5 years on and asked was it the full cancer “you know proper cancer”

,

what an interesting post,must admit never heard anyone refer to cancer like that, what a strange question to ask you? We all know that each of our cancer experiences are very difficult and different and our experience with the way we deal with it with the way it effects us etc but cancer is cancer. Some of us have been blessed with remission and others sadly don’t but each experience should not be underestimated, i do agree that for many its a life changing event, its made me appreciate the second chance of life, admittedly I have other frustrating medical issues that have arisen from cancer  that have been a constant frustration but i am so happy to have discovered art, I love painting and i like doing some crafts too. I find there is some therapy from arts and crafts it helps us focus, It helps me mentally and i find i can usually relax and block out everything around.Before i was never patient enough or i be preoccupied with what now seems so trivial but once felt important. I have embraced my new talent and want to improve and i find that each painting i do I learn from it whether i made mistakes or i find a new love of a different medium. I am forever grateful to the local hospice that helped me find my new love of art, they helped me in ways i never really understood at the time that would now become something that I would fully embrace. To a point that my Dad is converting  a very damaged shed at the bottom of the garden into a mini art studio for me, there is a lot of work to do and we are using second hand materials to reduce costs of rebuilding it but there is a sense of pride there and will give it purpose. Whether eventually i ever get good enough to be professional artist or not is not important as long as I enjoy it, i have had a few paintings purchased to pay for materials, which has given me confidence in my ability and that I have a new purpose in life, it gives me  pride and my art teacher also encourages me, if it raises a smile then it’s priceless.

People ask about my cancer experience and i often feel people don’t understand and i find it damm right frustrating and annoying and makes me very angry and yeah you do feel you have to constantly express the trauma of it over and over all the time because people assume things and in the end you just go stop enough is enough if you don’t understand thats your problem not mine and also you get how you should just get over it your alive be free. We may learn to deal and accept what has happened but the fear and trauma of the diagnoses and treatment doesn’t necessarily go away many are left with PTSD and some feel we shouldn’t feel this way, we got though it we are alive and we should just now get over it and whats your problem,  it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. It doesn’t mean it no longer scares us because it’s alright to say your not Ok and you shouldn’t have to explain yourself to people either i mean fancy asking was it the proper cancer you had, if there is such a thing of partial or improper cancer its news to me. 

Don't apologise for a rant your entitled to it and its good to share your feelings as we do understand what your saying, and i am sure there is many who can relate to what your saying as well. And congratulations on your 5 years of remission and hearsto your continued good health, I raise a glass to you! 

 Together we are stronger 

Hi , you know the ignorance of some people is outstanding but at the same time I do give folks some slack if they have not had cancers.

In the early days when I was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer in 1999 some people actually said “Oh that is not a real cancer it it? if it was a real cancer they would cut it out just like breast cancer”........ !!!!

But one piece of advise I was given way at the start by a good consultant friend was ‘Talk about It to the Right People‘

Venting your fears and frustrations to people close to you can be a wonderful way to release stress and gain vital support.

However, if you have folks in your life who tend to exacerbate your worries or load you up with even more concerns (and really, who doesn’t have that one friend or family member?), avoid sharing too much with them.

Talking with people who have empathy rather than just give you sympathy is a must.

We have got to know our/my Macmillan Heamatology Specialist Nurse Consultant very well over the past 6 years, she shows empathy but at the same time does not join in when we put out invite to our ‘pity me party’s’

The folks on the Community get this and that is what it’s a safe and encouraging place to hang out.

Stay safe.

Thanks for that lovely reply and excellent about the art work a true talent .Guitar for me but then I've been playing since I was a slip of a lad

Again your reply really rings true with your parting statement  Together we are stronger .

So much thanks to you for your understanding ....a glass raised back

Thanks Mike yes your right empathy not sympathy my lovely wife of 42 and a bit years never did pity me which was fantastic she was and still is my rock as has the support on this site over the years.

Cheers take csre

Oh Guitar - I have a Taylor 314CE what do you have?

I have a few a fender American jumbo folk,

A 60th anniversary fender Stratocaster american...a really good really cheap telecaster copy..I think all my guitars are for better players than me ,but hey ho I could play even when in recovery from laryngeal cancer....a good job I could never sing...

Keep.playing Mike take care

 A Taylor nice v good quality 

I have a few mix between elec and acoustic 

I have fender guitars  mainly.. a 60th anniversary American strat..a nice fender American acoustic ( not Taylor quality I my opinion in the acoustic range.)..I also have a very cheap copy telecaster which is really good.    Others I don't play that I can't bring myself to part with

I think all my guitars are for peeps above my skill level ..Well maybe not the cheaper ones...I could play whilst in recovery from laryngeal cancer but not when fatigue struck though...it's a good job I could never sing.  Keep playing Mike take care 

I am the same, I just like playing a good guitar.

My first was an Eko 6 string way back in the late 60s then had beautiful Hagrstrom Acoustic in the early 70s (wish I had kept it) then a Tak. I am not into electrics as I come from a folk/celtic background. But don't tel my wife, but I have my eye on a Taylor t5  

Morning Mike A Taylor T5 classy ...your secrets safe with me ..my first guitar ..a Kiso Suzuki jumbo Hummimngbird copy I still have it a bit battered but it sounds and plays well.

i am going to see a friend of mine today another guitarist who starts chemo next week.

take care

You will be a great support to your friend - stay safe.