Now Ye're Talking - to a cancer patient

sunny2004

That you are, you are clearly very strong
Can I ask what the worst part of the experience was/is ?

I have cancer, AMA

sunny2004 wrote: »

That you are, you are clearly very strong
Can I ask what the worst part of the experience was/is ?

Thank you.

The worst part is the fear of the unknown, mainly through the first part of treatment.

I was told that I had a good chance of recovery and although everything went well for me during the first part of my treatment, there is nothing to say that treatment might not work, or might stop working, my cancer could have become stronger, more aggressive and more rapid and things could have gone the other way and instead of an all clear, I could have been facing death.

That was absolutely terrifying. I am exceptionally lucky and so, so grateful that things are going well and I have a good prognosis and I am on the road to beating my cancer but I think until I get the all clear I will always have that fear that *maybe* something isn't working as well as it should.

Leogirl

I don't have any questions for you, I just want to wish you all the best. I've recently had breast cancer myself, I know what a tough journey it is but you seem to have a great attitude, that's a big help. Stay strong X

sunny2004

Thank you for the reply, I have learned a lot reading through this.

dellas1979

My brother had cancer (1 year free now). He is celebrating his 40th tonight!

We dont have a history of cancer in our family.

He is a typical blokey bloke. Terribly laid back. It was a wednesday when he rang the doctor. The receptionist told him the doctor had no appointments till the following week. My brother persisted and said can you just say it to Doctor X I need an appointment. Doctor X knows my brother through local community and thought "Shur he never asks for an appointment...there must be something wrong!" (he told my brother this).

Anyways, he went to doc wednesday, was diagnosed friday, was on the operating table monday. It was a very agressive form of cancer. Another week would have put him in a worse position.

He will tell this story to anyone now. If you feel something is wrong, get that appointment.

Myself, I found it strange that I was healthy and my sibling was not.

He took it all on the chin. He kept himself busy. If there was a squeak in the door, hed be off fixing it. I remember he got a round of chemo, finished on a friday, and next day he was out cutting the lawn. That was his way of dealing with it. And, we got information from hospital (you get a booklet on how to spot if they are looking unwell) and it said, as everyone is different, and reacts differently, if they feel well enough to do something, let them off. Felt beyond proud of him and his attitude.

So, I see your positive attitude too. Its a hell of a journey. And I wish you nothing but the best xx

CathyMoran

I just wanted to wish you all the best - I am a 10 year survivor of another cancer (esophageal) that was diagnosed at a young age for that type of cancer (I was 32).

Persephone kindness

Hello.

I will just say I wish you a quick recovery. I think you are very brave much love.

I do have a question. Thank you for doing this.

How can a friend or family member help you through this? How can we understand? There isn't any breast cancer in my family either side and I don't know anyone who has had it. So is there something we should know?

Like if there was something ANYTHING someone could do right now for you ..what would that be??

Also what charities do you feel have helped?

Also what should we NOT do?

joefromireland

 I wish you a quick recovery.

I do have a  couple of questions.
Did the doctors  give you any advice on what to eat or drink ?
[font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Have[/font] you read the book" stop feeding your cancer" by  a Dublin doctor John Kelly
Or have you heard him speak about his book last month in a online [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif] interview on [/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]iTunes[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif] or [/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]here[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif] (if you don't use iTunes).[/font]

I don't have any questions for you OP.

I just want to say that I think you are amazing. You are fighting most people's worst fears and are doing so with great spirit. No doubt the bad days exist but you'll get there. I have everything crossed for you xx

AzcuzCoz

I don't have any questions to ask you, my aunt died from breast cancer and I wish you all the very best.

I have cancer, AMA

Thank you all so much

Persephone kindness wrote: »

Hello.

I will just say I wish you a quick recovery. I think you are very brave much love.

I do have a question. Thank you for doing this.

How can a friend or family member help you through this? How can we understand? There isn't any breast cancer in my family either side and I don't know anyone who has had it. So is there something we should know?

Like if there was something ANYTHING someone could do right now for you ..what would that be??

Also what charities do you feel have helped?

Also what should we NOT do?

Thank you so much 

One thing I found really helpful was having someone (friends, family etc.) do was to listen. I know that sounds really simple, but often people will give advice, or say something to try and make the patient feel better or lift their spirits if they’re having a bad day but listening and just letting someone rant, give out, whatever it may be but just to get everything off their chest.

