A Week in the Life of a Cancer Survivor
68Time to go for my follow-up cat scan
The life of a cancer survivor can be very difficult and challenging. There have been many ups and downs in my journey since I was diagnosed in February of 2004. Before being diagnosed with lung cancer, I hated going to the doctor. I was scared of needles and couldn't even stand the smell of a doctor's office or hospital. I never thought I would ever get a disease, especially cancer. When I would hear stories about people that were very sick, I always felt confident that this would never happen to me. Little did I know what lay ahead.
My last catscan in December of 2010 revealed a spot on my right lung. This is the same lung that had a tumour back in 2004. I have had two such scares in the past which ended up disappearing by the next scan. I thought I would write about this past week of my follow-up scan and appointment with my oncologist. Here is a glimpse into a week, in the life of a cancer survivor.
© 2011 Linda Rogers
Checking in for the cat scan
This is beautiful Anita. She always welcomes me with a lovely cheerful smile and bubbly personality. I think she is the perfect type of person to greet patients that are undoubtedly nervous. Time for me to fill out some necessary paper work. They want to make sure they have information that will keep me safe during the scan. They ask questions like: Are you pregnant, do you have diabetes, have you ever had a reaction to the dye they put in the I.V. and other health related questions. I will now hang out in the lounge and watch a little t.v.
They called my name and the x-ray technician walks me back to a small room where I sit on a recliner chair. The first thing I tell the nurse is that I am a tough poke because of all the needles that have gone in my arms and hands these last seven years. Some time she'll lay a warm towel on the arm or hand that she's going to put the needle in. This helps get the blood flowing better and gives us a better chance of getting a good vein right away. On this day she tries putting the needle in my arm. It stings as she is pushing the needle further up the vein. Eventually she apologizes and says that she just can't get it in far enough. I told her the hand is usually the place that works the best. She see's a good plump vein, puts the needle in and thankfully this time it works. She connects a I.V. line to the needle so they can deliver a dye into it during the scan. She walks me across the hall and has me lay on the cat scan bed. The machine tells me when to hold my breath and when to let out my breath. This is so they can get a good picture of the lung area. The xray technician comes back in the room after this first x-ray and shoots dye into my I.V. She reminds me that it is going to feel warm all over my body when the dye reaches my blood stream. She also tells me it will feel as if I am urinating when the dye has gone throughout my body. She always monitors things to make sure I am not having a bad reaction to the dye or that the needle isn't stinging me. When she finishes injecting me with dye, she walks back into the x-ray room where the machine tells me when to inhale and when to exhale. In all, the scan itself only takes about five minutes.
Oncologist appointment to get the results
Thursday morning I woke up with butterfly's in my stomach, knowing I will soon get the results of my catscan. I probably only got about three hours of sleep. Some days I have to take medication to help reduce my anxiety, but today I decide against it. On my drive to St. Louis Park, I play my favorite jazz station to help me relax. I pull up to the valet parking lane and I'm off to check in at the Frauenshuh Cancer Center. This new cancer center is state of the art and was newly constructed to keep the patients as comfortable as possible. Walking in the front door, I hear the sounds of a pianist playing relaxing music for those sitting in the lounge. After checking in, I go into the cancer lounge and wait. I grab a blueberry muffin and a can of orange juice from the mini kitchen. The food and beverages are free to patients and family and friends of patients. I sat in front of the healing garden movie screen. This screen shows differen't pictures of a real garden that sits just outside the lounge. It is meant to help calm nervous patients as they wait for their appointment. I sat in front of the screen and did some deep breathing and meditation. My name is called and a wonderful volunteer who is another cancer survivor, walks me to my room. On the way to the room, I see Joan, one of my favorite nurses. We give eachother a big hug and I proceed to go in the room to wait for my oncologist. As I'm sitting in the room, I hear a familiar voice. It's another favorite nurse of mine who has become a good friend to me. Melissa is a one of a kind person and has a huge heart. Her and I hug and she tells me that she will switch with the nurse that was scheduled to take my vitals. She and Joan discuss how they need to go get the rolling blood pressure machine, because the one in the office makes me panic. They all understand that I struggle with anxiety and I can't stand getting my blood pressure taken. Once, in the updated patient rooms, they tried using the electronic blood pressure machine on me. I ended up screaming and throwing the cuff off my arm. They now know, not to use this on me. On this day, I remind Melissa to keep my blood pressure a secret and just write it on a piece of paper, which I'll look at when I leave. She is very respectful of my ideosynchrosies and anxieties. After getting my blood pressure, she takes my pulse, temperature, weighs me, and checks to see if I'm on any new medications. She finishes her duties and we go into our normal routine of catching up on our lives.
