Our 'New Normal' - a thought provoking article
A friend of mine shared this recently .... Author unknown— I had no idea how much cancer sucks. The worst part of cancer is that so many people confuse it with so many illnesses like pneumonia or maybe even the sudden trauma of a broken hip. Although these diseases are acute, painful and sometimes dangerous, they are brief insults to the body and soul. Once the immediate danger is gone from the body, they usually do not recur or spread. You survive! You heal! They do not become a permanent burden in our minds or lives. You go back to your normal way of life, with no real misgivings. Cancer is not like that. Yes, it can be sudden, painful and debilitating. Yes, most of us survive and it is most unlikely that our cancer will return. BUT the difference is that our minds and our lives will never heal. Cancer in remission does not leave. The person we were before cancer ... will never be the person we are after cancer. Family and friends do not expect to see this change in us and are baffled as to why our lives will never get back to "normal". It is hard for all of us to accept that a cancer survivor is, and will somehow, always be a cancer patient. First, there are the obvious and common physical effects on our body and soul. Aches and pains may persist for years. Scars and permanent surgical changes will always be there. Chemotherapy injuries such as loss of hearing, heart damage, vision or nerve damage may follow us. We may have slight shortness of breath or decreased endurance. Our skin, nails and hair may change. We may taste or smell things differently. Or altogether lose our appetite and enjoyment of food. Or worst - lose our sexual drive or satisfaction. Our memories may never be as sharp. And sleep may become erratic. Our innocence is taken away - we lose our 'soul'. We may always be tired, even after a good night's sleep. We may become weak or our mental awareness may be lost. Loss of concentration may make it hard to work or enjoy something simple like a reading book, watching a movie or visiting with friends or maintain a job. We may not have the energy, the excitement. Life may be drained of fun, satisfaction or purpose. Perhaps the inescapable change is that you may have the "never leaving, always just around the corner", deep mental pain, that reminds us that today or tomorrow, the cancer may return. Every discomfort we get will seem to be some kind of sign that cancer has come back. Something as simple as a winter's cold, a toothache, or heartburn after a spicy meal, can scream at us! It is very difficult to "put cancer behind you" when it is always in the back of your mind. The clincher? None of this will be obvious to anyone else. No matter how much our family or medical caregivers try to empathise, to comfort, connect to understand - surviving cancer is a deeply changing and highly personal experience. With that being said, the cancer transformation is different for each person and each patient. None of us were the same before the disease, and none of us experience this disease the same way. There is no "NORMAL", it all becomes the "NEW NORMAL" Cancer sucks, and keeps on sucking. Deep healing requires the understanding that things are not the same. It requires communication and space, counseling, support and patience. It requires time to find the person you have become. Author Unknown
My brain finally gave me a break for Easter
Hi all, So I am 17 months on from Dday and 8 months on from chemo and rads. Breast cancer thoughts swim around my head daily, sometimes constantly, sometimes only a few times a day. But it's always there, lurking in the background, interrupting my life and disrupting my thoughts at the most inopportune moments. It gets worse the longer I take tamoxifen. I am normally pretty good at packing shitty horrible things in a box in my head called "Keep the hell out of here". This seems to be a little harder and taking a little longer than normal for me though. However, I am very please to say I just had the most awesome Easter long weekend. We had an extended family holiday planned, and with my new "Say yes to every invitation" motto off we went to Yamba. I baled off the Tamoxifen in preparation two weeks ago. Naughty. What a beautiful place. We went out on the boat, fished, swam in the rock pools, drank (probably way too much). I have not laughed so much in so long. It wasn't until we were driving home that I realized the "B/C bitch had stayed out of the way for a while.. Woohoo. Now, how to keep it gone??????? More holidays me thinks.
Cancer Council Enrich Program
Hi lovelies, I know that previously we have had posts about the YWCA Encore program, helping those who have suffered breast cancer to exercise and be healthy using set physical exercises both on land and in an aquatic setting. Just thought that I would post for those that have not heard of the Enrich program which is run by the Cancer Council. I have completed both (was going to them at the same time) and find that both are fantastic to aid in getting moving and giving nutrition tips. The Enrich program does not have an aquatic element it is all done in the meeting room. Like the Encore program it is free and is held in various areas, although Enrich is open to anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis. Here is the link to the site should anyone wish to join. ENRICHing Survivorship program ENRICHing Survivorship is facilitated by an exercise physiologist/ physiotherapist, dietitian, yoga instructor and volunteers to restore your physical and emotional wellbeing after cancer treatment. The program runs one day per week for 8 weeks and each session is 2 hours. To view our upcoming programs, click the link below To find out more, contact us on 1300 360 541 or email enrich@nswcc.org.au https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/enrich/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Survivorship%20News%20February%202018&utm_content=Survivorship%20News%20February%202018+CID_9f74529931ca870957618cfe24035139&utm_source=EDM_CM_survivorship&utm_term=here
Need a get away?
