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Life after a cancer diagnosis
My nephrectomy was 4 months ago life is moving on. I have been feeling OK as of late. Physically I almost feel like “me” before the cancer. Emotionally I realize that things are now changed forever. In October ,which is here, I will meet my new oncologist. He will order “scans” and blood work so the cycle of surveillance begins for me. I was told that for the next 2 years I would have scans and blood work. Hopefully my cancer will not return but it just may. There is no way to tell how things will go. I was told that due to my tumor size I am at higher risk for recurrence. I will hope for the best. Many of you have already traveled the cancer trail some are just beginning the journey. Where ever you are with your cancer there is always hope. There may be pain and discomfort but we must fight to beat the beast that is cancer. I want to think of scans as “positive” in hopes of quelling my anxiety “scanxiety”. I have scan anxiety right now. A sense of dread intertwined with fear of the unknown. I don’t like the drive to the cancer center it tends to fill me with much stress. I don’t like checking in for appointments, the same questions asked, the same answers given. I am a cancer patient at a cancer center and that doesn’t sit well with me. I have an ID card with my name on it reminding me I am a member of a new club I never thought I would be be a part of! Faces are becoming familiar at the cancer center. At this point of my journey, I feel no comfort in the “new“familiar. It feels very foreign and not part of me. It’s been 4 months that is not very long since the cancer “ officially” invaded my life. Yet in many ways it feels like an eternity. So much has happened in those 4 months. I am grateful that my panic stage is over. I do feel less anxious in general. I am grateful for this site and for everyone who has given me insightful advise and direction. I find it most helpful! I feel supported which is very much appreciated. We all need to feel support! There are so many of us out there! There is strength in numbers!
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So pretty - thanks for sharing
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1 ReactionI am so happy for you. We have an awesome God
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1 ReactionHi @azkidney57 @kathleenkin, just checking in. How are you doing?
Sympathizing with u my friend - I was just diagnosed 2 months ago with T1 HG bladder tumor, had 2 biopsies, now going in to see what treatment I need. It is so overwhelming to me to think of where I was 2 months ago and now my life is forever changed. Life is too precious to give up - I will do whatever it takes to keep going. Good luck to you in your journey
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2 Reactions@texascitylady That type of diagnosis really is overwhelming. I remember when I was diagnosed with late-stage cirrhosis, it really shook me up. I was fortunate in that everything worked out well with an eventual liver transplant, but there was cancer in my liver so now I continue to have MRIs to make sure it had not metastasized. I have them once a year. It was supposed to be in April but was delayed of course so now I go tomorrow.
Please let us know how you are doing and what the treatment plan will be. We are with you in spirit.
JK
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1 Reactionyes, there is strength in numbers and it helps to know we are not alone of this walk thru cancer. It's my second time so I'm at peace, but the first time, I was angry, praying, not yet- not yet!!! Now, I know it is out of my hands and I will become a pincushion but we always have faith and hope and hugs!
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3 Reactions@earscan- I totally agree. With any severe illness it's at least comforting to know where others are for comfort and support. I have a peculiar lung cancer called multi-focal adenocarcinoma of the lungs. I had never known anyone with this until I opened a discussion about it on Connect. It's a small group but we know each other just by going through what we are.
It is out of our hands but I trust my team so very much. I have survived 23 years this month. What was your first cancer?
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3 ReactionsSquamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal. Had 4 mos of radiation and chemo. That was 13 years ago. My brother also has kidney cancer. It's just the waiting that is sooooo long. But 23 years is great and I hope you get many more good years. Trust is key. Florida is 48th in healthcare for the states, but Mayo is no. 1 so I too don't have to worry. Sending you many (((((hugs))))) sweetie for more good years for us both!
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