Rather than give advice etc. just listen and take in what that person is saying. Ask questions so you can try to have some understand of how that person is feeling. I know it sounds really simplistic but it really does help. It helped me anyway.

Include them as well, chemotherapy in particular can be very isolating because patients are at a high risk of infection so if you’re planning a meet up, rather than go out maybe arrange coffee/lunch/dinner/games nights’/movie night etc. in someone’s home, if possible. Going to someone’s home is still risky as anyone could have an illness/cold and not show symptom early on but going out to restaurants, coffee shops etc. is riskier (according to some nurses I’ve spoken with) because they’re not as clean as a private home would be. Chances are you know what your friends’ homes’ are like, how clean/hygienic they are, whereas public places are very different because people are sneezing, coughing around tables etc. and there’s no way for staff to be on top of it, whereas in a private home, it’s slightly different in that if someone sneezes on the table, you can disinfect it. It’s little things like that that were pointed out to me by nurses.

Do some research of your own, read blogs, get books from the Irish Cancer Society, do any research that you can and educate yourself that way you will have some information, knowledge, understanding etc. of what that person is going through but it is important to remember that you will only ever have some understanding of it. You won’t fully understand it all unless you go through it yourself. A lot of people (in my experience anyway) think that because they have some knowledge and some understanding that suddenly they know and have full understanding of what it is like to have cancer and to go through cancer treatment.

I will have to think about that one. What could someone do for me now. There are so many things, I will have a think about this one and come back to you.

The Irish Cancer Society have been incredible. They have given so much advice, support etc. to me and I am so grateful to them for that. I never realised just how much they do for patients until I needed their services myself. They are absolutely incredible.

Don’t give advice unless it’s asked for. I know this sounds ungrateful but so many people have given me advice on various different things throughout treatment, I know that sounds ungrateful and I genuinely don’t mean it in an ungrateful way but patients will get so much advice, opinions, thoughts, information etc. that it is overwhelming and chances are whatever you’re giving advice on, they’ll have already been advised by their CNS, an oncology nurse, an oncologist, consultant etc.

Don’t say that because today is a bad day that tomorrow will be better. No one knows what tomorrow will be like and no one can say it will be a good day.

If someone is having a bad day and decides they want take away or a duvet day or a glass of wine or whatever, let them have it. I found when I wanted take away or a glass of wine I had friends giving me advice left, right and centre and telling me horror stories of people who got sick, ended up in hospital etc. Really, no patient needs to hear that. Before you start treatment your consultant/CNS/oncologist will go through everything what you can and can’t eat, drink, do etc. so stick with the advice/information of professionals.

My friends meant their advice in a good way and it wasn’t them trying to be protective or anything but at the same time, it can get tiresome when they give advice all the time on everything. It started to grate on me because I’d already been advised by my medical team so I knew what I could and couldn’t eat/drink/do.

joefromireland wrote: »

I wish you a quick recovery.

I do have a couple of questions.
Did the doctors give you any advice on what to eat or drink ?
[font=Open Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Have[/font] you read the book" stop feeding your cancer" by a Dublin doctor John Kelly
Or have you heard him speak about his book last month in a online [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif] interview on [/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]iTunes[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif] or [/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]here[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif] (if you don't use iTunes).[/font]

I was advised by my CNS, oncologist and oncology nurses on what I could and couldn't eat. They go through all of that with you before you start treatment as each treatment is different and I was lucky that I really didn't need a particularly strict diet, however I was still careful with what I ate and drank and I followed all medical advise strictly.

I haven't heard of that book but I will look into it. I haven't heard that podcast but I will definitely listen to it, thank you so much for the link.

flutered

I have cancer, AMA wrote: »

Thank you.

The worst part is the fear of the unknown, mainly through the first part of treatment.

I was told that I had a good chance of recovery and although everything went well for me during the first part of my treatment, there is nothing to say that treatment might not work, or might stop working, my cancer could have become stronger, more aggressive and more rapid and things could have gone the other way and instead of an all clear, I could have been facing death.

