New to the board

It is a painful journey.

Due to the nature of my disease and stage of diagnosis, I have heard 'palliative and pain management from the beginning.

While remaining positive, focusing my energy on doing teh best I can, facing each treatment challenges this.

Today I learnt that my surgery may be extensive. My tumour is bulky and this will mean that 'other organs will be sacrificed'. For some reason loosing almost  all of my 'female anatomy down below' is extremely tough to face. I was prepared for the stoma and how this would alter things until I learnt how to handle it all. But hearing that I may also loose much more is tough. 2 years ago I had a large lumpectomy on my breast which shocked me with how ill prepared I was for the emotional outcome of this.

"Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death"

Robin, Kiwi, Pears Laura, Ginny:

It is not easy facing your own mortality or those of your loved ones.  I was an oncology nurse for Gynecology and yes the removal of all your organs it a traumatic experience.

I also am a survivor of end stage Multiple Myeloma ,another 'incurable cancer'..I share you pain and your sorrow. I understand your fear and your courage. to those that have young children and have to fight through the monetary probems is bad enough.

The dreaded words "you have cancer" never applied to me HA!!! Anyway today I will say a prayer for you all..So much suffering and so much agony but there is hope and while we live it lives.  I was one of the fortunate ones to have been in remission, which is unheard of for my condition.  I chose to be positive (I was somewhat confused at the time)  I also chose natural healing as there was no other option for me.  I would like to add some tips here for the patients and caregivers to help you all.

Diet is extremely important.  IT seems hard but no sugar.  (Giving cancer patients sugar is like giving them gasoline for a fire) I know main stream medicine does not agree with this but it is true.  Also stay away from dairy as much as possible.  Eggs are good light protein. Heavy Whipping cream can be watered down to use as milk. More easily digested. Eat foods that are nourishing and light. For t hose with the swallowing problems use soups, and puree's.  Add the heavy whipping cream.  If the throat can stand it add tumeric. It is an anti cancer agent. Another thing to add is 500 mgs CoQ10 caps daily, Artemisinin , and epicor.  all of these are over the counter natural supplements that do not interact negatively with chemo. This helps build the immune system.  Bio feedback or meditation 30 mintues a day seeing your cancer cells being killed off and replaced with healthy ones. Lots of vegetables but light on the fruit. Juice carrot, celery, 1 apple and spinach twice daily. Nutrient heavy and easy to swallow.  Swansons vitamins carry most of these items an they are inexpensive. I found a yahoo group who uses Artemisinin to cure their dogs cancer.  Google it. I was fortunate to have friends bring me the nurtrition I needed and a husband who could juice daily. If any of you would like information post or send me a private reply.

May God bless you and your families.  MMS

On 1/26/2008 Kiwi H wrote:

It is a painful journey.

Due to the nature of my disease and stage of diagnosis, I have heard 'palliative and pain management from the beginning.

While remaining positive, focusing my energy on doing teh best I can, facing each treatment challenges this.

Today I learnt that my surgery may be extensive. My tumour is bulky and this will mean that 'other organs will be sacrificed'. For some reason loosing almost  all of my 'female anatomy down below' is extremely tough to face. I was prepared for the stoma and how this would alter things until I learnt how to handle it all. But hearing that I may also loose much more is tough. 2 years ago I had a large lumpectomy on my breast which shocked me with how ill prepared I was for the emotional outcome of this.

"Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death"

On 1/25/2008 Kiwi H wrote:

Thank you all for this wonderful comforting thread.

It certainly is an emotional rollercoaster. The heart stopping, paralysing catastrophic yet noncomprehensible, insensible words "you have Cancer".

The world stops dead in your tracks. Questions, tears, disbelief, and an overwhelming sense of who will look after my family, have I left an impressinable legacy?

The phone rings frequently, each time zinging adrenalin, breath holding aprehension dreading the next result. Or trying to explain to others.

Well wishers visit, flowers, cards. Comforting those who are upset. Using humor, setting projects for others to do to focus energy positively.

Preparing, silently your affairs. Checking collections of children's years of saved school work, letters, cards. Writing memoirs. Praying. Appearing strong. One day at a time, one task a day.

Entering a fearful world of treatments with all the side effects. Trying to get my head around "I have to get really sick, over a length of time, in order to get better, when I feel really well."

I too have given each of my family lots of little cards, but timing is crucial. each one handles the situation so differently.

It's hard. Yet it makes you appreciate each day. Thankful for another day together. Not wasting a day.

One of the hardest things is holding back from all the household things as my daughters and husband learn how to run the show. Emotions run high, volatility bubbling, erupting. Quiet gut wrenching tears, comforting, sharing thoughts and good times.

Feeling so sad inside that there won't be more.

Thanks for sharing and understanding. IT makes the journey more supportive, giving strength to do the best I can to be a 'healthy survivor', or stay as well as possible during my journey.

Kiwi

"Fear is a Reaction, Courage is a decision"

Your post touched me soo much.  I cannot even fathom how hard this must be for you. I know how hard it is being a spouse .  Stay strong and let your family take care of you so you can beat this dreaded beast of a disease and get well again.

God Bless you , I will keep you in my prayers.
Robin

On 1/26/2008 Darryl wrote:

hi Robin

Im new to the board too! and came here looking for emotional support from people such as me who are going thru what everyone else is going thru, seeing a loved one battling with this disease.

My husband is 40 .our kids are small and He is my whole life. I continue to trust in the Lord and know he will take me through that ever comes. I just have to trust and have faith and hope the treatment he takes works.

I hope we too can go back to our normal lives. I too smile and carry on, and give support to the whole family. But how long will I go on showing I can do this? Will there be a breaking point for me.

I came here looking for support so I can stand strong for my husband and kids.

I too feel lonely, I cannot talk to friends anymore. I have nothing to say. no one will understand what we are going through. Our normal world turned upside down. All our plans hopes are in the water.. seems its slowly drifting away..

I have to work and support the family. My husband continues to go to work but I dont know for how long he will be able to.

I will keep all of you in my prayers, and at the same time draw strength from all of you.

 

 

It sounds as we are in the same situation.  You are right, as hard as they try, our friends will never understand . I hope you continue to come here as WE understand.  I will be praying for you.
Robin