For Saundra

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Karen1418
Karen1418 Member Posts: 48
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi Saundra,
Just wondering how you cope with the wait-and-see. I am in Florida now and was advised to get a CT scan and check with my oncologist in Wisconsin when we get back there at the end of May. I thought I was OK with that, but now I am having abdominal pains. I'm not sure if they're real or if hypochondria is setting in. It would be so much easier if we stayed here as planned, although I can go home early. We have a bus trip to D.C. planned that we would miss, but I'm not sure I can enjoy it now anyway. I get so frustrated and angry with myself! Any suggestions? Love, Karen

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  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #2
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    Coping
    Dear Karen, I think that we all develop individual coping skills. And mine have evolved over the two years.
    At first, it was harder than it is now. I believe that once I reached an "acceptance" that Stage IV Ovarian cancer was going to be chronic disease I would always have was the turning point. I quit hoping for a complete cure and turned over the length of my life to God. I know that He loves me and has the best plan for me and that He will never leave my side. I also know, from experience, that fear was not in His plan for me. I focus on the Bible verses that assure me of these things. That way my focus is on the positive things and the dates of the next CT, lab, or doctor's appointment is just an entry on my calendar and nothing else. Abdominal pains can also be gas or adhesions, and I have them too. Everyday in between appointments is a gift with which to do something, if it is only a day of rest. I hope that this helps.
    Also I am on 10 mg. Paxil which is an anti-depressant plus anti-anxiety medication which I am sure also keeps me on an even keel. ((((Hugs and Prayers))) Saundra
  • Karen1418
    Karen1418 Member Posts: 48
    #3
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    saundra said:

    Coping
    Dear Karen, I think that we all develop individual coping skills. And mine have evolved over the two years.
    At first, it was harder than it is now. I believe that once I reached an "acceptance" that Stage IV Ovarian cancer was going to be chronic disease I would always have was the turning point. I quit hoping for a complete cure and turned over the length of my life to God. I know that He loves me and has the best plan for me and that He will never leave my side. I also know, from experience, that fear was not in His plan for me. I focus on the Bible verses that assure me of these things. That way my focus is on the positive things and the dates of the next CT, lab, or doctor's appointment is just an entry on my calendar and nothing else. Abdominal pains can also be gas or adhesions, and I have them too. Everyday in between appointments is a gift with which to do something, if it is only a day of rest. I hope that this helps.
    Also I am on 10 mg. Paxil which is an anti-depressant plus anti-anxiety medication which I am sure also keeps me on an even keel. ((((Hugs and Prayers))) Saundra

    Coping
    Dear Saundra, Thanks so much for replying. I guess up until last week I was hoping I was cured. Now I am trying to accept that I will have this chronic disease for the rest of my life. But I'm having a hard time with that. I suppose I just need more time. You have helped me a lot. Your words are very soothing. Thanks, and God bless you. Love, Karen
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #4
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    saundra said:

    Coping
    Dear Karen, I think that we all develop individual coping skills. And mine have evolved over the two years.
    At first, it was harder than it is now. I believe that once I reached an "acceptance" that Stage IV Ovarian cancer was going to be chronic disease I would always have was the turning point. I quit hoping for a complete cure and turned over the length of my life to God. I know that He loves me and has the best plan for me and that He will never leave my side. I also know, from experience, that fear was not in His plan for me. I focus on the Bible verses that assure me of these things. That way my focus is on the positive things and the dates of the next CT, lab, or doctor's appointment is just an entry on my calendar and nothing else. Abdominal pains can also be gas or adhesions, and I have them too. Everyday in between appointments is a gift with which to do something, if it is only a day of rest. I hope that this helps.
    Also I am on 10 mg. Paxil which is an anti-depressant plus anti-anxiety medication which I am sure also keeps me on an even keel. ((((Hugs and Prayers))) Saundra

    Amen
    Dearest Saundra, such true and wise advise. Not that we ever give up hope but for most of us we do get to the acceptance place and live life to the fullest in spite of the cancer. Thanks so much for sharing. God does carry us through each phase. Love Ya Bonnie
  • Karen1418
    Karen1418 Member Posts: 48
    #5
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    Bonnie
    Hi Bonnie, Thanks for your reply. First of all, I wonder how you are doing now. I read your user profile and am so sorry for all you've endured. So far, I've been very lucky, having very few chemo side effects. Also, I asked someone how people e-mail each other and what if anything changes communiations-wise when you add someone to your friend list. She told me you would have the answers. Also, I just noticed I don't have anything to the right of my user name like others have. I'm praying for you. Love, Karen
  • LPack
    LPack Member Posts: 645
    #6
    Options
    saundra said:

    Coping
    Dear Karen, I think that we all develop individual coping skills. And mine have evolved over the two years.
    At first, it was harder than it is now. I believe that once I reached an "acceptance" that Stage IV Ovarian cancer was going to be chronic disease I would always have was the turning point. I quit hoping for a complete cure and turned over the length of my life to God. I know that He loves me and has the best plan for me and that He will never leave my side. I also know, from experience, that fear was not in His plan for me. I focus on the Bible verses that assure me of these things. That way my focus is on the positive things and the dates of the next CT, lab, or doctor's appointment is just an entry on my calendar and nothing else. Abdominal pains can also be gas or adhesions, and I have them too. Everyday in between appointments is a gift with which to do something, if it is only a day of rest. I hope that this helps.
    Also I am on 10 mg. Paxil which is an anti-depressant plus anti-anxiety medication which I am sure also keeps me on an even keel. ((((Hugs and Prayers))) Saundra

    You Know
    Saundra,

    You know who you belong to!

    Love you,
    Libby

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