Reflections on the past year
The past year has been a long journey that has at times been very rewarding and at other times has been a long walk down a seemingly endless tunnel. It has been not quite a year since I had my surgery, and just six months today since my last chemo.
Some of the really good things that have come out of the past year include the many new friends I have made as well as the kindness and concern of all my relatives, neighbors, and friends.
So many people were praying for my recovery that I joked that the Almighty said, "She must really owe money to a lot of people."
Dr. Tewari and Dr. Shah, my oncologists are two of the most talented physicians I have ever met, and I am so lucky to have them on my team. They are very concerned about side effecdts of chemo and heping patients keep a positive outlook. Patti Wride, their RN assistant always has a smile on her face and a kind word. I'm sure I taxed her patience on several occasions as she dealt with me when I wasn't always feeling my best.
My IP therapy was done in a hospital setting, and I got to know the med/surg staff on the fourth floor very well. They are so dedicated and so kind. Kaiser should be so proud of those people.
The only thing I really didn't like at the hospital was the food. I'm not sure that is the kitchen staff's problem. I think it was my problem. The meds could have made food taste different to me than it usually does.
And what can I say about my husband and daughter? They were unbelievable. They were with me every step of the way, and I love them for it. I could see the pain in their faces every time I told them I didn't want to go to the hospital again. They put up with me whn I felt like a tractor had run over me and that the chemo would never end.
Next month I have my second post-chemo checkup. The first one was a very stressful time for me, and I hope the second one doesn't scare me as much.
Some of the really good things that have come out of the past year include the many new friends I have made as well as the kindness and concern of all my relatives, neighbors, and friends.
So many people were praying for my recovery that I joked that the Almighty said, "She must really owe money to a lot of people."
Dr. Tewari and Dr. Shah, my oncologists are two of the most talented physicians I have ever met, and I am so lucky to have them on my team. They are very concerned about side effecdts of chemo and heping patients keep a positive outlook. Patti Wride, their RN assistant always has a smile on her face and a kind word. I'm sure I taxed her patience on several occasions as she dealt with me when I wasn't always feeling my best.
My IP therapy was done in a hospital setting, and I got to know the med/surg staff on the fourth floor very well. They are so dedicated and so kind. Kaiser should be so proud of those people.
The only thing I really didn't like at the hospital was the food. I'm not sure that is the kitchen staff's problem. I think it was my problem. The meds could have made food taste different to me than it usually does.
And what can I say about my husband and daughter? They were unbelievable. They were with me every step of the way, and I love them for it. I could see the pain in their faces every time I told them I didn't want to go to the hospital again. They put up with me whn I felt like a tractor had run over me and that the chemo would never end.
Next month I have my second post-chemo checkup. The first one was a very stressful time for me, and I hope the second one doesn't scare me as much.
Replies
I have been in remission for 4 years, and I still get scared everytime I go for a check up. I don\'t think you ever get over being scared. You get little respites in between. I had IP and IV chemo. I owe my remission to that and my wonder gyn/onc who did the surgery. I am glad you have such great support. It is so scary for the people who love us. Much luck and love to you for your next check up. Anita
i think from the moment we get our diagnosis\',our lives forever change. there won\'t be an appointment or a test that doesn\'t stress us out some. i think it comes with the territory. so many of us will relapse.that\'s just a statistic. i do believe in a positive attitude and i have faith that the medical establishment will continue to come up with new and better treatments for us. till then, i do what i can with exercise,food,supplements and try to live my life with as little stress as i can. that\'s about all any of us can do besides make sure our healthcare providers are the best we can find and we\'re confident in their abilities to treat us.sounds like you have a great family to stand with you-joanne xxx
Like Anitaama I have been in remission for 4 years also. Fear and more fear is something that comes with the diagnosis and I think we adapt to the fear but it never goes away. But we take away from the fear the ability to truly live at least that is what I have learned from all this. Be good to yourself and great job on the 12K! It must of been so special having your siblings come and be with you for that. Big hugs and wishing a great check up for you. Beth
I can totally relate to this journal. My 1 year post- surgery date was in September, and to be honest it really hit me hard. I was very emotional and was re-living every step of what I was through the previous year. A diagnosis of cancer is extremely difficult and is emotionally devastating. For the most part I am doing well. I am in remission. My last chemotherapy treatment was the end of January. I think it\'s almost worse post treatment because you kind of dwell on the past. I have to admit there still isn\'t a day that has gone by that I haven\'t thought about cancer. I feel great physically, but emotionally very fearful. I TOTALLY understand being scared going for follow-up appointments. I literally was trembling, and my blood pressure is always high there....gee I wonder why? Hopefully, I will continue to do well and maybe the fear will dissipate a little. I agree we have learned and seen a lot through this year. I too, have met amazing ladies and listened to their stories. We understand what love is all about when we see our families go through this difficult time with us. Thank you for sharing your feelings.