That was absolutely terrifying. I am exceptionally lucky and so, so grateful that things are going well and I have a good prognosis and I am on the road to beating my cancer but I think until I get the all clear I will always have that fear that *maybe* something isn't working as well as it should.

i have been cancer free for a few years, but i do look over my shoulder, the thoughts of will it return come up every now and again, i was given 6 months by the oncologist as the type i had was in his words quite vicious

skimpydoo

I have been recently diagnosed with low grade Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, I am waiting to get a swollen lymph node removed from my neck plus the results back from my bone marrow biopsy and once this is done I will hopefully know what type of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma that I have.

I have not let my diagnosis get me down and I find that laughter is the best medicine.
How do you stay positive and how has it changed your life?

Good luck with your treatment and recovery.

Thanks for doing this as you are giving cancer sufferers a voice plus inspiration.

I have cancer, AMA

skimpydoo wrote: »

I have been recently diagnosed with low grade Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, I am waiting to get a swollen lymph node removed from my neck plus the results back from my bone marrow biopsy and once this is done I will hopefully know what type of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma that I have.

I have not let my diagnosis get me down and I find that laughter is the best medicine.
How do you stay positive and how has it changed your life?

Good luck with your treatment and recovery.

Thanks for doing this as you are giving cancer sufferers a voice plus inspiration.

I am so so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and I wish you all the best with your treatment and recovery. I hope you don't ahve too long to wait. Sending you big hugs.

Laughter is absolutely the best medicine, I 100% agree with that.

I stay positive by reminding myself everyday that my treatment and illness is temporary, I will recover from it and that I am on the road to recovering from it.

There are days when the negative thoughts try to creep in but I push them back out and remind myself how well I am doing and how far I have come re: treatment.

It's changed my life in that I'm much stronger than I was before and I am less fearful of things than before.

As for my day to day life there is a lot I can't do at the moment, in time I will be able to do those things again. I can't do much house work or cooking as I don't have much energy so I struggle with that, luckily I live at home with my parents so it's not something I have to worry about. I love walking but I can't walk for long periods, I find that frustrating as I walk everywhere, I love walking and it's something I can't wait to get back doing.

I am restricted in exercises as well, not just now, but for the rest of my life. That is one thing that does bother me as exercise classes are something I won't able to do, due to my treatment I will need either personal training or else need to put an exercise plan in place so I can work out at home or something. Basically I will need something that is tailored to me and my specific needs.

Aww thank you, it's nice to hear that I can be of some help to you guys

skimpydoo

I have cancer, AMA wrote: »

I am so so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and I wish you all the best with your treatment and recovery. I hope you don't ahve too long to wait. Sending you big hugs.

Laughter is absolutely the best medicine, I 100% agree with that.

I stay positive by reminding myself everyday that my treatment and illness is temporary, I will recover from it and that I am on the road to recovering from it.

There are days when the negative thoughts try to creep in but I push them back out and remind myself how well I am doing and how far I have come re: treatment.

It's changed my life in that I'm much stronger than I was before and I am less fearful of things than before.

As for my day to day life there is a lot I can't do at the moment, in time I will be able to do those things again. I can't do much house work or cooking as I don't have much energy so I struggle with that, luckily I live at home with my parents so it's not something I have to worry about. I love walking but I can't walk for long periods, I find that frustrating as I walk everywhere, I love walking and it's something I can't wait to get back doing.

I am restricted in exercises as well, not just now, but for the rest of my life. That is one thing that does bother me as exercise classes are something I won't able to do, due to my treatment I will need either personal training or else need to put an exercise plan in place so I can work out at home or something. Basically I will need something that is tailored to me and my specific needs.

Aww thank you, it's nice to hear that I can be of some help to you guys

I saw my EMT specialist yesterday and I am having one of the swollen lymph nodes in my neck removed next Monday morning.

I got diagnosed over 2 months ago and I should have started treatment by now. I have had a lot of delays and results etc going missing along with certain departments not arranging appointments for me when they were told too.

My day to day life has changed too as I can't do as much as I used to until my immune system gets back to normal, and one positive is that I have stopped drinking coke a drink I used to love. I mainly drink OJ and also water at home and that has made such a difference. Also as I will be home alone a lot I decided to convert my living room into a mini man cave and I treated myself to a 49 inch 4K smart TV, a 320 Watt sound bar to go with the TV and a new X Box one S. Within 3 weeks I will know what treatment I will be receiving and also the exact type of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma that I have.

Living alone has its benefits as I have nobody to disturb and if I need someone to be there for me over a few days I stay at my parent's house.

