The benefit of membership

rthornton · July 2005

Every two weeks I have to spend three days admitted to Northside Hospital here in Alanta to get my chemo infusions. Although I have experienced few side effects so far (I'm on my third infusion), I am already starting to very much dislike these little chemotherapy vacations every two weeks. Since I figured out a way to bring a laptop and access the internet from my hospital room, the experience is much better than it would be. I am in the hospital right now getting an infusion.

Coming to this Discussion Group and reading everyone's messages is probably my greatest comfort while in the hospital. It's amazing that I can feel part of this group of strangers, bound by a common struggle against this disease. The support that I have witnessed from all parts of the world given to others is amazing, and I have even received such support. The people that post messages here are all amazing to me, the concern that is shared and the long distance friendships that are born. It's all amazing, and helps me to better endure the whole chemotherapy experience each of the three days that I am chained to this hospital room. I especially like when I am able to answer someone else's concerns. So, my only purpose is to thank you all for being so nice and such seemingly inherently good people. I'm relatively new here, only diagnosed in May of this year, but I am deeply impressed by the family atmosphere of this discussion group.

Rodney

Unknown · July 2005

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CAMaura · July 2005

Hi Rodney,
Well, I am certainly not amazed by my own posts...but I am ever so happy to hear of this discussion board helping others. Lord knows it helps me. Checking the board is becoming as habitual as brushing my teeth....and I am glad.
It is a family atmosphere...maybe even better! Best of luck to you and thank you for your good thoughts. Wishing you the best - and very few chemo-related side effects!!
Cheers,
Maura

goldfinch · July 2005

You've expressed how I feel about this board perfectly. I get so much support from here, whether it's reading replies to my posts or reading replies to other posts.
I add my thanks to all the members, including Rodney, who take the time to offer such wise words and support.
Mary

nanuk · July 2005

well said Rodney.. the atmosphere of the chemo room or hospital brings us close to the edge and our fragility. In this site you will find the sacred, which resides in the ordinary, in one's daily life, in family, friends, neighbors, and here at CSN. Isn't it wonderful? Nanuk

kangatoo · July 2005

nanuk said:
well said Rodney.. the atmosphere of the chemo room or hospital brings us close to the edge and our fragility. In this site you will find the sacred, which resides in the ordinary, in one's daily life, in family, friends, neighbors, and here at CSN. Isn't it wonderful? Nanuk

Hiya Rodney...geez mate...I would have loved to have had a laptop for the 6 months I spent visiting the clinic. One day I was there a young fella of about 22 was having his chemo. We struck up a conversation(we were all family in the clinic too) about our cancers. He had leukemia but he inspired me with his courage. He had a laptop and was doing his university subjects while he was connected to the chemo. Unreal guy! He was studying to be a doctor!
The real message here confirms your outlook of being "bound by common ground". I met so many peole like this guy that in fact when it was time for me to finish my chemo it totally overwhelmed me. Yup.....I went to pieces on my last day there. I often return to my clinic now..just to keep in touch or lend a shoulder. So you see Rodney.....you, me and everyone here have a bond that many would find difficult to understand. Now here's the crunch why WE DO understand. Our fear is real and it will take many years for us to be called cured.(see--I am being positive!)
That young fella I spoke about? Unfortunately he had terminal leukemia...and he knew it! Yet his days on chemo were full of inspiration, strength and courage and he continued to study. I try to remind myself of that every time I lose tha plot!
I am glad you are with us Rodney...another brother.
luv Ross n Jen

tkd3g · July 2005

Hey Rodney,

Just shouting out a hello from here in New York.

Hoping your treatments are going ok for you today.

I think most of us here on this website do what we do just to reach out and help someone. Even when we post a complain or an issue, we are helping others who may have the same thoughts and ideas. Cool, isn't it.

One big family, always here, always ready to help anyway we can.

I haven't visited the chat room yet, but I bet that would be a cool thing to do while getting infused with the "bug juice". ( that's what we named it)

Feel good, Rodney.

Barb ( who played lots of Gin Rummy while hooked up)

2bhealed · July 2005

Hi Rodney!

that's so cool that you are sitting there getting your infusion while chatting with us.

It puts a different spin on the old Cocktail Party, doesn't it?

