Posted on 03/30/2017 12:49:35 AM PDT by Farmer Dean
Good to see you too, BB - hope things are going a bit better than the last time we communicated.
It’s all interesting in a Chinese kind of way...
Thinking about eternity more every day.
Not really. Mom passed away, and Hubby’s slowly declining. I’m struggling, but I’ll get through this.
Yes...it keeps going until we have release one way or another. Doing our duty no matter what.
Farmer Dean, in my particular case of cancer, I found it frustrating to not know what to expect day to day or week to week. Because of course, ongoing tests and treatments themselves caused changes to my state of health.
Also that I had NO concept of how long this fight would drag out, LOL. Based on that, I’d advise patience, and enjoyment of the present good things in life w/out anticipating too far ahead; for it is often disappointment that crushes one’s spirit.
Ten months ago, I became a breast cancer patient. Only just now did that cease - but due to a recent complication I’m now a wound care patient. (I expect all to turn out fine in the long run. But I’m tired of strangers, no matter their good intentions, handling my poor mangled bewb.) So if my case is any indication, prepare for a natural ebb and flow. Good days & bad. I continued to work full-time throughout, grateful to have low-key work conditions, even for the distraction of work.
It’s so wonderful you have friends & neighbors to help. Often they feel helpless & are happy to be assigned some small task. Even something so small as cooking a meal (or set of meals or leftovers), eaten fresh or divided & frozen for later... I actually picked good days to pre-cook & freeze a lot of my meals, our budget being small.
Did the same months earlier when my SO was hospitalized. He was the patient being looked after by hospital staff while I was working full-time & spending days visiting him. Often I was too exhausted to cook, yet too tired to deal w/ yet ONE more human being to order food. Making a decision was beyond my abilities. :o)
Despite obesity, the docs did not want me losing weight while under cancer treatment because I needed to keep my strength up. I listened to my body’s cravings for protein & avoided down-cycling due to mal-nourishment. The best thing has been ground beef that I separated w/ a potato masher as it browned, then froze in batches. If I’ve the energy I can add other ingredients for a great meal, or heat a chunk in a bowl to devour by itself before wearily going to bed.
The doctor who delivered my diagnosis advised me from the start to not jump on the internet & read a bunch of horror stories, or research situations that might not apply in my case. I followed her advice, was grateful for it. That’s why my earlier post advised the same to you.
However, I was fortunate to have already had a full blood workup that put me on supplements for iron and vitamin B-12 because my natural levels were too low. Upon dx, I asked my doc what other supplements I should take & also which ones to avoid. With your colon cancer I have no idea, but certain supplements can affect hormones which in my case I had to avoid stimulating estrogen/receptors. So rely on info from your doctor based on your particular body and your own cancer. Each is different. A gain of salt w/ others’ advise, mmkay?
That said, I learned to distrust “comfort item” advice from my Onc. She’s a well-meaning idiot, perhaps great at her medical specialty but absolute dreck at bedside manner. Thank ye heavens that both my primary & surgeon are opposite, communicating logistics & treatments in practical terms to the patient. So, you are your own best advocate. Learn what to ignore even from doctors/the internet/well-meaning friends & relatives, or, conversely, what is unacceptable & must result in a change of personnel.
[My one experience w/ a young male doctor only confirmed my suspicion that I shouldn’t let another touch me. He hurt me needlessly. I still bear a grudge & fantasize about... well, no need to go there. I’d never take my car to a mechanic who’s never owned a car. But we all have colons, so neveryoumind.]
The unexpected *good* counsel came from complete strangers whom I met in the course of my day: a vendor at work, a clerk at Walmart & another at a grocery store - these people had been there, recognized themselves in me, volunteered their survivor status & encouraged me. Medical professionals have their place. But there is nothing to beat the surprise presence of someone who has been there, done that, & is standing strong before you. At least, to me.
Much love,
TM
Prayers up!
7
Prayers up!
Dear Father in heaven,
Please guard and protect Farmer Dean. Give him strength, comfort, and healing in body, mind, and spirit. Send your angels to watch over him.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
FD, get well. Feel better. You’re in my prayers. (and I don’t want to waste ‘em!)
You’ve got my heartfelt prayers everyday Farmer Dean!!
Sorry to hear that. How old are you?
Prayers sent for you.
May the Lord bless you.
So happy you are doing better. Will continue to pray. Hoping for a successful surgery. Blessings.
Oh.dear.
Prayer in for you.
Hope that you have loving caring family and friends beside you in the midst of this.
Oh WOW! So good to read the up date! Having a fever that high is really something, as were all those symptoms. More to be done, but prayers will be for you every night for a complete recovery. If your ears are ringing, it is just a lot of FReepers praying for you!!
Has your Oncologist put together a Treatment Plan for you yet?
I’ve had Leukemia for fifteen Years. I have far surpassed my original “sell by” date, even being diagnosed with a second type of Leukemia five years ago. My Oncologist apparently had a BOGO Sale and I was the last person to find out about it...
We live in amazing times. Don’t give up because you got bad news. You fight for Yourself, your Family and your Friends. You just have to decide to fight for your Life my FRiend.
Not to be flippant, but every one of us is a Dead Man (or Woman) Walking from the moment we take our first breath.
I will pray for your healing.
Prayers up.
Amen
PTL!!! May the Lord enfold you and yours in His loving embrace and continue to guide the hands and hearts of your medical team.
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