I got negative thoughts and tears for the first time yesterday and I was glad that nobody else witnessed it and I aim to make sure that is a rare occurrence.

Thanks for the hugs and I am sending some right back at ya.

jopax

I admire your openness to share with us your experience.
Do you mind me asking if anyone in your family ever had breast cancer, as they say it can run in families.
Also, has it changed your view of life in general & how much we worry & winge on about nothing.
I wish you all the best in your recovery & thanks for sharing.

I have cancer, AMA

skimpydoo wrote: »

I saw my EMT specialist yesterday and I am having one of the swollen lymph nodes in my neck removed next Monday morning.

I got diagnosed over 2 months ago and I should have started treatment by now. I have had a lot of delays and results etc going missing along with certain departments not arranging appointments for me when they were told too.

My day to day life has changed too as I can't do as much as I used to until my immune system gets back to normal, and one positive is that I have stopped drinking coke a drink I used to love. I mainly drink OJ and also water at home and that has made such a difference. Also as I will be home alone a lot I decided to convert my living room into a mini man cave and I treated myself to a 49 inch 4K smart TV, a 320 Watt sound bar to go with the TV and a new X Box one S. Within 3 weeks I will know what treatment I will be receiving and also the exact type of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma that I have.

Living alone has its benefits as I have nobody to disturb and if I need someone to be there for me over a few days I stay at my parent's house.

I got negative thoughts and tears for the first time yesterday and I was glad that nobody else witnessed it and I aim to make sure that is a rare occurrence.

Thanks for the hugs and I am sending some right back at ya.

That is fantastic news, I hope Monday goes smoothly for you and you know soon what type of Lymphoma you have.

That is awful about the delay, I had a delay myself, buy only by a few days which I didn’t mind too much but two months I wouldn’t be happy with.

Yeah a healthy diet, loads of water and juices really help, they help with the energy levels too. You did right by treating yourself, it’s something we should all do more often. Whether it be a new TV, box of chocs, new candles etc. just something for yourself no matter what it is. I often see people treating others and buying gifts for others, but rarely for themselves. That’s something else I have learned to do. I rarely bought for myself and would always find an excuse to treat others but not myself but since my diagnosis I’ve learned that it is more important to treat myself and take care of myself like I do for others.

It’s great that you have the best of both worlds. How are your parents with everything? It is a hugely worrying time for them, and for you too of course, parents tend to worry more though, in my own experience and in the experience of other patients I have spoken to.

Let yourself cry when you need to, don’t force yourself not to cry, whether you are alone or in company. It’s important to let your emotions, fears and insecurities out, bottling them up won’t help at all and can increase your anxieties* in what is an already scary, stressful and worrying time.

*anxieties as in when we’re diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness, it tends to create a lot of anxieties around our health, treatment, life etc.

Thanks for the hugs & the best of luck with everything, I hope you start treatment ASAP.

jopax wrote: »

I admire your openness to share with us your experience.
Do you mind me asking if anyone in your family ever had breast cancer, as they say it can run in families.
Also, has it changed your view of life in general & how much we worry & winge on about nothing.
I wish you all the best in your recovery & thanks for sharing.

Thank you 

Ask away, no one in my family has or has had breast cancer. I am the first person so this is new to all of us. It can run in families definitely, but it can also happen that is a one-time thing to happen in some families. I’m hopeful that it is a one-time illness in our family. I don’t carry any genes that link back to cancer of any description which is a huge relief.

Yes, it definitely has. I view life as far more precious now. There’s a few things that I would love to do that I kept putting off, but this has made me really think about them and consider putting a plan in place so that when I am finished treatment and back to work I can start working on that plan and working towards some things that I want to do/achieve in life.

There are so many things I worried about before and now I can see how insignificant they are (and were) and I don’t allow myself to worry about them now. I say “if there comes a time I need to worry about them, then that’s the time I will worry about them, but for now, I won’t worry about them”. Seven months ago I wouldn’t have said that and would have worried over various things, now I don’t. I worry about what I need to worry about and let everything else go.

It took a while and a lot of determination and help from my counsellor for me to do that, but I’ve done it. Anyone can do it, you just have to stick with it and constantly remind yourself that if it’s not an issue now, don’t worry about it until it is an issue.

Use that energy for something more positive, something that will reduce your stress, something that will make you happy etc. Don’t waste it worrying on what’s not an issue, there’s plenty of time for that.

