the cancer aftermath

my thoughts
First, the frustration, anger, impatience I hear in what you are saying are very normal and understandable. It may be time to seek professional help to deal with the feelings if they are interfering with your ability to enjoy life. If it is important to you to go to a Christian counsellor, you can find those in your area online, or check with churches that offer a wide variety of services.
Second, if you are not already involved in one, maybe it would be good for you to look into finding a cancer survivor support group so that you can talk to folks who have "been there, done that" face-to-face on a regular basis. You could ask your Doc or look up your local American Cancer Society.
Third, you are doing the right thing by going to the Dr. to see if there's a way he/she can help you feel better.


For what it's worth, that's what I think of. Get better soon. seof

Katz77 said:

Sorry
I kind of know how you feel, as do alot of us. I just wonder around in a daze sometimes. I sooo very happy about being in remission,esp since I have aggressive cancer with a butt load of nodes that was positive. However dont think the "old" self will ever return. After evaluating the old self, didnt care for her. I was self destructive and didnt care for myself. Always looking out for everyone else. Was unhappy with my old job. Work in surgery and directors and surgeons were a#*holes. Made huge move to another state,love myself slowed down. Smelling the catcus. Live in high desert. Love my mountains and husband of 33yrs. Hike or walk depending on energy. Sit out at night and stare at all the beautiful stars. Milky Way runs right over my house. Thinking about taking a sign lanuage class. Know some signing. Im poor as a church mouse, but work for insurance and co-pays. Have food,roof over my head and shoes on my feet. Can bring home some bread,but can't always afford the meat. Song I just learned. lol Main thing is I turned this beast over to God 6 wks after diagnois.
Not saying everyday is all rainbows, but have to say havent been this content and satified in many yrs. Weird what cancer has actually done for me. Turned 50 last week and was thrilled. Lol Sorry this is long,but felt good sharing with you. Hope you feel better soon. Love,prayers and hugs,Katz

Sending you a big hug
You are still coping with your trauma. Please try to do something what you like and enjoy. Or maybe something new you always dreamed of but never had a chance to do or to see.
Hopefully your financial situation will allow you to do. Go and have fun!
Speaking from 2 years veteran experience (stage IIIC, 6 Chemo, 40 radiations, and DIEP Flap).
New Flower

Hi Alison,
Sorry you are having a hard time right now. Sending you a big cyber hug. Jean

new life.......
Alison, I am so sorry you are having a hard time now. This whole cancer thing sucks...and our lives will never be the same again. I am just out of treatment and all my strength is zapped....and I have come to terms that my old life is just that....I cannot have it back. But, I am determined to make a new life with different adventures I can enjoy. I know that sounds so simple....... I am not angry, but very disappointed that I have severe lymphema as a result of this battle.......but it is what it is. I will not let it get me down...you have to fight the feelings of defeat and embrace the success of beating the beast! Hugs, hugs, hugs to you

disneyfan2008 said:

hug coming your way
I am so sorry...I am same age...Pain is terriable...does your cancer center have therapist or counseling? Mine did/ does..I DID not use it often but when I needed it...it was the best thing ever!

good LUCK!

So sorry
I am so sorry that you are going through this Allison. Saying prayers for you. God Bless
(((Hugs))) Janice

I SO Hear You Alison!
I know how hard it can be. I was in the same boat 9 years ago! Believe me, it does get better. You just have to give it more time. One year is NOT all that long. I too went through a REALLY hard time about a year after my inital diagnosis. I think it's very common. You need to just let yourself grieve, be angry, just let the emotions out. And may I suggest a support group and or counseling. It really does help! I didn't start going until AFTER all my treatment was over. Looking back, I should have gone right after I was diagnosed, but of course I felt I could handle it all by myself! (NOT!)

Are you taking anything for depression? It seems from what you've describe, you have all the classic symptoms. It's VERY common as well. I went on an anti-depressant as it really help, not only with my mood and feeling like my "old self", but it can help with cronic pain as well. You may want to look into it.

To be totally honest, you will never get your "old" life back, but it does get more and more like it as time goes by. One can't help but change and grow from the cancer experience. As far as the fatigue and pain, the fatigue will get better, but your body just needs more time to recover! And you have to take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest, eat healthy, avoid major stressers and do things that give you joy! Your body has been put hell, it's gonna need some time to recover. As for your pain...have you tried accupuncture? Or thought of seeing a pain specialist? There are so many thing out there now days, you shouldn't have to live in pain "all the time".

Blessings,

Sally

I don't have any advice to
I don't have any advice to add...just lots of positive energy to send your way. I hope you're feeling stronger soon.

Hugs,

Linda

Boppy_of_6 said:

So sorry
I am so sorry that you are going through this Allison. Saying prayers for you. God Bless
(((Hugs))) Janice

Sending cyber hugs and
Sending cyber hugs and prayers!