There is a knock on the door and I tell Brenda, my oncologist, to come in. Melissa slips out and it's time to hear the results. Brenda asks me if I have a cold as she heard me hacking. I told her I didn't think so. She starts going into the normal cancer assessment questions and I stopped her mid sentence. I told her I needed to know how the scan turned out and she could do the assessment later. She had a serious look on her face and I held my head in my hands and said, "Oh my God, what?" She said that the good news was that the spot was gone but now I had three more spots. Two on the lower lobe of my right lung and one in the middle. She hesitantly mentioned that one of the spots was 6 centimeters. I found myself blurting out the "F" bomb and "This can't happen, I have never been so happy." She was very patient and let me cry. I have never cried at an appointment but I couldn't hold it in this time. She reminded me that the chances of this type of cancer coming back after seven years, would be rare, and to try to hold onto that. She also suggested I make an appointment with the cancer therapist to help me through the three month wait until the next scan. Knowing how upset I was, she repeated that I sounded congested and that can affect a cat scan. When the appointment was over and I was walking out of the cancer center, I saw my friend, Melissa. She asked me how it went and I broke down. She held me in her arms and let me cry. She pulled me into a room and told me in no uncertain terms, to listen closely. She said that the fact the other spot disappeared and now I have three new ones, says a lot. She said, "Linda, the reason the oncologist asked if you had a cold is because you sound congested. You get respiratory infections frequently and I can tell you that you have some kind of respiratory thing going on." She was so compassionate and reassuring and I thank her so much for that. On the way out, the valet parker, who is a gal I went to school with, asked me how it went. I again broke down and she too held me and tried to reassure me. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful support system at my clinic. Since that appointment, I have noticed that I am hacking a lot, sneezing and sound very congested. Hopefully it's just my allergies that gave me the three new spots. Please say a prayer that all will be ok. I hope I can get through the next three months with positivity and peace.
© 2011 Linda Rogers
My nurse friends
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Darski-You just brought me to tears with your love and warmth. God Bless you friend for being here for me during this scary time. I can't believe how hubpages has introduced me to special people like you. I too feel very close to you my dear and It feels so good to know you are here for me. We all just turn into little scared kids when we face scary things like this. I am going to try really hard to eat healthier. I am also going to take my supplements every day that my alternative doctor has me on. I havn't been consistent at this. I am also going to start sinus rinsing again and using my nebulizer as that breaks up congestion and keeps me from getting sinus infections and pneumonia. I am also relying on my faith to get me through this. HUGS and KISSES right back to you. Here is me hugging you right now. AAHH, This is so comforting! By the way, Healing Touch is my twin sister, you were right. She told me she was going to publish something about this to vent. Thank God for writing. What would we hubbers do without it. Love you Darski:)
I'm so sorry about your news, but I think your friend is right about the congestion...you hold onto that! As an anxiety sufferer, I can physically feel your panic and I feel so for you. You are so right, we all turn into scared little kids at times like this. I know there are so many of us here that have been waiting to hear your results...we truly care. One day at a time, and know you'll be in my prayers. Hang in there. Give yourself a big hug from me.
It feels so good catgypsy, to know I have such great friends here. It is always a HUGE part of my self care to know I have you all to talk and vent to. Cancer stinks and I just wish I could get a normal scan lately so I'm not so freaked out. Thanks for your prayers my friend and I will try to take it one day at a time. Thanks for your great hug. It felt GREAT!
I justleft a message for your twinner also. She loves you so very much. As I told her, I am praying Exodus 23:25 over you. "But you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water; and I will remove sickness from your midst....'
Joy in Jesus, Brenda.
Twin, I'm praying for you dear, and somehow, I know God is in your corner. God bless you. Thank you for Van!
Hi Minnetonka Twin, I am very sorry to hear this but hoping it is just congestion, but will keep you in my prayers and thoughts . Take care my friend !
