Morning, I'm halfway through chemo and finally had that definitive chat with my oncologist. Up to now we hadn't discussed 'how long', even though my reading has advised me. On average its 12 to 18 months, ok, that's 'good to know', but my reaction to chemo has been better than average and there are patients who she has who clearly beat these odds and have repeat treatment and are around a number of years later.
So, what's my coping mechanism? I'll have some radiotherapy on the primary tumour, post chemo, but liver mets with aggressive small cell cancer are problematic. Those 12 weeks scans become real deadlines, as they will determine new treatment or start the countdown clock.
I will be back in work in 6 weeks, so have a daily focus, my health and fitness will enable me to take as much treatment as can be offered, but I don't know if I'm going to be Joe Average or Incredible.
I'm taking it all a day at a time, not thinking ahead as that just means getting depressed, upset and not enjoying life. I am going to get some psychological help, and will keep up my personal fitness. I will die of this cancer, but will keep positive and focus on having a lovely and enjoyable remainder of life.
LB
This is my mantra too "the only certainty is that there is uncertainty." It was the first bit I grasped!
I don't know if I'm going to be Joe Average or Incredible.
This made me smile! Incredible, we hope!
