Print
Jan 12th, 2008
3368 Views
5 recs
22 Comments
I lost my husband my best friend to Cancer over two years ago, helping him go through the chemo, Radiation and the endless trips to the hospital and Dr.'s offices was hard. He was given day to weeks to live and we eeked out 9 and a half great productive months with the help of supplements, good healthy eating and pure will power. I was able to keep him home and towards the end he only had two days of being bed ridden, God Blessed us and he died at home. You never are prepared to say good bye, even though you know there was going to be that day that your good byes would have to be said. I was as if a sleep walker, going through my days and nights, weeks, months and years, 2 yrs. before I found this site and started to come out of this zombie state. Changed Dr.'s and the first thing my new Dr. said was, it's been two years since your last mammogram lets do one.. Well it came back showing calcification's, the Dr. said lets get a biopsy to check it out and thank God my Dr. was vigilante, the cancer was still in the duct and was so small that the biopsy got most of it, I had a lumpectomy and had 6 weeks of radiation. My last MRI, which was a few weeks ago came out free and clear of any cancer. I was one of the fortunate ones with early detection I didn't need to have chemo, the radiation was basically a preventative, it took my risk of developing cancer in that breast to 16%. I'm taking a pill called Avista and that will take the chances of getting cancer in the other breast to 20%. I thank God my cancer was caught early and I find myself preaching to anyone I meet, early detection can make the difference. The word "Cancer" is such a devastating word, I had been through the ravages with my husband, the pain of losing him, watching him go from a strong healthy man to someone I almost couldn't recognize. I stand a survivor from losing and dieing daily with my husband and then going through and seeing the same Dr.'s same hospital, radiation, surgery and I'm able to say Thank God for my cancer... Yes Thank God, I'm cancer free and I will be tested regularly, and catch anything in it's earliest of stages. I didn't have to wait to feel a lump, my cancer was in it's early stages. Please get tested and tell everyone you love to get tested, to watch a loved one die of this insidious disease is the worst. God Bless all of us who know the devastation cancer causes and all who remain in their struggle. 
 Comment (22)
 Share Your Story
 Flag
|
Comments
| Comment on this Story | |
 | Posted Mar 2nd, 2009 at 12:52PM My sister is suffering from Lung cancer,and she has been in Hospice, but she is going home tomorrow, The dr, cant do ayything for her, It is so hard to see her suffer..   |
  | Posted Mar 5th, 2009 at 10:19AM Bluebird, Watching someone you love suffer has got to be the hardest thing to go through. There are so many med's that help with the pain and don't skimp, because at this time all we can do for them is keep them as comfortable as possible, and be with them, let them know they are not alone. Since my writing here, I have helped my X Father in law leave this world from Cancer, he was also in Hospice care but We arranged someone from the family to always be with him, and I was there with him as he took his last breaths, he knew he was not alone. It may sound weird, but the getting yourself ready for her passing will help you both, If you know there is no hope , then the best you can pray for is her easy passing, say all that's in your heart ( No soulda's, coulda's, woulda's) Your memories will alway be there to help you through. God Bless, my thoughts are with you and your family. |
 | Posted Mar 5th, 2009 at 2:39PM I am so happy to hear your news....sorry to hear about the loss of your husband....My daughter was 22 when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma....went through chemo...and recently a stem cell transplant....She is cancer-free....We had the laying of hands on her at church, too....so, we have had faith all along, that she will be okay....but, it is a long, hard road......and it's through my faith in God, that I made it through seeing my child go through such an ordeal... |
| Posted Mar 5th, 2009 at 9:44PM I have been accused of being as a child, having faith as believing in childish bed time stories. and I still consider this person as a friend. How can you explain to a person who doesn't have faith how powerful and important our faith is to us. I'll never forget my husbands words, "I'm not afraid, I'm just going to miss the hell out of you". He had faith, that we would be together again one day. I'm so glad your daughter is cancer free, God Bless |
 | Posted Mar 7th, 2009 at 1:41PM Thank you so much for your story Grams. A couple of weeks ago, I was diagnosed with Stage II Melanoma. It is a rare Melanoma that wasn't caused by sun exposure (it is in a place that would never get the sun). Apparently it is also hereditary. My Mother had Stage 4 and was told she had 6 months to live - she is now cancer free 6 years. So, stories like yours and my mother do bring me hope. I haven't been real willing to talk about it, but have been reading everyone's posts. I am now slowly getting the words out. I am trying to have my faith override my fear. I had one surgery and now radiation and possibly chemo are next on the oncologist's list (not necessarily in that order). But before they set the full course of treatment, I am going through a barage of tests - lymph node biopsy, tons of blood work, ct scans, chest x-rays, seems like every test known to man. If the cancer doesn't get me, I think the insurance co-pays will (a wee bit of humor in the midst of all of this). It's just really