Feeling very sad and tearful today but feel I have to hide it.

Hi Sheila c firstly welcome to the group you will get loads of support on here day or night we all get bad days as well as the good days it's a roller coaster ride for all of us but in here we are always here for each other xxxxxxxx

Hi Sheila,

It's hard not to be sad as cancer takes away the things that you enjoy.

Have you thought about alternative ways to hike now that the better weather is coming? A few members of the group have had great success with electric wheelchairs and buggies of various types. At least it gets you out there, enjoying the fresh air and nature.

Take care.

Stuart x 

Hi Sheila C,

It sounds as if you have had a difficult time with the erosion of the things you love doing. Here is a good place to talk about it, I've had lots of support from the lovely people in this group, and we find lots to laugh about as well.

Even so you may find that some of your friends are happy to hear you out when you are feeling down, nobody can be positive all the time. 

Hello Sheila_C. You are right about everyone on here, we all understand your feelings. It looks like your foot injury is causing you a massive upset. If your GP cannot help, can you look into seeing a chiropractor or physiotherapist in case they can help a little.

Once you are able to walk a bit better without so much pain then you will see things differently. You're friends will know you are putting a brave face on things however much you always appear to see the sunny side. 

Moan on here, all day and every day, we won't get fed up. Xxx.

Hi Sheila_C after 7 years of this and seeing things you enjoy taken away from you it would be a miracle if you didn't have some down time, it's ok to grieve, if not essential! You can still be positive and sad that you're losing things that have always been important to you. You're not responsible for your friends feelings, the only thing you can influence is your feelings. I'm guessing everyone will understand. The good  weather gives us a bit of optimism and things to look forward to and you're not getting that.

I would start with the foot. It's possible that your cancer treatment has scuppered the healing but there may be a chance of improvement, and I would start with your GP and ask for a referral if necessary. Then the eczema, that sounds pretty debilitating. The bar has got very low Sheila, and I'm positive there's room for improvement.....I hadn't  realised how much I was struggling or for how long until I crashed burned. Things are looking up and life is better than it has been in at least a year or two. You sound like someone with passion and interests, and you'll find something that ticks your boxes, but you need to be feeling a lot better! I hope ther's someone who can help you take some steps to improving things. Best of luck, will be thinking of you xx

I also have had my cancer spread to my brain and my eyesight affected so I have not been able to drive for over a year now. It is hard to lose independence. I try to appreciate the things I can do. My husband has to drive me. I can still walk short distances. It must be hard for you not to be able to walk so much especially when hiking has been your thing. You will learn to rely on others and to get outside whichever way you can is so beneficial 

we are with you xxx

Hi Sheila and welcome to this terrific group! I'm sure most if not all of us here know exactly how you feel. I think we are all similar where we try not to show our feelings to others and try to "handle" things alone. However since you've now joined us here, you will not be alone again, we are all here to support one another.

I was a regular Walker too, going long walks and rambles with a friend, most weekends and during the lighter nights in summer. I also played tennis in summer and badminton in winter, now I can hardly walk 50 yards. I use a combination of elbow crutches, wheelchair and electric buggy to get me outdoors. It took me a while to realise I needed a wheelchair but if it takes me outdoors, then what a bonus that is. Some Country Parks etc have electric buggies you can book ahead, with some it is free, others there is a small fee. I've read more books since diagnosis that I could have imagined. I now do jigsaws (free) online and have started knitting again. It's not the same as Things I used to do but it keeps me occupied.

As Tinalay says, I think the first thing you should do is call your GP for a referral to someone who can help with your foot and try to get that sorted out. Try to tackle one thing at a time, otherwise it becomes overwhelming. The first step is always the hardest, so call your GP ASAP! Good luck!

Dear Sheila

As you can see, many people on here to help with these troublesome sides that inform our cancer lives... 

If I can offer my twopennworth - pay much heed to "TheMatron", or else... (hehehe...)

As well as our positive mental attitudes, I think it quite important to occasionally remember (and mourn) our losses so that we may better appreciate that which is left to us and, hopefully, make the most of that and other opportunities which may yet present themselves...

Sort the foot out asap and hopefully by concentrating on & achieving that, then you will feel more confident to address other areas whilst continuing your exceptional journey to date...

Hello again Sheila.  SiT was referring to anndanv, Annette who has replied to you. We call her the Matron  because she does keep us in order, especially SiT. A lot of people on here are ex NHS so you are getting the benefit of their experience. Ask them anything, they will be so pleased if they can help. Xxxx

Hello Sheila -C,

You're not alone in how you feel. I'm a newbie on here and already the comments and support I've received have helped me with both information and with how I'm feeling. On a practical note, my father had eczema for years and found great relief with Weleda Calendula salve. No nasty steroids to thin the skin, but it will soothe and make it feel better. It used to be available on the NHS . A little goes a long way and Weleda used to supply bulk pots if you asked. Amazon do deals on multiple tubes. Best of luck and all good wishes. 

RD