I've been reading the posts from ladies who are getting toward the end of their treatment and thought this might be a good time to remind you of the fantastic opportunity the Otis Foundation offers to anyone who has been thrown into the Breast Cancer mincer. Otis has a number of properties across the country (predominately Victoria ) that are available at no cost to you. The majority are available for 4 days mid-week though there are a couple, like the fabulous Kez's Hideaway in Victoria, which are available over the weekend. All you need to cover is your food and travel. Most of the properties are self catering, so it is possible to have a four day holiday without breaking the bank. Most things that sound too good to be true are a scam, but this offer doesn't come with any strings attached. Seriously. The only thing Otis asks is that you treat the properties with respect and promote the foundation if you get the chance. Which I am delighted to do. So, if your string is getting a bit short and you are feeling that some time away may help, get onto their website and see what is on offer. They are really user friendly--either chose a property and then find out when it is available or ring them and tell them when you can get away and they will tell you what your options are at that time. Marg XXX http://otisfoundation.org.au/
6 Years Since My Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Hi everyone, Sorry to say it has been ages since I last spoke on my blog. Slack I know! Lol! This year will be 6 years in August since my Breast Cancer diagnosis and Lumpectomy followed by Chemo and Radiotherapy. Well I had a few scares and more biopsies early last year in 2016 which really threw me substantially. I am happy to say I am still cancer free to this day. Of course I sometimes look over my shoulder for the dreaded 'C' word, but not a chance for now luckily. Hopefully never! I still fear for my children but since having Genetic Testing about the origin of the cancer, it has been discovered it isn't genetic which is such a relief. I originally had a 3 cm IDC Triple Negative and not hormonal BC. I was at Stage 2 with a Grade 3 tumor when I discovered my lump by chance in 2011. I have to admit I didn't do regular checks with my breast and luckily the lump was protruding through my breast under the skin at the time of its discovery. These days I am a little more vigilant with it. I decided to study in 2015 and 2016 earning myself a Diploma of HR and a Diploma of Business respectively. Unfortunately I have not been able to get a job in HR or Business but I feel like I have achieved so much just by completing them. I studied so hard and felt such a sense of achievement and my family and myself are so proud of it too. I got 6 Distinctions and a Credit in HR and a pass in Business being the highest you can achieve in business. I just wanted to prove my brain was still functioning well and that the chemo had not scrambled it too much! Lol! I work now as a Merchandiser where I talk to a lot of people in retail organising stock and arranging it according to client preference to boost sales. I love doing it too! :) The doctors and hospital appointments are farther apart these days, which helps to allow for the memories to fade a little. About that time when my world came crashing down around me two days after my 46th birthday. I drive past the hospital sometimes and still get that feeling of fear and uncertainty I felt 6 years ago this year. I now try to get on with it and keep those feelings mostly at bay unless I get a reminder. Like I find my Breast Cancer Journal I kept at that time and read through the pages with interest knowing how significant the information I wrote would be one day when it was a long ago memory. Or the scarf I use to wear on my head to hide my bald head through shame of my predicament. Its hard to admit but I did feel that way. Losing your hair and dignity is very hard at the time . Its only now I realise that it was all apart of the journey of BC and my feelings were very much substantiated for what I was going through. These days I know I am a survivor and a stronger person for going through BC and hope my blog can help someone on a similar journey. Just know that there is an after life with BC and eventually most will get through it some how. But for those who don't I have so much respect for them and their families. I wish you all well and the best with your BC and beyond. XXX
Ran in the Bridge to Brisbane
just wanted to give all the newly diagnosed some hope. August 2015 I had a mastectomy and axillary clearance. Had 6 TAC chemo, then radiation then three weeks in hospital with an infected seroma. Finally off medication in May 2016 and started running. For me it was something to focus on. A couple of weeks ago I ran 5 k in the bridge to Brisbane. I'm feeling great and hoping to stay that way. Hang in there to all the newly diagnosed. It's all shit but we are lucky to live in a country with such good healthcare and I'm hoping to be one of those who have no recurrence.
A little festive season tip talk!
Food tips Tis the season for family, festivity, and food—lots of food! With a little planning you can still enjoy the temptations :) Avoid going hungry to parties. Eat something light before the party to reduce your chances of snacking on high calorie party food. Don’t try to lose weight over the festive season. Instead, aim to maintain your current weight. Watch your portion sizes. If your will power is weak and you know you will want to finish everything in front of you, use an entrée plate instead of a dinner plate. That way you are sure to eat less. Fitness tips Being active for some time, a few times every week over the festive season, offers a range of health benefits, including: strengthened heart and cardiovascular system increased flexibility improved joint mobility increased muscle strength stronger bones improved stamina lowered blood cholesterol levels reduced blood pressure loss of excess body fat reduced risk of various diseases, including heart disease lower incidence of depression reduced stress levels Physical activity recommendations for adults include: Think of movement as an opportunity, not an inconvenience. For example, try to walk or cycle instead of using the car, or take the stairs instead of using the lift. Be as active as possible in as many ways as you can throughout the day. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (such as brisk walking) on most (preferably all) days. The 30 minutes does not have to be continuous. Combine short 10 to 15 minute sessions throughout the day instead. More activity is better than less and less activity is better than none, your mind and body will thank you for it. If you are needing that extra helping hand Fernwood and BCNA are offering the Revitalise with BCNA 6 week online wellbeing program at half price. 100% of the registration fee is still donated back to BCNA. To find out more information go to https://revitalise.bcna.org.au/ (References- 1.Foodsense. Consumer Reports on Health: Dodge holiday weight gain without missing the merriment. Dec 2002 2.Better Health Website - https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/sports-and-physical-activity viewed November 2016)
Update on stable bone mets but increased tumour markers - Part 2
Hi all, You may recall I posted yesterday about my stable bone scan but rising tm's and fearful of possibility of going onto chemo. Today I went to see my medical oncologist and she did a little "happy dance" in her chair. When I asked her about the rise in tumour markers - up from 71 to 143 in 3 months, she advised that tm's are not viewed in isolation. White cell count, kidney function, vitamin D, calcium, haemoglobin, protein levels were all good. Was also a timely reminder of where I was in January with tm's - 941. Given that the blood test was taken 2 days before my sore throat and mouth ulcers that I was affected by last week, possibly had more to do with it. If I had new or persistent bone pain, less than favourable bone scan and generally poor blood results it might be an issue. Given that I look well, energy levels are ok, bone pain is manageable - she is happy. "Have a great Christmas and I will see you next year" were her passing words ! Thanks to all those for your support. Sheryl :) <3