Linda I just read your sisters hub and I am so sorry to read about this. I am praying that it is nothing and is just congestion as I am sure all your friends and loved ones are. Take care hugs.
p.s. Love Van The Man!
My hopes and prayers are on the side on congestion; please know that we are thinking of you, and anxiously await the results. Peace and love my friend. :)
We're praying for you.
My thoughts and prayers are for peace in your life. The late Bob Marley sang "Don't worry 'bout a thing, 'cause every little thing's gonna' be alright". Peace!! Tom
Minnetonka Twin - My husband and I live in Iowa and I notice you live in St.Louis. We live in a tiny little town and the elementary school is small, but we had 43 kids out with an Upper Respiratory Virus Infection. My granddaughter, who just turned six and is as healthy as a horse, had this for three weeks. It would seem to go away and then come back with a vengeance.
My husband and I both eventually came down with a form of it and the flu also. I was so congested in my lungs and then it would go away, back and forth for over three weeks now. My husband broke down and went to the doctor and he confirmed what he had and there is nothing they can do for it as it is viral and not bacterial. He said they have seen several odd mutations of it with some people just showing congestion spots when they insisted on x-rays.
I realize we probably live, maybe 500 miles from each other, but in terms of viruses, that isn't so far away. I'll be that is what you have and if weren't for the history with Cancer the people at the hospital would have thought of something similar right away, as your oncologist mentioned.
Once again, if you would like to talk, vent, whatever, I don't think, God willing, I'm going anywhere. I have a Facebook account, do you? Get in touch, one way or the other, whenever. I sleep odd hours sometimes too so I might be good for the middle of the night chat. God will watch over you, of this I am positive!
Dear Sweet M-twin
Thank you for sharing your story. Now we know we can lift you up in prayer and know what to pray for. Our mission will be to make you smile, and make you feel very loved. You sound so strong and your spirit and outlook will bring healing to your very soul.
God Bless you "Magnificent Twin" that’s my new name for you..:) Darlene brought up a good point of eating "clean" worth looking into.
Sunnie
I'm a nurse and admire your courage that knows no bounds. Cancer survivors live daily with the thought that a remission will end and another recurrence will begin. In so many cancer centers I've seen patients smile and laugh in the face of what has the potential to be so many difficult times. That is so admirable that I'm at a loss for words (AND THAT'S RARE!). To you and all cancer survivors, you have my utmost support and respect.
This is a wonderful hub. You really bring people to the heart of what it's like with the photos and introduction of the medical staff and all the worries. I went through it with my husband, but he didn't make it. It wasn't meant to be. You have too much to live for and I know you're going to be alright. You are strong and have the wonderful support of your dear sister! My prayers are with you sweet lady!
It is the time of the year for infections with the season changing. I will pray this is the case. The antioxidants your sister picked up should help your immune system fight the congestion off.
Thank you so much Brenda-I probably don't always serve God as I could, but I do have good intentions. I do pray the Lord will give me more time with my twinner and her two children. I so love living with them as they give me such purpose. I so appreciate your love here.
Thanks Micky-I will take all the prayers that are offered to me. I know you love Van the Man. He's one of my favorites. Love you dear friend:)
Thanks Kashmir, I so appreciate your thoughts.
Thanks Susan-I very much appreciate your support. Is this the perfect song for this hub or what. I love Van the man.
Thanks so much Genna. I have never been so happy to realize that I definitely have a sinus thing and congestion. It is not only making me happy but sis and the kids too. They smile when I cough or sneeze. LOL Thanks for your support:)
Thanks So much Will-I really appreciate your prayers:)
Dear Tom-I love that Bob Marley song and that is so appropriate for this situation. I had Van the Man in my mind when I checked out google songs but I have to admit, this one fits even better. Thanks for thinking of me bud.
