I think it's been quite a while since I shared any of my personal life here, a lot has happened over the last few months, not much of it is good news. If you've been following me for a while you'll know that I have had bowel cancer for nearly two and a half years. I had chemo for the first year then a long break since November 2010, which for the most part I've been feeling quite well. However things began to change from about November 2011, I started getting quite a lot of back and hip pain, and the CT scan I had in December showed that my already enlarged lymph nodes are getting bigger, I also discovered further enlarged lymph nodes in my neck a while before that. My oncologist told me that I would have to start chemo again and this will commence next Monday. My back and hip pain has been getting worse by the day and pain killers are not really working well, unless I use the heavy duty stuff which just knocks me out and makes me nauseous. I've started having acupuncture for the pain and after 3 sessions the signs are encouraging with some pain relief for a few days, I'm told this should improve with further treatment. Unfortunately the pain has severely restricted my movements, I can no longer just go for a walk or practice Tai Chi, even going to the supermarket is a bit of an ordeal which I can't do on my own.
I really hope that this new lot of chemo will reduce the enlarged lymph nodes so that I can start to enjoy the things that I can't do at the moment. I've been told that the main side effects from this new chemo apart from the usual nausea, tiredness, hair thinning etc. is pins and needles in the hands and feet. Fingers crossed that I'll still be able to do some craftwork. My acupuncturist tells me that she can help with some of the side effects so I hope she can deliver there.
Sorry to be full of doom and gloom, but I'm not feeling sorry for myself I've known that this would be happening sooner or later and it's just another roadblock in life. The Monty Python song, I think from 'The Life of Brian', 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life' comes to mind.....I know only too well that there are others who are much worse off than I am!
8 comments:
Lynn, I'm so sorry to read you have to go through more chemo. You are a strong woman and will prevail again. Attitude is so important and you certainly see a glass half full. Prayers also help and I'll definitely include you in mine. May God bless you and your family.
Hello Lyn, I'm glad you made it back to your blog but I am sorry of your more recent set-backs. Take heart and enjoy those things you do, as often as you can; you are in my thoughts.
Oh my dear, I'm so sorry your having some painful issues to deal with and I hope you can pass through it soon. I'm thinking and praying for you!! BIGGEST HUGS EVER!!
Lyn thanks for your visit. I hope you will take some comfort in the thought that all your blog friends will travel the road with you in this latest chapter. I always enjoy your blog and hope to see you creating again soon.
Hugs Ros
All the very best to you in your battle! Acupuncture is a fantastic way to help with pain relief and other chemo side effects, you do whatever you need to, to get through. My thoughts are with you and my fingers are 'crossed' too that you will be able to continue crafting. Hugs Therese
I am so very sorry to hear your latest news. I have been thinking about you, and will once again step up my prayers for you and for your caregivers. I certainly understand about crafting. I am just concentrating on getting my craft room reorganized. It is taking much longer than I thought! Do know you are in my thoughts every day, and just take care of YOU!
Janis Rothermel
Big hugs to you Lyn. I have been thinking of you and wondering how you were doing. My mom has been fighting this same disease for over 3 years now so I know how you are feeling and going through. Just know I am thinking of you.
Peg xx
Again, I'm reading backwards from the end of February (2/26).
I'm glad you're feeling better now and that the acupuncture is helping you.
Sending you {{((hugs))}}
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