is a great forum with lots of fantastic supportive ladies, they also have a section where you can email medical experts any questions you may have.

    At the end of my 5 weeks they are hoping to be able to do an 18 hours of brachy (internal radiation) The Radiographer has taken me up to the room and showed me the machine and it doesn't seem to bad. But if for any reason they can't do this (for instance I have too much scar tissue) they are going to do another 2 weeks of radiation but confine it just to the affected area and not the whole pelvic area like they are treating at the moment

    I'll be thinking of you on Monday! Hope it all goes well. x

    Take Care

    Jac

    PS - I'm not sure how to chat or send private messages on this website either but I'll try and figure it out - if not I'm under the same username on Jo's Trust
  • big T
    big T Member Posts: 12
    #17
    Monday
    Jac,

    Thank you for the info. on the web site. I will try it out when I get the chance. It sounds like that your treatments so far are going well for you. Congratulations on that. Also, thanks for the insight of your first double treatment. Everyone tells me how important a positive attitude is. Try to keep that going. Being young and healthy otherwise will make all of this a bad memory for you soon. Yes, my Dr. has also mentioned that he may try the internal radiation later on for me. The nurse for the chemo. doctor has said they will sew in a "sleave" and that the radiologist will then be able to place radiaton directly into the tumor. I'm not exactly sure how they plan to do that but we will have to wait and see if I'm a candidate for that anyway. Right now, I'm just trying to get through Monday. I'll let you know how Monday goes for me. Good luck with your treatments. I'll be thinking of you come Monday morning.

    Love, Big "T"
  • baymare
    baymare Member Posts: 5
    #18
    big T said:

    Getting ready to start chemo. and radiation treatment
    Well, here I am trying to imagine what it is going to be like taking external radiation therapy and chemo. (There is an option for internal radiation also later on.) This will be my first time for either. I'm a bit apprehensive as well and anxious. I have known for nearly two months about my diagnosis and I can't get well until I get done with the treatments and I can't be done with the treatments until they get started. It has been almost overwhelming for me, reading and re-reading all the information the specialists have given me. And the possible side effects are scary, to say the least. Short term and long term. Please, someone, wish me luck! Say a little prayer for me. The radiation starts tomorrow, whith the chemo. on Monday. I have tried preparing myself mentally and physically. Right now, I'm not feeling very brave.

    Whomever notices this, thank you.

    Overwhelmed
    Dear Big T,
    I finally decided to seek out other women who are going thru similar experiences. Although I was diagnosed on 9/3/08 with stage IV colon cancer, I'm here because the cancer created a fistula into the posterior vaginal wall, near the cervix.
    After a bowel resection, I completed stage 1 of chemo & ext. radiation the first week in Dec. The joke's on me, thinking that this downtime would be a "break". Between juggling doctors' visits, applying for SSI benefits, preparing for Christmas and last but not least, facing a second surgery in January. I feel like my head is going to explode sometimes. Mostly trying to cope with the fear of the unknown: what will life be like after a vaginal resection/reconstruction? Honestly, hard as I try & pray, my mind reels at the thought.
    And here we are, almost Christmas. Single mom. Two sons still at home. No partner but - thank God- many who love & support us. ( Would y'all like to join me at my pity party? Come as you are! ;-P )
    I hate how this is affecting them. I don't know how to be brave or even reasonable in the face of what's ahead. But... chocolate helps. so does humor, however dark it gets. I'm getting a second opinion a mere week before surgey's scheduled.
    Thanks for letting me vent to you fellow "travelers" ( soldiers & survivors ). Sending out love
    and respect to you all.
    Mare
  • big T
    big T Member Posts: 12
    #19
    baymare said:

