This is only the start

Thanks Dette. That's exactly the way I've been feeling. I'm not far behind you. I still have to hear from my oncologist but I will see my radiologist for initial chat on the 6th. Yes I need to work for my sanity. I one of those that can't stay at home and mope! I need my mind to be active.

Yes I will keep smelling the roses!! Life is all too short anyway

Take care and good luck with your first lot of treatment.

Al xx

Hi Al

Yes the 'carousel ride' feeling can hit hard and for those of us who usually like to be driving, it can be a challenge - it certainly was for me in those intial weeks, firstly between suspicions, diagnosis and surgery and then between surgery, pathology results and the beginning of treatment. My coping strategy (works lots of time for me) is to think of each one as the start of something new and new starts are exciting aren't they!!!

There is a light at the end of the tunnel and after meeting my radiation oncologist last night I pretty much have the 'calendar' mapped. Start chemo this Monday coming and if that goes with no delays then radiation mid November -  he did warn me not to plan holidays around it though!!

As far as work goes take the wait time to think about and talk to your manager/boss about possibilities as well as you medical team. Mine have been fantastic - firstly organising just 3 weeks leave which I naively thought with the already in there holiday week would see me back and raring to go! And then when I finally popped in this week (3 days after that leave ran out) they had contiued arrangements indefintiely until I got back to them. Knowing the results and treatment pathway has helped me realise that I won't be able to work to capacity fulltime and so I was then ready to talk about that this week. It's certainly a matter of what feels right for you and what will help your recovery (work might be a part of the mental recovery).

I really like something my oncologist said last night  - you're a goal setter and achiever so for now you will be setting goals around this journey and challenge and besides 2011 wasn't going to be a great year anyway!

Keep smelling those roses and take care

Dette xxxx

Thanks such lovely words. Just smell the roses has been my catch phrase over the last day or so. Until I know when and for how long my treatment goes for I won't be able to make too many long term decisions and I'm resigning myself to that. I have already had surgery and the outcome was good. I still consider myself one of the lucky ones.

Thanks

Al

Just want to let you know you will get throught this.It may seem so untrue now but you will.Take your time listen to your body.When you are tired rest,you will let the little things go.When someone said that to me I throught they were silly and didn't know me well.I can do so many things a once,and I aways have a clean and tidy house.I was always in control.

Then the chemo started and my body didn't like it.Then I found out there is a way of life where you are no longer in control and you just have to go with it.It's hard but this is the time in your life where you have to think of yourself.

I have made it throught 14 months of ops and treament and can see the light at the end.All I can say is just take it one step at a time.And tell family and friends when you need help and when you need a cry.I hope I have helped a little.I have not posted before.Have a greatt day smell the flowers.  

Just want to let you know you will get throught this.It may seem so untrue now but you will.Take your time listen to your body.When you are tired rest,you will let the little things go.When someone said that to me I throught they were silly and didn't know me well.I can do so many things a once,and I aways have a clean and tidy house.I was always in control.

Then the chemo started and my body didn't like it.Then I found out there is a way of life where you are no longer in control and you just have to go with it.It's hard but this is the time in your life where you have to think of yourself.

I have made it throught 14 months of ops and treament and can see the light at the end.All I can say is just take it one step at a time.And tell family and friends when you need help and when you need a cry.I hope I have helped a little.I have not posted before.Have a greatt day smell the flowers.