What to do after 6 years after treatment

pmfennell
pmfennell Member Posts: 28
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hello,
I am a six year survivor of SCC. At the time of diagnosis I was an elementary school teacher working on a Masters in Psychology. Which I did finish. But the cancer prevented me from practicing. Obviously, I need to use my voice for both of these careers. The bad news is, I had to go on disability because my saliva glands do not work and throat bleeds frequently, The docs have done many endoscopy's and found the tumor to be OK, but the blood vessels in my throat rupture depending upon weather conditions and how much I use my voice. I am on a regiment of Fentanayl and Oxycododne daily. I am 49 and find myself to be a non-contributor to society and I am often depressed. I would like to find a career or situation where I can help people that are facing what I have gone through and feel like I am helping and making a difference and contributing to society. Anyone else out here facing these issues and what have you done?? Any help and comments would be appreciated.

Pete

Comments

  • jkinobay
    jkinobay Member Posts: 298 Member
    #2
    A local support group?
    I am "only" a 2 year survivor and don't really deserve to be advising a 6 year veteran, but..........Do you have a local support group? If you don't know, check it out. If there is not one, start one. My guess is that you have a lot to offer and obviously have a caregiver's spirit. Using those talents and tools to help others would be a great way to boost your own spirit.

    At the very least, stay tuned in here as there are folks signing on frequently that you could help with your experience.

    IMHO, the best way to focus away from your problems is to focus on those of others.

    God Bless.................and keep us posted on your progress.

    JK
  • pmfennell
    pmfennell Member Posts: 28
    #3
    jkinobay said:

    A local support group?
    I am "only" a 2 year survivor and don't really deserve to be advising a 6 year veteran, but..........Do you have a local support group? If you don't know, check it out. If there is not one, start one. My guess is that you have a lot to offer and obviously have a caregiver's spirit. Using those talents and tools to help others would be a great way to boost your own spirit.

    At the very least, stay tuned in here as there are folks signing on frequently that you could help with your experience.

    IMHO, the best way to focus away from your problems is to focus on those of others.

    God Bless.................and keep us posted on your progress.

    JK

    Support
    Hello Jk

    Thanks for your words of encouragement. I will look into local support groups at my local hospital and see if there is anything there. I do want to give back and share my experiences with others to offer support and info. I check this board everyday and share my experiences similar to others to encourage them or just offer basic info. Thanks again for your encouragement.

    Pete
  • SASH
    SASH Member Posts: 421 Member
    #4
    pmfennell said:

    Support
    Hello Jk

    Thanks for your words of encouragement. I will look into local support groups at my local hospital and see if there is anything there. I do want to give back and share my experiences with others to offer support and info. I check this board everyday and share my experiences similar to others to encourage them or just offer basic info. Thanks again for your encouragement.

    Pete

    Support
    You might want to check with SPOHNC. This is Support for People with Oral, Head and Neck Cancer. They have support groups around the country and might be able to give you some guidance in setting up a group. Since we all have unique issues versus other cancer survivors you might want a "specialized" group.
  • pmfennell
    pmfennell Member Posts: 28
    #5
    SASH said:

    Support
    You might want to check with SPOHNC. This is Support for People with Oral, Head and Neck Cancer. They have support groups around the country and might be able to give you some guidance in setting up a group. Since we all have unique issues versus other cancer survivors you might want a "specialized" group.

    Thanks for the info.
    Hello Sash

    Thanks for the info. It is very helpful to have resources like yourself.

    Pete

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