Yes, the day is finally looming when all this treatment will be over. Tomorrow, assuming the machine doesn't decide to spazz out in a fit of Machiavellian humor, will be my last day of radiation - and my last day of this whole long ride. By this I mean that I won't have to go get cut, injected with toxins, or burned in the immediate future and hopefully not for a good long while, if ever again. That said, I think true recovery will take some time. I'd sure like to have my energy back and a whole lot of other things besides. I look forward to doing more and seeing doctor's less - although too much distance from doctors will make me very nervous.
There was an article in the Sunday 'Parade' magazine a couple of weeks ago called "Helping Cancer Patients Heal". The author's point was that with over 10 million cancer survivors in the U.S. alone, it is surprising how little rehabilitation there is for them after treatment is over. A doctor from Harvard (herself a cancer survivor) is quoted as saying, "...cancer patients are expected to finish chemotherapy and radiation and return to normal life - even though it can take three or more years to heal." This is in contrast with cardiac and injury patients, who get aftercare classes and therapy as a matter of course.
Having been through the recovery period before, I can say that this is kind of true. There is a bit of a "cut-you-loose-now-you're-better" attitude that is a little bewildering. I'd like Cancer Recovery for Dummies, please. Even after BC2 (Breast Cancer 2), especially because there was a BC2, leaving the safe haven of my doctors' care is kind of stressful. Of course they'll still watch over me, but the immediate feeling is a bittersweet mixture of happiness and fear. Our lives have been a bit upside down since December 1st of last year (the day we heard the MRI looked suspicious) and the doctors have helped us navigate a difficult and challenging nine months. On the other hand, for us the other shoe has dropped already and most people have only two feet. Here's to being cancer free from here on out.
9 comments:
I like that last sentence! A lot!
So happy recovery!
And as far as everything else - isn't there at least a group of "The Healed" that meets and chats? Or an internet blog that yours can morph into? I see some potential that you identified here...and maybe that can help!
Hear hear for recovery!!
Fingers and toes crossed that all goes well tomorrow!!
much love!
colleen (!)
(did i use this many exclamation points in the days before blogs and social networking? I think that there's some new book on email etiquette talking about the politic use of !)
Wow, almost done! Congratulations!!! Yes, the worry and fear and the "so now what?" kind of feeling sound very tough. Maybe there is something out there, at least by internet, for post-treatment patients to get in touch. Would that help? And in the meantime, congratulations, I hope you had a happy birthday thinking about the upcoming end of treatment, and I hope you go out and do something really, really fun as soon as this is done. Weekend away planned anytime soon? At least a really nice dinner at a favorite restaurant with friends? I'm thinking of you all the time. Can you talk with your doctors or nurses about this post-treatment lack of input thing? Good luck.
I think we need to see if Ernie can become a health sniffing dog. I would like to be able to give you some kind of reliable detector that would, every morning, scan your entire personage, and say to you "Completely Healthy!", so that you wouldn't have to worry. And it'd be great if that thing were a doggie.
In the meanwhile, you have a lot of people who are bargaining with the universe to get off your back and keep you healthy and fit. I hope that helps. :)
I'm glad you saw that article in Parade--i had cut it out for you...what a relief that all of the treatments are over...regarding the continuation of the healing process...naturopathic medicine and/or Chinese medicine could be helpful; i know of a few doctors if you're you're interested.
woohoo!!!!!!! (I'm not afraid to use exclamation points!!! I think this is one of those times when a bazillion of them are in order!!!!!)
I'm soooooo glad this is all over (or is it almost? FB said it was over... hmmm....) for you & I hope that the next healing phase goes relaxingly well & without anxiety!
We will all still be sending you good vibes in order to help that along..... But, you & that doctor person are right - there SHOULD be something for you guys like there is for heart surgery patients, etc. (maybe that's a good idea for your soon-to-be-written best-selling personal care book!!)
:-)
Take care!!
-Patep
ps - I 2nd Jennifer's suggestion above.....
Congratulations, Diane! I am sure these nine months feel so overwhelming, and you should know as well that all of us who love you will do our best to provide you with all we can when it comes to the post-treatment recovery.
Congrats, Diane! I hope the uncertain future doesn't keep you from feeling a big Yippee!(! to the n) w/r to the cessation of the burning, chemicals, etc. maybe go ahead 'n feel thrilled about the now, and let the future tend to its own self for just a little while? You have fought through to the end of a monstrously difficult time with flying colors, and you (and mike too) should get a chance to feel happy and proud, methinks :) hooray!
Yoooouu are the champion, my friend...
And yooooouuuu kept on fighting, 'til the end (of the dang radiation).
Just a little (slightly belated) Queen, because really, what's a celebration without Queen?
This is an amazing achievement, and I hope you feel fantastic, and ever better!
Post a Comment