Visited by cancer - your experiences, good and bad?

I really can't relay any positive experiences per se that I have had in the last several years dealing with the two cancers. However, I myself try to remain as positive as I can each day dealing with the disease, and take everyday as it comes, not dwelling on a problem so many others suffer from. I am thankful that I am still able to enjoy life and perform all of the normal functions of living up to now.

What a powerful and inspiring testimony. After a period of complete sorrow, and why me? I’ve adapted why not me.. I hear of many people younger than me ,even children, that are battling cancer ,and I realize I am thankful for my 70 years.. I’ve joined a fellowship group, also a men’s club. I am involved with a few church groups to help the church and people in the community.. I find myself more open to accept invitations and experiences that I may have declined before.. A full appreciation of each day..

I was a mess mentally when diagnosed with cancer. I immediately started researching "Medical Assistance in Dying" before even knowing anything about treatments or what they entailed. Then I asked for help and boy did I get it! Strangers online, strangers (now friends) in my support group, family and friends from my "real life" etc. I had no idea so many people cared about me. It was humbling. I'm three months out from ending treatment and so far so good, but it's still too early to tell what will happen. The anxiety is worse than the physical symptoms. I even started having "cancer dreams" when I thought dreams were the one place I could escape it. But, I plod along and feel real love from so many people that was probably there all along but I just didn't see it.

@isadora2021 At the moment, I work with multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer. And end stage kidney disease, not brought on by that cancer, but an incredibly rare autoimmune disease. Prior to this I was treated for cervical cancer in 1996, and melanoma in 2008.

By becoming my own advocate, researching the best treatment options, listening and sharing with my medical teams, I am here today. Would I wish for another outcome to my journey? Heck, yeah! But the blessing in all of this is the kindness of strangers, now my friends, who have stepped up with me. Those friends include various medical teammates, from the receptionists to phlebotomists to medical assistants to doctors, support groups virtually and in-person when available, and yes even strangers I have met who show concern for the outer effects of my conditions ["Are you okay? Where did those bruises come from? Are you in a domestic violence situation?"] Everyone has taught me it is okay to be vulnerable, and to reach out a hand when needed. And to extend that same hand to help when I see it might make a difference.

Thank goodness for the energy I have when I have it, to do what makes me feel good. Creative endeavors, getting outside to walk, or pull weeds/yardwork. Each month I have blood work for the myeloma, and my kidneys. I try not to be anxious anymore. I am grateful for the daily dialysis that I have to do; it keeps me humble and thankful to have a treatment that allows me to live.
Ginger

@ronsale I’m so glad to hear you’re still able to enjoy life and to perform the normal functions of living. An attitude of gratitude is so powerful. It sounds like you’ve strongly developed yours over these years 🌺

@vinnie694 So much to think about in your comment. That’s such a wonderful way to look at life now. Wonderful ways you’ve got stuck into life and are making the most of it. That’s such an inspirational testimony of finding ways to enrich your life which suits you, while living with cancer. Thank you for sharing.

@scottbeammeup I so get where you’re coming from. The anxiety and uncertainty is so hard to deal with when it pushes into your consciousness, including your dreams. Yes I get that too and it is hard to deal with. I am on anxiety medication and that helps me. Talking in cancer groups is also great therapy. I do have a referral on hand to a cancer specialist therapist but I haven’t needed it yet. It helps that I’m still closely surveillance screened. It’s just recently changed from quarterly to 6 monthly.

You’re so right how cancer has brought so many wonderful people into our lives and also shown how much many already in our lives care. That’s perhaps the greatest positive I’ve felt too. So grateful to them all.

Wishing you the very best 🙏🌺

@gingerw Oh my goodness! Thank you for sharing. Heck yeah, me too!

You’ve sure been in the thick of it and your post is so inspirational. So many great takeaways you’ve shared.

I love how you’ve learnt to ask for help when you need it and how you give help when and where you can.

Thank you for the wonderful caring role you play on this forum as a volunteer mentor ❤️‍🩹

The worst side effect of chemotherapy for my was the emotional instability. I think it was the result of both the diagnosis of cancer and the harshness of the therapy that really put my emotions on a rollercoaster.

I'm 6 weeks past chemotherapy and I've started a maintenance therapy. The number of labs and exams is overwhelming.