Family huh? I guess I would be the naggy obnoxious aunt who asks if you are "regular" and eating your veggies-- whom everyone runs from when she walks in the room. haha!

We have a few eccentrics here too. The comics. The sillies. It's all good.

Thanks for sharing. The feeling is universal.

peace, emily who loves this family gathering too!

taraHK · July 2005

Hi Rodney,
Thanks for expressing so well what many of us feel about this group.
We are in similar situations right now -- I, too, have to spend 3 days in hospital every 2 weeks for my chemo infusion (are you on FOLFOX?). And I just finished my third. Like you, I already have some negative feelings about the time I have to spend in hospital -- but I'm trying to develop some positive strategies, including taking my laptop. We're on alternate weeks at the moment (this is my "off" week -- hoorah) -- but, let's hang in together during this!
With best wishes and warmest regards,
Tara

rthornton · July 2005

Thank you all for your replies. I have really become quite addicted to this webpage, and I don't think there is another internet cancer community that comes close to this one.

I get out of the hospital today, when my three day chemo vacation ends late this afternoon. Then I can write from home! Much more to my liking.

So far the worst side effects are insomnia & aching from Decadron and just a little cold sensitivity & neuropathy from Oxaliplatin. Not too bad.

Thanks again,
Rodney

tkd3g · July 2005

rthornton said:
Thank you all for your replies. I have really become quite addicted to this webpage, and I don't think there is another internet cancer community that comes close to this one.

I get out of the hospital today, when my three day chemo vacation ends late this afternoon. Then I can write from home! Much more to my liking.

So far the worst side effects are insomnia & aching from Decadron and just a little cold sensitivity & neuropathy from Oxaliplatin. Not too bad.

Thanks again,
Rodney

One more down Rodney. Enjoy your 2 weeks off.

Stay well, rest, relax, watch Lance win the Tour De France.

Barb ( who is also addicted ) ( to this site )

taunya · July 2005

Wow Rodney,
I am so glad to hear that this helps. Good luck to you and hope to 'see' you around.
Hugs,
Taunya
P.S.
These people are THE BEST! bar none.

ramona41 · July 2005

Yes we are fortunate to have this place and each other. I found this site while googling colon cancer when i first found out.. posted before my operation.. during treatments..and now. I couldnt have made it without everyone here..we are so lucky to have each other.. hang in there... ramona41

rejoyous · July 2005

Hi Rodney,

I love the image of you being with us from the hospital. What a great idea!

I'm finding it harder to keep in touch on this board now that I'm through with my treatments. My life is crowding back in and I'm glad to have it--but also miss having this connection to the profound experience I'm still going through.

Anyway, thanks for writing. Even though the dues are steep, I, too, am very grateful for the many unexpected benefits of membership.

--Ellie

jsabol · July 2005

Hi Rodney,
Hope you are back home now, with one more infusion done! It's so great to hear that this site is a comfort during your hospital stay, and I understand what you mean. I found this site between surgery and chemo; I was sooooo anxious about my chemo; those first 13 responses to my initial post were just what I needed to face down the chemo experience. (Weekly for 6 months for me) Although I didn't have to be hospitalized, my lack of energy made this site vital for my support. The answers I got to my questions were often more helpful than what I got from my onc and the nurses, and the comraderie was just what I needed when I was homebound.
So a continued welcome to the club; it's great to have access to all you folks and to know that if it weren't for our cancer, we would never have met. Talk about a silver lining! As Ellie noted, post-treatment, life does come "crowding back in"; which is my wish for all of us. Judy

aspaysia · July 2005

2bhealed said:
Hi Rodney!

that's so cool that you are sitting there getting your infusion while chatting with us.

It puts a different spin on the old Cocktail Party, doesn't it?

Family huh? I guess I would be the naggy obnoxious aunt who asks if you are "regular" and eating your veggies-- whom everyone runs from when she walks in the room. haha!

We have a few eccentrics here too. The comics. The sillies. It's all good.

Thanks for sharing. The feeling is universal.

peace, emily who loves this family gathering too!

WHO? are you calling eccentric???

jana11 · July 2005

Rodney, you truly have a way with words. You are wise beyond your years!

I hope the infusion wasn't bad, and that the side effects are minimal.

Thank you for thanking everyone, and for enjoying being a support to others.

Take care my friend. jana

The benefit of membership

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