March 2012
I know how you feel Rachel and I agree with all the comments above.
Silly, I love what you said about feeling like people think you are harping on about cancer and/or looking for sympathy. That is exactly how I feel.
Most days I like it when people don't mention cancer and treat as if I am the same normal person I was before and somedays it bugs me.
... View more
March 2012
Today I drove past the park where I was the evening before I found out I had cancer. It really bugged me. I am not sure why as I have driven past that park plenty of other times since. Usually I drive by and don't even notice but today it made me remember.
I was thinking just the other day that my cancer is now something that is in the past. That I was finished with it. So, it annoyed me that it can still come back to bite me when I'm not expecting it.
I had a cold last week, which was the first time I had been sick since I had cancer. I think that stirred up some sort of emotional response.
I stayed home in bed for 2 days whereas in the past I would have gone to work anyway. I'm trying to think of that as a good thing but I'm a bit confused about it all.
... View more
February 2012
Hi Emma
Welcome to the site! I have had a lot of good support here.
Did they think it was a complete coincidence the lump came after your fall, or was it somehow related?
I found all the nurses who gave me chemo very friendly and kind as well. I think they are all really great and important to making the experience manageable.
I hope you are having a good break from chemo. Good luck for the next batch.
Allicat
... View more
February 2012
That's great news that you're N.E.D. Ben.
I have had many similar thoughts about being a survivor. It is an interesting thing to try to define.
I had two doctors tell me "You're cured" but both of them said it with a tone that suggested they should have done air-quotes around "cured". But, I am also N.E.D, with only 20% recurrence rate so I am happy with that.
... View more
February 2012
Hi Jules,
I have a cat-proof fence to keep my cat in the yard as she is not allowed in the bushland behind. I get some possums walking around the top of the fence but none have come into the yard so far, which is lucky as I don't think they'd be able to get out once they got in. Sometimes I hear kookaburras which is nice.
I've never had chooks although my family did long ago - before I was born. I like the idea of chooks.
Hope you had a good nap. This year I have been going to work all day every day. Before that I hadn't worked a full week for 15 months. I am getting used it and it is quite good having a proper routine.
... View more
February 2012
Congratulations Jules, a full day at work is an achievement to be proud of. I hope it didn't make you too tired.
Congratulations also on the new house! It sounds like it will be really nice. The bush is so friendly and comforting. I have a unit in the suburbs but it backs onto a small bushland so it has a really pretty tree-filled view.
... View more
February 2012
Hi Dancing Julie
I have been seeing a counsellor since last February. She has been very helpful. I think the more important thing is just having somewhere I can talk rather than getting actual advice. Sometimes she talks about her theories on whatever and I wish she would be quiet so I could talk.
I practically never cry when I'm by myself but I have cried buckets while talking to the counsellor. I think that is a good healthy thing.
The last few months I have not needed to cry and I am spreading the appointments further apart.
If you don't feel like your therapist is helping then you should probably try someone else. There are therapists who specialise in cancer patients - maybe you should try to find one of them.
... View more
February 2012
Hi Linda,
That sounds really difficult and annoying. I had relatively mild side effects from chemo.
Is the group both talking and exercising? I hope it will be helpful for you.
I have been going to a counsellor for nearly a year and talking to her has helped a lot.
I also do a lot of exercise which definitely helped me not go insane while I was having chemo. I always feel better after exercising.
Best Wishes
... View more
February 2012
Well done Silly! Not gutsing is a good tip!
Dancing sounds a fun way to get some exercise.
I have been keeping my food diary for a couple of weeks now. I think it helps me to eat when I get hungry rather than when I get bored. I have lost about 0.5kg so far.
You know how your weight fluctuates throughout the monthly cycle, does that still happen if you are on drugs that stop your periods?
... View more
February 2012
Hi Bella
Welcome to the site! I also had breast cancer but I was lucky and it had not spread. As far as we can tell I am now cancer-free.
What treatment are you having?
For comparing notes specifically about breast cancer I suggest the BCNA website: www.bcna.org.au - I found it confusing to navigate at first but worthwhile. Here is a good site where I like to talk about the whole emotional turmoil thing but that one is specifically about breast cancer which could be helpful.
Best Wishes
... View more