Hi Sweet Poohgranma-I actually live in Minnetonka, Minnesota but my oncologist is in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Trust me, we still live very close and I have been hearing about all the wierd virus's going around. Not only is that fact reassuring but I have had a history of respiratory issues since the cancer, surgery, chemo and radiation. I am starting to really feel better about this. God Bless you and all my hubber friends. I really don't know what I'd do without you all. I love you all so very much. We writers, artists, big hearted people, need to stick together. I feel so at home here. Love Linda:)
You don't even know what that means to me, teamrn, especially coming from a nurse. I had never let my guard down with my oncologist until this last scan. I just had too much and could not hold it in. I am the patient and have every right to cry, even if the doc feels uncomfortable. Cancer sucks and I am a trooper. For me to cry in front of someone at the clinic, says I am wiped out. I do not pity myself but I know I need to get it out when I've hit my wall. Thanks for understanding this. It means so much:)
I am sooo sorry fossillady that your husband didn't make it. I am sitting here crying for him and all cancer survivors that did not get the gift of living longer. I hope you have found peace in your life since the loss of your love and hold onto the special memories. I know it is difficult to see our loved ones sick and he is now pain free and happy. God Bless you for your thoughtfulness. My twin sister has been a rock through this journey and now she has hugpage friends that have become so important to her in addition to our family and friends. Love Linda
You are so right ghomefitness. This is really a tough time of year for my allergies and sometimes I just plain forget. The day in the doctor office, I just didn't realize I was congested and had sinus stuff going on. Thank you for your reaassurance of this as this is the kind of thing I hold onto right now. I cannot leave my family. Thanks friend:)
Minne, I have added you to my prayer list, it seems to be getting longer, yet the folks on it all seem to still be fine.
I have lived with the "next shoe dropping" for the biggest part of my life and pray a lot, I have a deal with God, I hold faith in his only begotten son and he promised me everlasting life. I hold the faith and believe if we stay with him he will deliver us to the promised land to live with comfort beyond our very imagination.
I have a mechanical heart valve, ticks like an old windup "West Clock" the faster I go the faster it goes. It's a constant reminder "tic tic tic" that my life is held by a battery and a machine, and if it fails, that's all folks! I have gotten used to it and turned it over to God as he promises an easy yoke and a light load. I live a simple but full filling life. Try prayer and join with him in faith, that his will be done nothing more nothing less. In times of trouble he will carry you, I have faith in that and I promise it is true. God Bless you, much peace and Love, dusty
Laura, I’m so in awe of you. I thank you and compliment you for sharing your awful experience with all of us, so when this, perhaps one day also becomes our bitter cup to drink, we will know what to expect. Knowing your thoughts and feelings will also help us to support our friends whenever they have to go through such an unpleasant ordeal.
Your anxieties and what do you call it, ideosynchrosies, are actually quite interesting, and a perfect example of some of the surviving tactics of the human psyche. Guess what, my dear friend, my gut feeling tells me that you are a winner, a champion par excellence. Of course Death will one day stop you from being this, as he will stop all of us from breathing, but you are definitely not going to make it easy for him, that I can tell.
I’ll keep you in my prayers, dearest Laura. I’ve already told Linda that I’m sending my love to you. Believe me, it contains a lot of iron and steel, you just have to feel it with you heart once a day for 24 hours :)))
....well as you can only imagine your sweet Canadian prince has been thinking about you everyday and I really have missed you here at the Hub - I left a very nice message on your sister's lastest hub with reference to you .......my dad (who was my best friend as was my mum) passed away from lung cancer back in 1992 at 74 years old - so unfortunately I know the devastation that cancer can bring into a family's life - especially a small and close family like mine - I was an only child - and my mum passed away in 2004 - so it's just me now but I know I have good family and friends here at the Hub - I intend on sending you an online so I will keep in touch as you do the same - and take one day at a time and enjoy the small things in life - and try to keep thinking good thoughts - I can tell by your beautiful smiling face that you have a good attitude and strong spirit - and for that I admire you so much and I am proud to be your friend ......
You just know we will all pray for you but this looks like your body is lacking something and I can tell you first hand there are God medicines and it cannot hurt to try and very inexpensive no matter how this turns out. If you are too down to research I will do it for you, actually I have a couple of them done I sent to a friend for her husband. These things make some people mad and I would hope to never do that, I simply want to help you and I practice what I preach and went from bed bound to wanting to bound out my door every day. I am talking foods and herbs, no holistic (which I have never had any luck with) or mental humming, unless its a prayer to God. Whatever your answer my prayer and love will always be with you.
