And I feel so incredibly helpless. She has had her first hit of chemo which knocked her for six. Her liver has also been knocked sidewards with the chemo and steroids. So much so, this weeks chemo was cancelled.
we find out tomorrow from the oncologist as to whether her stomach cancer has spread to her collarbone. A dodgy lymph node showed up in the PET scan.
My sister is very negative at the moment which is hard to witness as I know the mind can play a big part in the healing process. However I understand how hard it must be for her to be positive when there’s so much going on in her body, especially as it’s also early days for her. We need hope . Do I guess I’m looking for anyone who is willing to share a hopeful story with me
Thank you
Hi Praying
I am really sorry to hear that your sister has been diagnosed with cancer. I can understand that this is a difficult time for you and that you are feeling helpless.
My own cancer was different to your sister's but I remember my diagnosis and how quickly things happened. It was good that I was able to start treatment quickly but it does make everything feel overwhelming and out of control for both the person with cancer and also their loved ones. For me I think at times it may have felt worse for my family as I was caught up in the day to day appointments and treatments. I know there were times where I felt negative and angry at having being diagnosed and it may be that your sister is still processing her diagnosis.
I felt more hopeful once treatment started and it gave me something proactive to do to deal with the cancer.
I had chemotherapy myself and it can be a scary time- both for the person having it and for those supporting. It can affect your emotions as well and I found that some of the side effects were challenging. The steroids also have an impact. With chemo it is important to be fit enough to have each cycle and it is not unusual to have cycles delayed if bloods are showing the body needs more time to recover from the previous cycle. Hopefully her next cycle will be able to go ahead as planned.
I hope that her appointment went well with the oncologist and was a chance to ask questions and get some reassurance. The thing with the chemo is if there has been some spread- it is a whole body treatment and hopefully it will deal with any stray cells that have managed to escape.
My own cancer was endometrial and it was a rare and aggressive type. I had surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and remain well 4 years post treatment. So there is always some hope. I hope that your sister responds well to her treatment and we are here for both of you during this challenging time.
If it would help to talk things through, we do have the Support Line available from 8am-8pm everyday.
I wish your sister well with her treatment and we are here when you need us.
Jane