Masterofballs

You have an extraordinary way of explaining yourself and bringing a sense of calm to such an awful illness and i am sure there are may, many people who have read this tread but not posted who may have worries about cancer and i am sure they would feel a lot better after reading your replies, truly a brave and considerate person you are and i hope (know) you will live a very happy and long life. Well done.

jopax

''There are so many things I worried about before and now I can see how insignificant they are (and were) and I don’t allow myself to worry about them now. I say “if there comes a time I need to worry about them, then that’s the time I will worry about them, but for now, I won’t worry about them”. Seven months ago I wouldn’t have said that and would have worried over various things, now I don’t. I worry about what I need to worry about and let everything else go.

It took a while and a lot of determination and help from my counsellor for me to do that, but I’ve done it. Anyone can do it, you just have to stick with it and constantly remind yourself that if it’s not an issue now, don’t worry about it until it is an issue.

Use that energy for something more positive, something that will reduce your stress, something that will make you happy etc. Don’t waste it worrying on what’s not an issue, there’s plenty of time for that.[/quote]'"



Thank you so much for your reply & your valuable insight. It's something a lot of us need to learn. My thoughts & best wishes are with you.

skimpydoo

I have cancer, AMA wrote: »

That is fantastic news, I hope Monday goes smoothly for you and you know soon what type of Lymphoma you have.

That is awful about the delay, I had a delay myself, buy only by a few days which I didn’t mind too much but two months I wouldn’t be happy with.

Yeah a healthy diet, loads of water and juices really help, they help with the energy levels too. You did right by treating yourself, it’s something we should all do more often. Whether it be a new TV, box of chocs, new candles etc. just something for yourself no matter what it is. I often see people treating others and buying gifts for others, but rarely for themselves. That’s something else I have learned to do. I rarely bought for myself and would always find an excuse to treat others but not myself but since my diagnosis I’ve learned that it is more important to treat myself and take care of myself like I do for others.

It’s great that you have the best of both worlds. How are your parents with everything? It is a hugely worrying time for them, and for you too of course, parents tend to worry more though, in my own experience and in the experience of other patients I have spoken to.

Let yourself cry when you need to, don’t force yourself not to cry, whether you are alone or in company. It’s important to let your emotions, fears and insecurities out, bottling them up won’t help at all and can increase your anxieties* in what is an already scary, stressful and worrying time.

*anxieties as in when we’re diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness, it tends to create a lot of anxieties around our health, treatment, life etc.

Thanks for the hugs & the best of luck with everything, I hope you start treatment ASAP.

My parents are getting used to it and the will be glad when it's all over. I have never asked myself why me but I do know that my parents have and I try and reassure them by saying I am facing a minor inconvenience at the moment.

Having the best of both worlds helps as does having family friends who will support me at the drop of a hat.

You are also right about treating yourself and at the moment the most important person in my life is me and if people can't understand that I don't want them around me.

I have cancer, AMA

Masterofballs wrote: »

You have an extraordinary way of explaining yourself and bringing a sense of calm to such an awful illness and i am sure there are may, many people who have read this tread but not posted who may have worries about cancer and i am sure they would feel a lot better after reading your replies, truly a brave and considerate person you are and i hope (know) you will live a very happy and long life. Well done.

Thank you so much, this is such a lovely post and one that brought a tear to my eye.

skimpydoo wrote: »

My parents are getting used to it and the will be glad when it's all over. I have never asked myself why me but I do know that my parents have and I try and reassure them by saying I am facing a minor inconvenience at the moment.

Having the best of both worlds helps as does having family friends who will support me at the drop of a hat.

You are also right about treating yourself and at the moment the most important person in my life is me and if people can't understand that I don't want them around me.

You are doing the right thing by saying it is a minor inconvenience, because that is exactly what it is. It's only going to be a part of your life, not your entire life.

Yes exactly you are the most important person in your life and anyone who doesn't understand (because can't or won't) are not people you need (or want) to have around you, particularly at a time like this.

DirkVoodoo

Well done on sharing your story! No question, just wanted to offer my support.

I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma shortly after Christmas, your feelings about "this happens to other people" were exactly how I felt. Even when I was in the middle of chemotherapy I found it hard to believe that I had cancer.