    Overwhelmed
    Dear Big T,
    I finally decided to seek out other women who are going thru similar experiences. Although I was diagnosed on 9/3/08 with stage IV colon cancer, I'm here because the cancer created a fistula into the posterior vaginal wall, near the cervix.
    After a bowel resection, I completed stage 1 of chemo & ext. radiation the first week in Dec. The joke's on me, thinking that this downtime would be a "break". Between juggling doctors' visits, applying for SSI benefits, preparing for Christmas and last but not least, facing a second surgery in January. I feel like my head is going to explode sometimes. Mostly trying to cope with the fear of the unknown: what will life be like after a vaginal resection/reconstruction? Honestly, hard as I try & pray, my mind reels at the thought.
    And here we are, almost Christmas. Single mom. Two sons still at home. No partner but - thank God- many who love & support us. ( Would y'all like to join me at my pity party? Come as you are! ;-P )
    I hate how this is affecting them. I don't know how to be brave or even reasonable in the face of what's ahead. But... chocolate helps. so does humor, however dark it gets. I'm getting a second opinion a mere week before surgey's scheduled.
    Thanks for letting me vent to you fellow "travelers" ( soldiers & survivors ). Sending out love
    and respect to you all.
    Mare

    Overwhelmed
    Baymare,

    I am so sorry to hear about the problems your cancer has caused you. I will add you to my prayers for a smooth surgery and quick recovery. Thank goodness for family and friends support. I know that I couldn't go through this if I didn't have people encouraging me to fight on. Just knowing that you have such support eases my mind for you some. Having to go through something like this with young children is as difficult as it gets. I have one adult son who is Autistic. He still lives with us and we rarely go anywhere without him. This illness has been difficult for him as you can imagine. If I may make a suggestion, sit down with your boys and just tell them that you are ill, you are fighting with all you have and that you love them. Tell them you are trying to be brave if if it doesn't look like you are being brave, maybe they could give you some of their bravery that you know they have. Having them feel like they are helping you will help them. Though i have only had one chmo. treatment, (Monday) I have been fighting upset stomach ever since. And I am already tired of taking pills. I have a perscription for inflamation, nausia, iron, and pain. (The tumor is causing pressure.) And now the iron is causing constipation which means more medicine. Yuck! And, I have had trouble sleeping the last two nights. I can't seem to get comfortable.
    So that is my whinning and I'll stop doing that for now. Good luck on your second opinion.
    Hopefully they will have a better option for you. Be sure and let me know what you find out. I'm routing for you. And try to have a Merry Christmas.

    Love, Big "T"
  • baymare
    baymare Member Posts: 5
    #20
    Thanks, T. Misery may not
    Thanks, T. Misery may not really "love company" -- I wouldn't wish this on ANYone! -- but it certainly needs the company.
    I was really surprised & glad to see your post so soon after mine. You're an angel.

    Next week, I'll meet Dr. # 9. Holy s***! Isn't it crazy? I don't know about you, but I was a once-a-year kinda visitor before all of this began. Last night I counted all of the visits for consults, surgeries, treatments & tests, since September 3rd, 2008 : 53 and counting.
    Guess that's just average but it feels beyond ridiculous. Oh, well. For now, that's our job, right?

    Keep on trucking, Sister. And thanks for your encouragement and honesty.
    Merry, Happy, etc. etc.
    Mare
  • big T
    big T Member Posts: 12
    #21
    Counting down the treatments
    Baymere,

    I'm glad my advise hit home for you. I have never been a counselor or anything. I just try to think in a common sense way. Hopfully I won't mess up. Please do let me know how your apt. goes next week. I will be thinking of you and have already added you to my prayers. Yes, I too was just a once a year patient for check-ups. And now, the intrusion on my body...well, I try not to think about it. And I have no doubt there will be many more invasiveness to endure before this is all over with. I do hope that you will be able to feel comfortable with your doctors and they show confidence in getting you well. Hang in there! Things will get better. I now can count 21 more external radiation treatments and five chemo. Then, of course, I may have to have some external radiation. I really don't want to think about that just yet. Again, try to keep your chin up. Remember,this is not your fault. No guilt is associated with cancer, only recovery.

    Love, Big "T"

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