You are such a great woman and are so brave to share this with all of us. You have inspired me, and you have many more lives to touch. You need to stay strong and give your body and soul what is needed to come through this. I know you will be well taken care of. You have many people that are sending their love to you - myself included of course!
How hard for you....there are no words that anyone can say except to say I feel so bad for you. My sister's boyfriend was just diagnosed in the last week with tongue cancer out of the blue.
I think the rest of us idiots out there who go through life and think we have 'bad days' ought to be in YOUR shoes and then rethink our 'poor and pitiful' life. It surely makes me start to think about all the things that I think are so freaking important and so 'trying' when folks like you go through all these things.
My heart goes out to you ---sending you a virtual hug and another hug. Will be thinking about you and hoping for a positive outcome as I am for Steve. I know people beat it and I know it's possible so that gives me great hope. I have known folks (like you) with such courage.
I did tell Steve about this too and not sure if it's worth a hill of beans - but I did a hub last year on mistletoe extract. I don't know what cancers it is good for specifically or if it is truly quackery or not. He mentioned it to his oncologist and his other physicians though and they said it has shown promise in treating cancers.
Keep us posted...you are on my thought list and in my prayers. Thank you too for being so honest about your own battle with cancer - it will help so many people. I will refer Steve here, too once he gets through all his treatments.
Dear Dusty-I have learned that turning it over to God is really so peaceful instead of fighting it and controlling the what if's. My dad had a pace-maker too and sometimes it would go off during dinner and he would bolt up out of his chair. No kidding that is a reminder that we are all mere mortals and have to live everyday with gratitude. I have learned so much through this journey and have to admit, I've grown up alot. Did I say that???? LOL
God Bless you Martie and I am sorry that Laura and I have seemed to confuse you as to which is which. I am Linda, the cancer survivor. Do not feel bad as I am so use to this. Your words are powerful and healing and loving and I feel so close to you and thank you for your loving support my friend. HUGS
Polly-First of all, I could never get mad at you my friend,especially when your intention is about your love and concern for me. I am so open to any of your suggestions. I am scared and want to live and will take any ideas my friend. Thanks so much for your friendship here. God Bless
Thanks so much schoolmarm for your warm and caring words to me. This support here is healing and better than anything I could do myself. Thanks friend:)
You tell Steve to hang in there. If I am correct, that type of cancer can be very treatable and people live long and healthy lives. My father had tongue cancer from smoking a pipe. Thanks for your kind words. I hope you never ever get any cancer dear and you are not an idiot when you have a bad day. It just is what it is and noone wants to get this crappy disease. Who'd of thunk a gal that never smoked would get lung cancer. We all just have to remember that life is a gift and just let all of those you love, know how much they mean to you. Don't hold back. That way your life is full and they don't wonder if you cared about them when you are gone some day. Peace and Hugs my friend.
Oh geezzzz, Linda! You've got me (again). But is this not the lot of all twins - shared identity. They might as well share a name too - then nobody will ever get confused. What is in a name, Shakespeare asked. And I know this is not an issue for you. Both of you are Linda and Laura... for others, but not for yourself. YOU know who you are and that is actually all that matters. Well this is how I read the two of you. Your love for each other makes you strong... I love you my dear friend because you are you!
I have very much that I had sent my friend if you want to tell me where to send it.
Thanks for your kind words - you are one special lady. My sister-in-law also got lung cancer and she never smoked either. Sometimes it just doesn't make a lot of sense to me as I think there should be an 'answer' to everything. Take care.
Minne my prayers go out to you my dear, we wish you all the best and know that God is looking over you.
God Bless
I love you too Martie and you can call me anything you want. LOL
akirchner-I am scared to ask, but how is your sister in-law? Is she ok? I hope she made it through this crummy disease. I am a lot like you too that I want to know why but I guess this journey has taught me to just let go.
Thanks vietnam, I really appreciate all the prayers I can get. By the way, I love your new profile pic. You are one handsome man. Have a great day friend.
I sent it through the contact here, I didn't think it would go but said it did, so let me know and delete your address there.
Gotcha, I will put it right in my friends.
Great Polly. I would love yours too and I'll plug it in my contacts.
