IrishGypsie-Report in, thats an Order : )

Glenna M said:

I understand...
I completely understand when you say that your friends feel that when treatment is done we are automatically back to our own selves again. Yes, we don't go for chemo or rads anymore but we are far from being ourselves again. I have a friend who was previously my boss and he is the only one who completely understands what I have gone through (and am still going through) because he has gone through everything I have experienced when he underwent cancer treatments 2 years ago. We both agree that only cancer survivors understand and there is no way we can explain it to others, they will never get it unless they experience it themselves.

Hang in there, I am 8 months post treatment for lung cancer and 9 months post treatment for laryngeal cancer, and I still have "issues". I'm doing great and am in remission (for both cancers) but I still am not myself physically, mentally or emotionally. I may never be but I am not going to complain about the "new me" as I am still alive and very thankful.

You will get through this, we all have, it will just take time.

Stay strong,
Glenna

Friends & Family
I'm 10 weeks post treatment and a lot of friends and family both expect me to be exactly like I was before anything began, so I know where everyone is coming from on that issue. I try to explain it, but it's almost like I'm whineing to them. So I just am kind of cryptic and say "It's the new me". I haven't totally found out what the "new me" is yet but I'm learning. And I know I won't be totally the same as before but in some areas, hopefully a better person (maybe). And I agree whole-heartedly with Glenna. The only people that truly understand this new normal is my friends who are survivors also.
Good thoughts going to everyone here.
Greg

Glenna M said:

I understand...
I completely understand when you say that your friends feel that when treatment is done we are automatically back to our own selves again. Yes, we don't go for chemo or rads anymore but we are far from being ourselves again. I have a friend who was previously my boss and he is the only one who completely understands what I have gone through (and am still going through) because he has gone through everything I have experienced when he underwent cancer treatments 2 years ago. We both agree that only cancer survivors understand and there is no way we can explain it to others, they will never get it unless they experience it themselves.

Hang in there, I am 8 months post treatment for lung cancer and 9 months post treatment for laryngeal cancer, and I still have "issues". I'm doing great and am in remission (for both cancers) but I still am not myself physically, mentally or emotionally. I may never be but I am not going to complain about the "new me" as I am still alive and very thankful.

You will get through this, we all have, it will just take time.

Stay strong,
Glenna

that's so true
glenna and greg, that is so very true, only other cancer patients can fully understand what we go thru.
God Bless us all,
debbie