Half way through my first chemo sessions and I still haven't come to terms with my diagnosis. Does anyone really manage to live with cancer? I go through all the motions of everyday life but just want to sleep and not wake up. I hate having to think about this invasion of my body. Hate having to keep it in mind whenever I do anything. Hate the way my life has to fit in with blood tests, doctor appointments, taking medication. I want to keep this nasty little c-word in its place, to not let it take control, to allow me to live as I want. But no. It's there. Sitting there. Smugly taking over my life. Making sure that I don't forget it. Give it centre stage. I am new to this. Diagnosed in March of this year. What do I have to do to get my life back? How do some people cope far better than others? What is their secret and can I follow their pathway? How do I make it work for me?
Hi Trisha25 and welcome to the Macmillan Community but so sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time.
We are all given the opportunity to control the noise between the ears that a cancer diagnosis brings…… do we allow our cancer to define us….. or do we aim to define as far as possible how will live despite our cancer diagnosis.
I can hear you say easier said than done - but it is all about choices.
I was diagnosed in 1999 age 44 with a rare (8 in a million) hard to treat incurable type of Cutaneous T-Cell Non Hodgkins Lymphoma when our daughters were 14 and 18…… I continued to work for 12 years in a demanding teaching job having various treatments over the first 14 years of my diagnosis……. then in late 2013 a second, also rare (4 in a million) more aggressive fast growing Peripheral T-Cell Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma came along taking me to stage 4……. but I am still here living a great life (See my story)…… yes there is life during and post treatments.
……. and we went on to see our daughters graduate, get married, set up very successful businesses and provide us with 4 beautiful granddaughters….. I turn 70 at the end of this year and I am 9 years 8 month nths out from my last treatment.
One of the best ways to navigate this is to talk with others dealing with the ‘exact same' cancer type.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms)………… but you don’t say what type of cancer you have.
If you care to have a look through this link Cancer Specific Groups you will find all our dedicated cancer support groups listed.
These groups are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from members who are navigating the exact same journey.
Have a look through the LIST above and once you find the support group for your cancer type....... click on the link and when the group page opens you will see a [Black - Click to Join - Banner] at the bottom of the page, click in this box and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
When you are ready……. you can introduce yourself by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [+] in the top right of the group page.
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
The Macmillan Support Line is open between 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00…… this service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Talking to people ‘face to face’ can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
((hugs))