Linda, you are a star and a trooper. Thank you for sharing this traumatizing experience with all of us, thereby making it easier for any of us that may one day face those demons you have already encountered. I suffer from a compromised immune system,chronic pain and allergies and have had the awful respiratory virus making its way around. It still is hanging on to me in the third week as it does come and go. I am going to have a sauna later to sweat out and detox the final remains of it (hopefully). So happy to hear that the spot scare was just this cruddy virus- the gift from Hell that keeps giving.
Bummer of it all, no, she did not make it because she was diagnosed super late. They tried all kinds of chemotherapies on her but it had spread by the time that she went to the doctor. That is an important thing I think...when folks know that something is wrong and they don't go get it checked out. They always say in my biz that early detection is the name of the game and it is SO true. That's why I think you are so wise and are doing so well!
Hi my sweet friend and neighbor. I am going to keep upbeat and positive about this. You know your Lord is watching over you. You are a survivor, this too shall pass. Keeping you in my prayers. Here if you need me. Love ya, You "stooper sister".
I sure hope it's the cruddy virus thing Painter and I will hold onto the fact that my type of cancer usually doesn't come back after seven years. This is just part of the cancer journey to worry and have ups and downs. I really appreciate your support and kind words.
As I wrote in this hub, I use to hate going to doctors and usually put off appointments. Thank God my body spoke to me in time. I felt so anxious that I went in and that's how they discovered the tumour. I am so sorry to hear your sister in-law didn't make it. This disease is so brutal.
"Mary Mary quite contrary, where will we stoopers go."
I am so witty, aren't I. It is very late as Laura and I wanted to stay up till midnight for my seven year, cancer-free anniversary. Happy St. Patrick's day my friend and neighbor. I will be needing your support and you know I will not hesitate. You may want to go buy some ear plugs. Great to see you on my wonderful hubpages community. Love you sweetie:)
Minnetonka Twin We don't always know why things happen to us.I am sure God knows.We just have to do our best and be thankful for what we have.In time he will teach us what we have to know when the time is right.You continue to enlighten my world by your wonderful strength and love.Understanding and patience is something I am trying to learn also.With all my love and prayers I send you for writing such a touching hub.
Thanks DREAM ON. Your right that we need to love everyday and be grateful for that. I am trying hard to keep the fear from running me. Thanks to all my hubber friends like you and other friends and family for support. I just attended my aunt and uncle's double wake and funeral this past Thursday and Friday. It was uplifting to be with all my relatives. They gave me a lot of support and love.
Hiya MT, your hub here just made me go to bits! I tell you the truth when i say this, If cancer was a huge boxer i would get in a ring and try my best to fight him. I rode one ride and raised some cash for kids with this respecter of no-one. Lance Armstrong said fellow sufferers are more important to him than all his Tour wins. I went off the rails because i lost someone close to this. nomoretrucks will be thinking of you. i am blessed so far, My lass Linda is hoping i dont go off on another ride for a month ever. But if if someone told me i could find a cure doing another 25 journeys I would get on the road NOW! God bless MT.
I don't even know how to respond to this beautiful comment. Wow, nomoretrucks, you have a heart of gold and I thank you for your kind and loving words. You'd even get in the ring for me, now that is cool. Hey, I can use the boxing ring as one of my visualizations in my mediations. I'll knock out cancer. Thanks for your support and reassurance.
Very good, keeping as strong as possible is vital...
Yes, you got it right swb64. Thanks for stopping by:)
Hi,
I've only read a couple of your hubs at the moment, but already I can see what an absolute champion you are! I know what anxiety feels like as well, but that is just because we sense and take in more from the environment than others and so our system gets a bit overloaded. You are a wonderful person and writer. You'll get there. I don't follow any religion but I do believe in a higher good and have said a prayer for you. But with all this love and support from hubbers I think you will already have enough to get you through. Bright Blessings.
You are so sweet, Seeker. I like how you explain the anxiety in that nice way instead of me being a complete neurotic. Seriously though, I have always felt things very deeply and know that is part of my anxiety. I do not get caught up in religion and welcome your lovely support and prayers. Blessings and so glad I found you on HubPages:)
Hey Minnetonka Twin..
I know it is hard for a lot of us to even comperhend what you have to go thru day in and day out of your life but I am sure when
I say that all of us wish you the best of health.
