Getting cancer during lockdown

Nelly1955 over 4 years ago

3 replies
119 subscribers
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Hi hope everyone is well. Maybe this is a silly question but I got diognoised during Covid, treated during Covid ( and believe me I realise how lucky I am) I did get my op cancelledt on the day,I had chemo radiation for 5 weeks and had complete response. Because of this everyone thinks I should be back to normal. I don’t know what it’s like to have cancer in normal times. I have ended up with an anxiety disorder. I can’t stop thinking about it. I’ve had like all of us to go into appointments on my own, always had my daughter on the phone on loud speaker and she would write things down. What I’m asking in a long winded way, when lockdown ends and you can freely go out have family gatherings meet friends, does it take your mind off cancer, can you escape from it for a while? I do go out for walks., but there’s nothing like a good shopping trip or ,just going out to eat. Or meeting friends for a coffee When there was a bit of an ease up back in July, I had to shield, everyone I knew was getting their hair done and nails and going into shops for a browse around. It was still restricted but a bit more freedom.I know people with or without cancer have found this lockdown particularly difficult. I’ve always been a worrier so and had to wait in the first lockdown for 3 months before I could get diognoised because everything had stopped. I really feel for people waiting for treatment. Let’s hope and pray it’s the last lockdown, love and kindness to us all. Xx

court over 4 years ago

I sincerely hope it’s the last lockdown ! I think the very act of being able to meet up with family and friends not only provides support but also distraction for both patient and carer . That’s all evaporated or morphed into remote support which has a role but not just as effective in my opinion . Certainly as a carer in the early days the odd coffee with friends just kept the balance and connection that not only helped me as a person but also in my ability to help my mum .

I one aspect I do feel has been removed is the in person support from the oncologist department . On the phone my mum only picked up some of the information. Over the years I have noticed I pick up completely different parts of the oncologists information from my mum and we frequently go over the aspects on the journey home completing the information that was imparted . I can also reassure her that some of what she thought the oncologist might have said I interpreted differently. That’s all gone too!

I absolutely think you have all had a harder time particularly for people enduring surgery and not getting the benefits or advocacy from family /friends .

Advocacy has a bit role in cancer care ! A lot of situations change because a relative is there noticing something is not quite right and being able to communicate with staff .

Thats before we even get to the burden of staying safe from covid during treatment or delays in treatment .

The good news I feel is the vaccine and things returning to a better place in the coming months . I am also hoping this means more support available.

Just my observations and not from a patients position .

Hope you are doing ok .
Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

Marianne26 over 4 years ago

Hi Nelly.......I had my bowel op. in May '18.....but was on Chemo Apr - Oct '20, then had a lung op. in Oct '20. Fortunately, during the lockdowns, none of my Appts/ Op. were cancelled - prob. because of where I live. I live on my own, & after my bowel Op....decided not to have visitors whilst in hospital, as I am very independent....& didn't want anyone to see me with drips in, etc. However, when I returned home, was fortunate to be able to have visitors, & resume a relatively normal life. My only relative is my daughter....& she gave great support, but mostly by phone & visits every few months (She lives 160 miles away.) I also found my friends very supportive, & whilst shielding last year, had all my shopping done/ bought online. So, I've experienced cancer pre. lockdown & during it. Obviously it was easier to see friends/ have lunches etc. whilst we could....but of course, now nothing much is open....& I am personally finding this lockdown far harder than the first....as indeed many people I know, that are not suffering from cancer/ other health related issues. It's just been a long, dark & lonely winter....but fortunately, Spring is on the way....& I often buy a bunch of daffodils weekly...which are a cheering brightness on the windowsill. Obviously cancer comes into my mind from time to time, mostly when having a CT scan (which I had last week,) & my Oncologist is phoning me in 2 weeks (no doubt with the results,) which is always a worrying time. However, despite seeing very few people, I have lots of focal points in my life. As an artist, I paint everyday, & have a Website to maintain, plus I started teaching an online art course 6 weeks ago....which I'm thoroughly enjoying. So, despite not seeing many people, I interact on Zoom meetings, regularly email, & have contact with friends by phone. I think it is essential to socially interact in whatever ways you can...& if possible, have several interests/ hobbies to concentrate on.

Unfortunately today, the Gov. has just set new jurisdictions on 'the vulnerably shielded,' & as I am still on that list, I have just received an email...advising me to stay indoors until March 31....but it's purely guidelines only,. so I shall continue to do the odd small shop during the week....even if it's just to see human beings! whilst obviously being careful & cautious. Mental health is as important as physical I feel.

I wish you very well.

Marianne

Nelly1955 over 4 years ago in reply to court

Thank you Court and Marianne25 for your reply’s, I wasn’t going to post,, and I’ve only just seen it. Maybe I should look for a computer course on line. As Marianne said it will be spring soon, I do love seeing the blossom on the trees. Sorry for being a misery xx