The fatigue and bi-weekly sessions just became "the new normal" after a while, it's only now that I'm getting better (last session over 3 weeks ago!) I realise how sick I was. I tried to be as active as possible (work, cycle, friends) but your advise of "be selfish!" is one that I would urge anyone who has recently been diagnosed to listen to. I tried to work as long as possible but eventually had to stop towards the end and I'm glad I did. Working at 50% just became frustrating for myself and those around me: missed deadlines, foggy brain, etc.

I was cycling in Kerry with my club at the weekend, I walked out along Inch strand on my own, dipped my toes in the water, and nearly broke down. It was the first time that the entire reality of what I'd been through and how lucky I was hit me at full force.

skimpydoo

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

Well done on sharing your story! No question, just wanted to offer my support.

I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma shortly after Christmas, your feelings about "this happens to other people" were exactly how I felt. Even when I was in the middle of chemotherapy I found it hard to believe that I had cancer.

The fatigue and bi-weekly sessions just became "the new normal" after a while, it's only now that I'm getting better (last session over 3 weeks ago!) I realise how sick I was. I tried to be as active as possible (work, cycle, friends) but your advise of "be selfish!" is one that I would urge anyone who has recently been diagnosed to listen to. I tried to work as long as possible but eventually had to stop towards the end and I'm glad I did. Working at 50% just became frustrating for myself and those around me: missed deadlines, foggy brain, etc.

I was cycling in Kerry with my club at the weekend, I walked out along Inch strand on my own, dipped my toes in the water, and nearly broke down. It was the first time that the entire reality of what I'd been through and how lucky I was hit me at full force.

What affect does your treatment have on you and how tired does it leave you? I should be starting treatment for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in July and a little heads up would be greatly appreciated.

I have cancer, AMA

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

Well done on sharing your story! No question, just wanted to offer my support.

I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma shortly after Christmas, your feelings about "this happens to other people" were exactly how I felt. Even when I was in the middle of chemotherapy I found it hard to believe that I had cancer.

The fatigue and bi-weekly sessions just became "the new normal" after a while, it's only now that I'm getting better (last session over 3 weeks ago!) I realise how sick I was. I tried to be as active as possible (work, cycle, friends) but your advise of "be selfish!" is one that I would urge anyone who has recently been diagnosed to listen to. I tried to work as long as possible but eventually had to stop towards the end and I'm glad I did. Working at 50% just became frustrating for myself and those around me: missed deadlines, foggy brain, etc.

I was cycling in Kerry with my club at the weekend, I walked out along Inch strand on my own, dipped my toes in the water, and nearly broke down. It was the first time that the entire reality of what I'd been through and how lucky I was hit me at full force.

skimpydoo wrote: »

What affect does your treatment have on you and how tired does it leave you? I should be starting treatment for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in July and a little heads up would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

I am so sorry to hear that, I hope you are doing well and treatment is going well for you

I was the same, even now I am finished chemo I still find it hard to believe that I do have cancer and that I've had months of chemo, it still feels surreal for me.

Well done on working through treatment for as long as you did, you are very brave, not many people would do that, I know I wouldn't, I would find it too difficult, physically and emotionally.

Congrats on finishing chemo, its the hardest part of treatment, its just awful, it is absolutely exhausting. It zaps all of your energy.

I haven't had that happen to me yet, my CNS and counsellor did say that it could be after treatment that it hits me and they have told me to watch out for it.

I wish you all the best with your treatment.

Persephone kindness

skimpydoo wrote: »

I saw my EMT specialist yesterday and I am having one of the swollen lymph nodes in my neck removed next Monday morning.

I got diagnosed over 2 months ago and I should have started treatment by now. I have had a lot of delays and results etc going missing along with certain departments not arranging appointments for me when they were told too.

My day to day life has changed too as I can't do as much as I used to until my immune system gets back to normal, and one positive is that I have stopped drinking coke a drink I used to love. I mainly drink OJ and also water at home and that has made such a difference. Also as I will be home alone a lot I decided to convert my living room into a mini man cave and I treated myself to a 49 inch 4K smart TV, a 320 Watt sound bar to go with the TV and a new X Box one S. Within 3 weeks I will know what treatment I will be receiving and also the exact type of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma that I have.

Living alone has its benefits as I have nobody to disturb and if I need someone to be there for me over a few days I stay at my parent's house.

I got negative thoughts and tears for the first time yesterday and I was glad that nobody else witnessed it and I aim to make sure that is a rare occurrence.