As I saw what my stepmother went thru, I would not wish this dreaded disease on no one...So stay strong and all the best in life
I don't think it's just the uncertainty of any outcome, it's the everyday doc appointment, blood draw, bad veins from too many blood draws, tests that you have to have because of symptoms you've had. They run your life, so in addition to trying to maintain your life, you've got something trying to run your life.
There are books that are so well-intended and are a must for anyone fighting a chronic illness. But, w/ such busyness in your life, when do you have time for them, when do you have time for meditation/imagery? You make time. But MAKING time becomes so difficult, even though it may seem that on the surface 'you've got noting but time on your hands!;' Right. God Bless
Thank you so much deepthought. Yes, cancer is quite a journey of ups and downs. I sure miss those carefree days when my biggest worry was catching a cold or flu but I do hang in there and hope this latest scan will turn out to be congestion. God Bless you for your support, it means alot right now:)
God bless you too teamrn. You said so much in your paragraph about the life of a cancer survivor. Yes, it's all the appointments and ify scans and blood draws and respiratory infections since the surgery,etc.. I do know I HAVE to make time to take care of myself, whether it's meditating, relaxing, eating healthier, praying, etc..I am worth it. Thanks for being here:)
Minnetonka (you live in MN?), as a nurse, I've seen it. Other chronic illnesses result in my CONSTANTLY availing myself of what health care has to offer. I REALLY value those little 1/2 day trips, those get-aways in the country, those times I don't hurt and the times I can write w/ a clear head.
Yes, I do live in Minnesota. I know this is another reason I suffer with more allergies and respiratory issues since the cancer surgery and treatments. Minnesota is known for the melting snow and mold and all that goes with it. Hopefully that is why my scan showed spots again. I too love weekend trips or the spontaneous road trips to clear my head. Sis and I are thinking about going to Hayward, Wisconsin this easter break. The kids will be at their dad's and we thought with everything going on it would be the perfect time to go see friends from when we had a cabin. We stay in a hotel and have a blast.
That's what my husband and I do; take an afternoon, 'throw' the dog in the back of the car and drive. Each time we drive a different way and see different scenery. 5 hours later we're home, but we feel like we've been gone FIVE days! In the meantime, the dog has her ears flying in the breeze and for a few hours, "God's in His heaven; all's right with the World."
;
Hope you have a great time in WI over Easter break. Take care!
Thanks for the comments on my hubs, and for taking the time to read! I feel honored. May God bless you in many ways! Glad you smiled & laughed if only for a moment :)
You are so very welcome gitrdun. Thanks for your blessings, you are soo sweet.
Live life to the fullest through God's good grace. Loved your hub and am now following you.
Thanks for reading my hub woodamarc. Yes, I am grateful for every day. I know God has a plan for me and I hope it's to stick around a lot longer. I really want to continue raising my sister's kids. It has been such a honor and give's me such purpose in my life.
How are you now, MT? I do hope that you are feeling much,much okay. Even better than okay. I can't even imagine how hard it is for you but rest assured that you are never alone. God is always there.Friends and family will be there.Just keep the faith.God bless.
God Bless you theseus and your so sweet and kind. I go for my follow-up in June to find out why I have three spots. Yikes, It's been kinda scary but I try to be very positive about it all. Thanks for your comforting words and support.
God Bless you theseus and your so sweet and kind. I go for my follow-up in June to find out why I have three spots. Yikes, It's been kinda scary but I try to be very positive about it all. Thanks for your comforting words and support.
- Homeopathy: Effects of Radiation Overdose By CT Scan
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Darlene Sabella 14 months ago
Hello my adorable friend, is your sister also writing on hubpages? I just read and commented on this very same information and same city and a twin. Oh my dearest heart friend, I have been going through this all year with my daughter, just like you twins, so so unworldly of and experience. So real and yet so surreal, I wish I could hold you both, and be of some use, give something deeper then a mere note here on hubpages. You and I became such close friends right away, I don't want you to be anything but happy, cheerful and light. However you are pulling a heavy load. Eat foods that keep you clean, life fresh foods, you need this when you go to battle, this is your ammour along with the Lord. I am here if you need me, always I promise you, unless my computer blows up then you must call if need be. I will pray, and send you both sweet dreams. Love, Light, peace, hugs and kisses too.....darski