Hi Colleen,
My cancer is neuroendocrine small cell carcinoma originating in the gut and metastases to the liver. I have over 40 cancer spots on my liver. I have had a section of small intestine removed along with my appendix and gall bladder. Recovery from that took about 2 months. As noted before, I have been self injecting, every 4 weeks, with a form of lanreotide called Somotuline Auto gel. I am now in my 13th year of cancer. Some may call it a journey but it is a road I would much rather not be on.
When first diagnosed with the cancer ( it was discovered by chance when I went in for an ultrasound for urination problems) I was very taken aback to say the least. I figured that I might as well say goodbye to my 2 older sisters. Since then, my 2 older sisters have both passed away and I am still here.
One tends to go from shock, to fear, to resignation. As well, one has to adjust to a new normal. I used to have a large file of all the places I wanted to travel to. That file was replaced by my next large file about medications, appointments, doctors contact information and information on "the cancer journey".
For a while I was on a trial drug called pazabonib. It didn't help. In fact, I quite the trial because I felt it was doing more harm than good. My hair turned white, my heart took on a funny murmur (not too serious), diabetes 2 took hold and, for a while, I needed a walker to get around. My hair is still white but has some brown streaks, my heart condition has not gotten any worse, the diabetes is under control with medication and I walk without any aids. However, I have no regrets in at least trying the drug. I was a science teacher in my working days and it would have been rather hypocritical for me to not volunteer for a scientific study.
I used to spend a lot of time monitoring my body for changes and worrying that things would get real bad real soon. However, the longer one deals with cancer, the less it bothers one. My philosophy is to enjoy life. Death will come whether-or-not I spend my time worrying.