Still re-configurating my life..

I strongly believe that what we do reflects how we cope with the treatment that follows removal of Cancer.  I laugh at myself when I recall what I used to say to people all the time "Our body is like a bank.  What you invest in it today you will reap the rewards tomorrow"  I was also a bit of a party girl in my younger years, so I felt like I was always gambling with my health because of it.  In my mind I do blame myself a bit for getting Cancer, and then the other portion on genetics.  My other story I can hear myself tell people is "Your body is like a car.  For the first part of our lives we are shiney, new and look fabulous, and the second half there is  a lot of maintenance required and repairs"  (yep, I must have been a pain in the .....at times).  My message now, regardless of my fabulous quotes (smiling), I really feel that if because I have been caring about my fitness and health, and I was well before I discover there "was" cancer present, I travel better through the treatments.  Clearly, some of the stories you read are aweful, and extreme side effects can be experienced.  In my mind I assume - for me, I must have done enough right.  I used to go to the gym 5 nights a week for years, I have a long list of "used to" and cringe every time I mention one.  What is more relevant is what I  can do again, if you try and what I will experience in the future~!  

I strongly believe that what we do reflects how we cope with the treatment that follows removal of Cancer.  I laugh at myself when I recall what I used to say to people all the time "Our body is like a bank.  What you invest in it today you will reap the rewards tomorrow"  I was also a bit of a party girl in my younger years, so I felt like I was always gambling with my health because of it.  In my mind I do blame myself a bit for getting Cancer, and then the other portion on genetics.  My other story I can hear myself tell people is "Your body is like a car.  For the first part of our lives we are shiney, new and look fabulous, and the second half there is  a lot of maintenance required and repairs"  (yep, I must have been a pain in the .....at times).  My message now, regardless of my fabulous quotes (smiling), I really feel that if because I have been caring about my fitness and health, and I was well before I discover there "was" cancer present, I travel better through the treatments.  Clearly, some of the stories you read are aweful, and extreme side effects can be experienced.  In my mind I assume - for me, I must have done enough right.  I used to go to the gym 5 nights a week for years, I have a long list of "used to" and cringe every time I mention one.  What is more relevant is what I  can do again, if you try and what I will experience in the future~!  

Bel - So nice to get your reply and thanks so much for telling me how it has been for you.  I have had a right sided mastectomy and ax clearance, and am just at the beginning of chemo.  I like you, have been freakishly healthy all my life.  Years of yoga, excercise, organic food and living clean........I wish I had have been taking heaps of drugs, eating cream cakes and engaging in thrill seeking activities.

I was a community health nurse in Vietnam running huge health programmes and having a grand old life and now I am in my families home in Sydney in a pair of flannie pjs and a beanie wondering where the hell my amazing life went????

I will keep in contact and thanks again

Jane

Hi Sam - Thanks for the reply.  I cut my hair before as well, and it made it alot easier.  I am about to have my second lot of chemo and am hoping its easier than the first - lots of vomitting and nausea.  The nausea lasted about 5 days....but definitely got better each day after that. I empathise with the kids...its a very hard life lesson, but one they will learn alot through. I have a 23 year old and she is inding it very very tough as well.  I was a community health nurse in Vietnam and very healthy and strong and my daughter is shocked that I would get sick.

I so hope all goes well with you and contact me anytime. 

Jane

Hi Sam - Thanks for the reply.  I cut my hair before as well, and it made it alot easier.  I am about to have my second lot of chemo and am hoping its easier than the first - lots of vomitting and nausea.  The nausea lasted about 5 days....but definitely got better each day after that. I empathise with the kids...its a very hard life lesson, but one they will learn alot through. I have a 23 year old and she is inding it very very tough as well.  I was a community health nurse in Vietnam and very healthy and strong and my daughter is shocked that I would get sick.

I so hope all goes well with you and contact me anytime. 

Jane

Hi Jody - Thanks for the reply. I so agree with the one day at a time....I am sure as hell learning that lesson.  Hope all is going well with you.  Keep in touch

Jane

Hi Janey, we do understand that instant change to your life, and so many things to deal with.  I didnt start to really acknowledge the whole diagnosis until 6 months later.  So much to take in.  I was always so happy with how well I was, not on any medication at all, then I certainly made up for it during the Chemotherapy time.  But it does go quickly, just like my hair, I was a bald as a badger, my Mum shaved my hair.  I was the only person who got a scalp infection apparently, I had to be different.  I havent been to work for 8 months now, and its amazing how quickly you get used to not being at work.  I am now into my Radiation stage.  I found that asking the right people questions when I got worrried helped me, and to share my good and bad days on BCNA.  It helped not being alone, and knowing there are others going through it, makes me stronger.  You will have you up days and your down, but they too pass quickly.  Im here if you need me! Bel

Hi Janey,

I start 6 months of chemo on Tuesday, I'm shaving my head tomorrow, I know I don't need to yet, but what the hell, I may as well get used to the look while I'm still in control. I'm more than ready to kick this cancers arse!

I'm very lucky to have my husband here to help me through. I'm sorry my kids need to come on the ride too, they're 14 & 6 & shouldn't have to be worried about me. Hopefully it makes them stronger more compasionate adults. 

My thoughts are with you, Sam ox