June 2012
Good luck with ur chemo, I hope the side effects are minimal. Will be thinking positive thoughts and sending then ur way 🙂
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June 2012
Today I did heaps and I must say too much.....tonight I am in so much pain and have learnt the hard way - when u feel better rest is still required.
Today I attended 2 meetings, did groceries, had afternoon tea with workmates and caught up with some other mates and then topped off day by doing the dishes. My fiance was less than impressed by all these activities and tried numerous times today to slow me down. I responded by "i feel fine baby not to worry" and stubbornly continued about my busy day. Before my diagnosis numerous activities a day were simple and done with ease. But tonight in hindsight I wish I would have listened to him.
So tomorrow its an easy day for sure - we are taking camping stretches to our fav camping spot for the day, we will have a BBQ lunch and sleep under the shady trees near a local creek. Ah I can hear the peace and relaxation already. Fingers crossed the sun is out in all its glory tomorrow 🙂
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June 2012
Today I rang Brisbane about my tests and got the run around with statements of " we have no appts for u, we don't have a current referral, u had surgery and no other appt are required". So u can imagine by the end I was very confused and upset.....WTF!
So I rang the Bundaberg cancer coordinator and explained my situation emphasising this was not good enough.
Within an hr the Brisbane oncology department rang and an appt had been booked for 21st June. They said due to the nature of my circumstance results cannot be given over the phone.
Just want to scream --- not impressed more waiting 😞
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June 2012
Today I got to do a few things myself and darn did it feel good. After my lobectomy I have not been able to have a proper shower due to surgery wound sites and staples. A shower for last few weeks was only a half body and all my wounds needed covering with plastic + tape as they could not get wet.
Today I got to have a real shower and wash my hair. I know that sounds very princess but I can't believe how much self care means to our mental health. And I got to do it independently.
Showers are still difficult tho seeing my 3 surgery wounds and then recalling the surgery, the pain and the fear it brought. My wise fiance thinks I should smile when I look at my wounds and say "thank u my friends u saved my life". What a wonderful way to look at it. I am so greatful I have him in my life and I love how he can get me to see and think bigger about my cancer experience.
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June 2012
Thanks everyone who replied - I appreciate ur input. I really like blogging and expressing myself using this site. I actually blog to let the thoughts out of my head which I feel is healthy. I do agree with all of ur comments and am going to organise some counsellling with the cancer council. I am not convinced it will make it ll better and I actually am a Medicare approved SW who was providing psychological Medicare services prior to becoming unwell. I do know the great benefit of psychological assistance so will definitely give it a go.
I do feel once I get more information from my treating team I will be more psychologically able to cope. I need some answers, an official staging and further treatment options. Tomorrow I'm going to call them as its been 3wks since my surgery and my results should be in. Maybe then I can refocus and return to a more positive outlook 🙂
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June 2012
Hi Hopeful,
I was very saddened by reading your post. I have no words that could possibly make this pain or sorrow better. Such a horrible thing to happen and exactly - What the F@#K do u do now?? I can only imagine the pain you are enduring and have endured - to watch the person u love fade away. I guess you grieve and let that be whatever it maybe: sadness, anger, rage, happiness, relief, guilt, fear and acceptance. I hope and pray you find some peace soon and may your son be your light at this dreadful time.
Ruby
“Just when you think it can't get any worse, it can. And just when you think it can't get any better, it can.”
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June 2012
This morning as I woke up I realised how many pills I am currently taking and wonder the long term affects of these on my liver, kidneys, heart and my mental health.
- Panadol (to keep temp down)
- Omeprazole (reflux)
- Oxycontin (pain management after surgery)
- Multivitamin
- Pramin (nausea)
- Antibiotic (to stop chance of infection).
What makes me laugh is these pill should make you feel better but are plagued with heaps of side effects that u must grin and bear - dizziness, diarrhoea, headaches, nausea, muscle aches and pains. So the DR's and specialist say "here take this to get better". But I say "Take a pill to help and then take this pill to help with the side effects".
Don't get me wrong - I am grateful that these medications do help and I am aware they are necessary. But nobody asks or explains the side effects of the medications that are prescribed; if you want to know you must research it yourself.
And my GP thinks I should start an antidepressant because I seem sad with my diagnosis of cancer. Of course I am sad - I am young, have had a major life change, have ceased working, am broke, struggle to make it fortnight to fortnight, see the strain this diagnosis has put on those I love, I was once very independent but am dependent on others. So yeah I might be a bit depressed but it is in context - so I just want to let my emotions be as they are without another medication to take everyday.
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June 2012
Hi Daniel,
I can relate to many things u are saying especially about what is normal and wanting to return to work and normality. I have taken a lot of time off work this yr and am now on unpaid leave and hopefully they will hold my job until I can return back to work. For the last 5 months I have stayed so positive chugging on determined to beat this cancer. I still don't know my stage lung cancer I have -awaiting results of bone and lymph node tests. I think u are doing an amazing job fighting ur cancer and its great that u feel comfortable to express yourself and ur emotions. There are many ways to cope - expressing yourself is healthy and cleansing. I hope u are able to find an employer who is understanding and flexible to give u the chance u deserve.
Ruby
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June 2012
Hi Rikki,
I started with the respiratory outpatient section back in Feb but haven't spoken with them since April. After the diagnosis was confirmed I moved to thoracic Medicine as an outpatient til I had the lobectomy as an inpatient. I am supposed to see the surgeon again for follow but have no appt as of yet. The longest I have waited is 4 wks between results and I was totally on edge when I called and got the run around as each department didn't have any follow up spots booked for me. After being very assertive I finally spoke with a specialist who was able to give results over the phone. I will give them til Wednesday next wk and then call. Waiting is surely not fun or helpful.
Thanks Ruby
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June 2012
Hi Everyone,
I have recently joined the page. Just wanted to say hi, send my warm wishes your way and offer a listening ear to all that are part of the group. I hope we can all help each other in these difficult times.
Thanks Ruby
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