Thanks for the hugs and I am sending some right back at ya.

Good Luck on Monday.

I hope you come back in a year or something and tell us all how fantastic you feel then!

Lots of love x

I have cancer, AMA

Best of luck this morning. I will be thinking of you today.

Sending you big hugs.

skimpydoo wrote: »

I saw my EMT specialist yesterday and I am having one of the swollen lymph nodes in my neck removed next Monday morning.

I got diagnosed over 2 months ago and I should have started treatment by now. I have had a lot of delays and results etc going missing along with certain departments not arranging appointments for me when they were told too.

My day to day life has changed too as I can't do as much as I used to until my immune system gets back to normal, and one positive is that I have stopped drinking coke a drink I used to love. I mainly drink OJ and also water at home and that has made such a difference. Also as I will be home alone a lot I decided to convert my living room into a mini man cave and I treated myself to a 49 inch 4K smart TV, a 320 Watt sound bar to go with the TV and a new X Box one S. Within 3 weeks I will know what treatment I will be receiving and also the exact type of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma that I have.

Living alone has its benefits as I have nobody to disturb and if I need someone to be there for me over a few days I stay at my parent's house.

I got negative thoughts and tears for the first time yesterday and I was glad that nobody else witnessed it and I aim to make sure that is a rare occurrence.

Thanks for the hugs and I am sending some right back at ya.

I have cancer, AMA

I had my pre op appointment today so if anyone would like any advice or anything about those appointments feel free to ask and I'll do my best to help

skimpydoo

Persephone kindness wrote: »

Good Luck on Monday.

I hope you come back in a year or something and tell us all how fantastic you feel then!

Lots of love x

I have cancer, AMA wrote: »

Best of luck this morning. I will be thinking of you today.

Sending you big hugs.

Thank's all went well. I was told that I might get some of nerves in my shoulder damaged when they were removing the node from neck, but that didn't happen.

When I woke up I felt like I had the worst hangover in the world as I was so nauseous but thankfully that's gone now. I will be seeing the EMT specialist who operated on me yesterday, next Tuesday. He wants to check and see that the area that he removed the node from has healed up and he also wants to make sure other departments are doing their job, as they were not in the past.

I also see my haematologist next Thursday who will confirm what type of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma that I have plus what treatment I will be getting.

I have cancer, AMA

skimpydoo wrote: »

Thank's all went well. I was told that I might get some of nerves in my shoulder damaged when they were removing the node from neck, but that didn't happen.

When I woke up I felt like I had the worst hangover in the world as I was so nauseous but thankfully that's gone now. I will be seeing the EMT specialist who operated on me yesterday, next Tuesday. He wants to check and see that the area that he removed the node from has healed up and he also wants to make sure other departments are doing their job, as they were not in the past.

I also see my haematologist next Thursday who will confirm what type of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma that I have plus what treatment I will be getting.

I'm so glad to read this and see that you have no nerve damage.

I hope the appointment with your hematologist goes well and I wish you all the best with treatment and recovery x

Persephone kindness wrote: »

Like if there was something ANYTHING someone could do right now for you ..what would that be??

I've thought about this and if there one was thing anyone could do, I would love for the "rule" to be changed regarding age.

I posted this previously

I have cancer, AMA wrote: »

The only thing that I do have an issue with is that women in Ireland under 35 are put on waiting list until they’re called for an appointment, anyone over 35 is seen within two weeks, because women over 35 are more at risk.

Now to me, symptoms are symptoms so regardless of age if you present to your GP with symptoms and are then referred, you should be seen ASAP not put on a waiting list. That is one thing I would prefer to see changed as soon as possible.

If there was one thing anyone could do for me or for anyone, it would be to do away with this rule and see people regardless of their age.

I am mid-twenties and have cancer that is generally only found in women who are twice my age and more, and if my symptoms weren't what they were, I probably wouldn't have been seen as quick because of my age and would have been put on a waiting list until I was called and by that stage, it could have been too late for me, my cancer might have developed too far to be curable.

skimpydoo

I have cancer, AMA wrote: »

I'm so glad to read this and see that you have no nerve damage.

I hope the appointment with your hematologist goes well and I wish you all the best with treatment and recovery x

Thanks I also have to see my EMT specialist, the doctor who took out node. He wants to make sure that I am healing nicely.