Hello newbie here

ldot123 said:

Hang In There Sonia
Hi Sonia,

You will see a lot of positive stories on this site. The people here are the best for supporting each other through their fight. I had Stage 3 with 2 nodes involved 2 years ago. I had 6 months of chemo also. I just had a checkup and everything looks good. I know what you are going through. You have a range of extreme emotions that everybody experiences. You are not alone and you will beat this.

Cheers, Lance

PhillieG said:

I wanted to say more...
Welcome aboard, too bad this is a site for cancer and not the millionaires club or something a little more fun. I think you will find this site to be very informative and at times even a slightly entertaining. We have people from all different backgrounds and who have differing opinions too so it's not just a bunch of cheerleaders nor is it gloom and doom. We do keep it supportive, but also realistic. At least that is how I approach the whole topic of cancer. Myself, I have stage IV colon cancer and have been living with cancer(pretty well I might add) for a little over 5 years. I've had a bunch of operations and very many rounds of chemo but all of that has keep me going. I am riding the top of the wave of technology it seems. I'm very lucky for someone who has cancer.

It sounds like you had a hell of a month. Much has happened in a short amount of time for you. I think it's good to be aggressive with the treatment if you are able to withstand it. It can be rough on one's body but then again, everyone reacts differently. Remember, you are all unique, just like everyone else. It sounds like your Oncologist is handling things in a good manner. It's important to go after any stray cells that may have escaped the operation. I've heard of a few cases where the doctor doesn't feel it's necessary to follow up with chemo after an operation. Personally, I don't think that's a good idea. You need to make sure none of those cells get away.

I have found that this is a roller coaster of emotions and feelings. It really took me a while to get angry, my first reaction was to just give it all I could and for them to hit me with everything they had. After a while I got a little angry but I am thankful that I got it and not my wife or kids. I never got into the whole "why did this happen to me?" thing or "I'm being punished for something I did". If I played that game, how would it explain the behavior of many people out there (and we know who they are...). I think one great thing I did for myself was to see a therapist to help me cope with all of the feelings I have been going through. I also took advantage of anti-depressives and anti- anxiety medication. I feel that is why they are there and if there's ever a time when one needs that "help", now is it.

It is a yo-yo or roller coaster and there is never any need to apologize for "going on in your post", that's why this site is here. We are all here for support. I am sorry to hear about your Mum, that's rough. I do this myself at times, but try to not think about how this is affecting your husband. You didn't plan on getting sick and I'm sure he knows that. Life's funny, we really don't know why this or that happens, it certainly isn't fair and I don't think we are being "tested" by anyone. It's just rotten luck.

You've come to a great place for support, feel free to post questions or comments on ANYTHING at all here.
{{{Hugs to you}}}
-phil