Hitting the grog

[Gaffo]

Hi Kevin, I'm a former carer and like most Aussie blokes, have always been a fairly big drinker (more then what your currently consuming). After I lost wy wife to cancer it probably magnified the situation even more and started to take a heavy toll on my own health. The medical profession naturally frown on this and expect you to drop to no more then two drinks a day which is nowhere near enough for the average Aussie and can cause you to feel even more depressed as it's another unwelcome change to your lifestyle. I changed to drinking light beer and with some help from a Gastro specialist I was seeing at the time who set me some more realistic reduction goals, I have been able to reduce my consumtion considerably. The light beer takes a little bit of getting use to but still allows you to partake in some plessure but it's much easier to have a few and then stop unlike full strength which as you know, once you get the tast, they go down very easily. I soon found other activities to fill the void and I have read one of your other posts where you want to get involved with the cancer council and to help others. That's a great way to focus on other things and help you reduce your consumption. I still love a beer, have lost 40kgs and have found many other things in life to enjoy. Good luck with your ongoing treatment and to your family. Regards Gaffo       

[#2]

Hi Kevin, It's great to see you back on line. Great news about the results from the surgery, a big relief I bet. You know you have been through a hell of a lot & drinking maybe helping you 2 deal with everything.  Maybe you could find out if there is a support group close by to you where you could meet with people face to face & to talk & see how they're coping. When I was told I had cancer the first thing I did when I got home was light up a cigerette!! I know that was terrible but I was stressed & hey we all have our vices, I'm not smoking anymore, but I can understand where your'e coming from. Did you say you were going to have more chemo? maybe you wont feel like drinking once you start. I found I reached a stage probably about 12 months after treatment ended where I started to really take care of myself, eating really well and getting more exercise you are not even at the 2 month mark yet. So I wont preach to you about taking care of yourself & we dont judge here just offer each other support. You should try and give yourself the best chance at a full recovery though so I think it would good for you to find a good support group close to home or maybe through your hospital, you can always send me a message if you need some support or just someone to listen. you could call 1800 811 994 (24 Hour) tassie, I just googled it. Best wishes to you & Donna for the birth of the baby. Butterfly

[margro]

Hi Oldman' I think it can become something we need so as not to think about everything! I can drink a bottle of bacardi in 3 sessions and not feel any effects. I also think that we feel,what the heck...we've got cancer,so what does it matter what else we do????? I keep you in my prayers......good luck with everything

[Oldman]

I've been sitting here catching up on everyones posts pondering if I want, need or should write about this subject. But after reading I figure this is the place to share.I have always been a beer drinker but over the past few weeks I have been consuming around 48can a week! Why am I doing this, well not sure really I think some of the reasons are:It is helping me wee so much better (still having some trouble in that area)I feel a bit indestructible after surgery But really I'm not sure why I spoke to a Social Worker last week who has put me in touch with a drug and alcohol counsellor. Because it is Easter I have to wait until Wednesday to contact them.This is not a panic thing yet but I do not want to become dependent on drinking, plus spending $80.00 a week on grog is a total waste of money we do not have.I'm still not sure if I want to post this I know I will not be judged  so what is the problem?oldman

[dragonwyk]

Kevin, I hope you and your family are having a wonderful Easter and that Donna is doing well (those last few days are tough).  I read your post last night and went away to think about it.  Maybe what I discovered about myself about 8 years ago may help.  I walked out of a meeting at work, really angry about the instructions I had been given by my boss.  Walking into the kitchen I immediately thought 'Sod him.  I'll have a piece of chocolate cake and that will fix that'.  Epiphany - I realised that I generally swallowed my anger - literally.  And now that my husband has bowel cancer I find that more wine than I should is often my solution - thanks for the wake up call because maybe I am really angry!! And, oh yes, and we really could do more with the money too. Take care, Christine

[Oldman]

Thank you to everyone,your support on this has helped me greatly. I have someone I can ring tomorrow (wednesday) and talk to.I'm feeling quite sick at the moment so I have not had that much to drink.I think Butterfly is right as I get more into my treatment I will lose the taste and desire to consume too much. This happened when I was having radiation treatment.Thanks again it means so much.Kevin