Keeping a brave face

1 minute read time.

FormerMember

13 Jun 2010

Just finished week 3 of convalescence and it's going OK. The problems that were keeping me indoors [urgent need to wee, and sting-y pain when I did] are gone.

Went to a local town last Tuesday, which I enjoyed. I was there a couple of hours, didn't do a lot, but it was just good to be out and about, seeing different things. I also went to the nearest city on Thursday. I enjoyed it while I was there, bought a couple of new tops and an eyeliner, but looking back, it was WAY too much for me and I was exhausted on Friday and Saturday.

Not really sure what's up with me today, but I feel quite down.

Maybe it's because I'm putting a brave face on for everyone. I'm still determined to fight this thing and beat it, but there seems to be a constant stream of people asking me how I am, phoning me up, emailing me etc and I find myself saying the same thing over and over again to the point where I don't know if I mean it and I can't remember who I've said it to and who I haven't.

Just re-read that last paragraph and it sounds really ungrateful. It's not meant to - I know it's because they care, and because they're thinking about me. I'm grateful for that. And I don't want to tell them to stop contacting me/leave me in peace because it would either make them worry or upset them.

So I put on a brave face, smile and say all is well when actually I feel down.

I'm sure it's a phase and it'll pass - just gotta hang in there.

Jacqui

FormerMember over 14 years ago

Most of my friends disappeared when I got ill.

It made me realise they were never friends to start with.

Even some off my family didn't support me.

So you are very lucky to have people who care.

Tell them the truth when they ask how you are feeling. That is why they are enquiring. They are not being nosey they genuinly care. If you are feeling down tell them so. They may be able to cheer you up.

It is natural to feel down sometimes. Heck we go through alot with this illness.

I have the all clear but still I get days when I feel so low.

Take care of yourself and listen to your body, which is what I think you did by realising that you had done too much.

I hope you feel better soon. Lots of Love Julie X
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FormerMember over 14 years ago

Hi Ya Jacqui,

If you want a bit of peace and quiet try getting and answer phone with a polite message on it, informing them of your situation Ask them to leave a message and you will get back to them.

If they are your Friends they will understand.

Take care and be safe Big Hugs Love Sarsfield.xxx
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FormerMember over 14 years ago

Hi Jacqui

I know how tiresome it can be when the phone keeps ringing but I try to remember it's because the people making the phone calls really do care and I count my blessings.

It's good to hear you're feeling up to going on a shopping trip but perhaps you should try to pace yourself next time. You've been through a lot and you need to take things easy for a while. I'm sure that a few months will make all the difference.

Sometimes I feel down for no particular reason and I'm not even a patient. It's probably because you've done too much and feel exhausted so do try to look after yourself. Try those new tops on - it might make you feel better. I know I always feel good when I've bought new clothes, even if they are from a charity shop!

Take care sweetheart.

Lots of love and *hugs*

Marjorie x x x x x
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FormerMember over 14 years ago

hi jacqui

while my son was in hosp/having treatment/operation

he kept in touch with his mates via facebook

messages and chat - he still received fone-calls which his partner and me fielded ......quite often he would say

if its for me tell them im in the shower ......which i would do ...then as i said the persons name he would yell ....hang on i will talk to him !!!!!! hahaha

think a lot of people thought i was a lying toerag!

the other side of the coin is people dont fone you and you think they dont care - its very difficult

best thing is to say to them you dont feel like a chat today ........

good luck hun

xNx
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