Talking Frankly about Living with Advanced Cancer

Posted by Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung, Sep 1, 2017

Are you living with advanced cancer (sometimes referred to as stage 4 or metastatic cancer)?
This discussion is a safe space where you can connect with others to talk about the realities of living with limited time. It's not easy to find people who understand what it is like. For many reasons, you may not feel comfortable talking about your thoughts and emotions with friends or family. Perhaps you are alone. Even if you are surrounded by people who support you, you may experience intense loneliness.

Connect is a place where honest conversation can safely take place. You can speak frankly and be heard without judgement. I invite you to share your reality facing death and living now.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Cancer Support Group.

leannn | @leannn | Dec 15, 2019

In reply to @kathleenkin "I will continue to pray for you that you can enjoy each minute of every day" + (show)

@kathleenkin Thank you!

kathleenkin | @kathleenkin | Dec 15, 2019

Each day is a gift. Tear that wrapping paper off and grab that gift! Sing, dance, breathe, smile, love, and dream - yes dream. Now go out and make that dream come true! Enjoy your life.

kathleenkin | @kathleenkin | Dec 15, 2019

In reply to @gingerw "@leannn @IndianaScott @kathleenkin @hannahkeels @naturegirl5 I want to thank all who posted in this thread since..." + (show)

I will continue to pray for you that you can enjoy each minute of every day

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Dec 15, 2019

In reply to @odette "Dear naturegirl5, I wrote to you when you first joined the group. I'm glad to see..." + (show)

Hello Odette, Thank you for your warm response and encouraging comments. Yes, I recall your kind note when I joined the group. My partner (a pathologist) often tells me that the chance of recurrence is very minimal given the grade (FIGO 1) and stage (1a) and no signs anywhere else. That's the reality. But you know how that is - there is reality and then there is anxiety that often has a limited basis in reality. The worries come and go and I'm hopeful, as you wrote, that the anxiety will lessen over time. Like you, I don't dwell on the cancer (but it's often in the back of my mind) and focus on what is most important in life: my family, our animals (we have a geriatric dog who requires more sensitivity and supervision), close friends, and my rewarding part-time work as a psychologist. How are you doing, Odette?

leannn | @leannn | Dec 15, 2019

In reply to @gingerw "@leannn @IndianaScott @kathleenkin @hannahkeels @naturegirl5 I want to thank all who posted in this thread since..." + (show)

@IndianaScott @kathleenkin @hannahkeels @naturegirl5 @sundance6 @laihuaqing @gingerw @odette (Hope I didn't miss anyone) Absolutely! Thank you, everyone. Ginger said it well, you've all truly helped and encouraged me. Thank you! I know that I will think of all (Ginger, I'll be thinking of you and your quarterly testing!) and our stories hoping and praying in the days ahead. Sometimes I'm guilty of life getting busy and not even wanting to think of the word cancer. When that happens, I find myself not reading or posting. But I sure appreciate all your responses and see the power we have to uplift each other here. I will pay it forward one way or another. Blessings to all!

leannn | @leannn | Dec 15, 2019

In reply to @sundance6 "He is so Cute! They are so understanding! They are here on earth to Help us..." + (show)

@sundance6 Oh that's a great idea. Please do. I have to admit, I'm new at this (new thread, etc.) so I'd be happy for you to take the lead. lol

odette | @odette | Dec 15, 2019

In reply to @naturegirl5 "@leann @kathleenkin Thank you for posting the photos of your lovely dogs. I check into this..." + (show)

Dear naturegirl5, I wrote to you when you first joined the group. I'm glad to see that you are doing well. Like you, I don't post very often. However, I noticed your comment about your worries regarding a recurrence or secondary cancer. I would imagine all of us share those concerns, perhaps for a lifetime. Although I would say, as time goes on it does seem less burdensome emotionally on a daily basis. Most of us experience anxiety prior to an appointment. I had one in October and my blood pressure was sky high when normally it is quite low (they have me monitor it at home). I'm always completely elated when it is all over and my husband and I celebrate. Then I turn my attention to my life, my loved ones, and dear friends (I don't have a pet as I travel too much, but I had dogs for years). I'm certain your appointment will go well in February, but I truly understand your feelings. Be well.

laihuaqing | @laihuaqing | Dec 15, 2019

In reply to @sundance6 "kathleekin, What you say is so True! Remember the old poster in the 60's and 70's,..." + (show)

Thank you so much! my english so poor, but I can receive your kindness and helpful mind.Wish everyone of us have a happy life!

Sundance(RB) | @sundance6 | Dec 14, 2019

He is so Cute! They are so understanding! They are here on earth to Help us make it through Life!
Sundance(RB)
PS we should all start a new thread! Post pictures of our animal spirits!

Sundance(RB) | @sundance6 | Dec 14, 2019

In reply to @kathleenkin "In this busy hectic world we have a tendency to forget to stop and enjoy life...." + (show)

kathleekin, What you say is so True! Remember the old poster in the 60's and 70's, "Stop and Smell the Roses"! We all need to stop and enjoy!
That is what is so Wonderful about Mayo Connect! People on here are so compasionate and kind! We may be suffering some other Malady, but we Stop for a Moment and give our encouragement to others!
I start my mourning off when I come in my office and read the night before postings! Then end my day to sit down and read what has been posted during the day!
The Kindness and Thoughtfulness that eveyone gives to others is a Testament how Wonderful people can be and how lucky we all are to be conected!
Thanks,
Sundance(RB)