scary. I hate the waiting part. I am also worried about how I will feel after chemo and radiation. I am a very young 48 (or so I like to think so) and I am hoping my body will handle all of the poison. I think the worst part of this whole journey is the fear of leaving behind the love of my life - my 6 year old son. He knows Mommy is sick, but we have decided not to use the word cancer. A little girl in his school just lost her Mom to cancer and all of the kids know about it. I just don't want to put my son through any unnecessary worry. He is a very smart little boy and extremely sensitive. My prognosis is quite hopeful and the doctors feel the cancer was caught early. However, even with this known, I am still scared. Noting all the comments about the smell of the oncology floor - yes, there definitely is a distinct smell. I hate all hospital smells. I think they should come up with a way to have treatments like chemo outdoors, sitting on a beautiful beach (we have plenty here), watching the waves crash and breathing the salt air. Seems like a much better way. Thank you everyone for your stories of survival, courage, faith, hope and more. I am grateful to have found ep (funny, I found ep because of a separation from my husband - life's little gifts; I guess the powers that be knew I would need even more support). Aloha, Childoftheland |
| Posted Mar 8th, 2009 at 7:45PM Childoftheland, I'm so glad you found EP, for what ever reason, I know I found so much comfort here after my husband died. I have found the importance of getting my feelings out, here you can feel free to express what is in your heart and mind, I find it theoretical to write about my feelings ,and to also try to give encouragement to others. I did not have to get chemo, just radiation, it has been over a year and I'm still sore in my breast. Try to learn as much as you can about good eating habits, you will need to keep your blood level up. Try to eat things rich in iron even if they don't taste good, as the chemo will make things taste differently. I know from my husbands treatment. Eat even if you don't feel hungry, I use to tell my hubby when he was full, take one more bite for me. When I took the radiation treatments I would put myself in another place, by remembering trips I took with my hubby, I closed my eyes and went to all those countries,states or cities we had visited, It helped and the time seemed to fly by. I know what you mean about your son, My grandchildren saw what cancer did to their grandfather and when they heard I had cancer to, they told me I was going to be alright, They were able to see the treatment change my energy level and accepted grams having to nap more. Truth is always the best medicine, but they never gave in to the fear and neither did I.They were 12 and 9 years old. We talked about my treatment allot. It is what they don't understand that scares them.let your son freely ask questions and do the best to answer honestly but with encouragement and determination be get well. My treatment just brought back such memories of my lose and that was the most difficult part for me. I pray all will go well with you, get prepared for your, tests,treatment, and learn all you can about the side effects of the drugs given you and how you can help yourself, with diet. God Bless I will keep you in my prayers. P.S. I know what you mean about the smell of oncology ward, plan ahead put a nice smell of what ever on a tissue, and as you travel in your mind keep your tissue close. Big Hug Ciao, Grams |
| Posted Apr 16th, 2009 at 3:54AM Mahalo so much for your post Grams. I posted this sometime ago and wasnt even sure if you were still here. I didn't realize I had to check back when I comment (I naively thought it would show up in my circle). Now, here it is over a month later and I read your reply. Things are going ok - the sheer exhaustion that seems to hit when you least expect it, has been difficult being a mother of a very active 6 year old. I have explained that the illness I have requires Mommy to do several treatments that will actually make me feel more sick before I get better. He has been a trooper and I keep him updated; and he helps take care of me. At the same time, I now know the importance of Cancer support groups - I have one here in Hawaii that has been a God send. Not making the cancer the Big White Elephant in the middle of the room has made it much easier for my family to deal with this. Thank you for reminding me to eat. This has been the biggest struggle for me. I have virtually no appetite whatsoever. I force my self to add high protein into my diet, plenty of fresh organic vegies. Since the appetite is gone, I find that if I force a little TINY meail 6 times a day, it ensures that I will eat. This past month I lost 27 pounds. Too much more wheight loss and I will be in trouble. I thankfully, started out about 20 overweight and had really resigned my self to never losing those last 20. My hope is that it will stop soon - my body needs the weight. Thank you again for your kind words of wisdom - i will use your suggestions, as I believe that who better to take direction from, then those who have walked this walk before me. Aloha and a hui ho (Means Love and until we meet again in Hawaiian), Love, Child |
| Posted Apr 16th, 2009 at 9:22AM Childoftheland, so good to hear from you again. Glad to her you are eating properly and with the knowledge that your body needs the extra nutrients to help your body recover from the treatment. also seem to have a good attitude with living with this insidious disease. Glad you have this special relationship ith your son, he has to feel good knowing he is helping Mommy..in more ways than one, he is the best reason to take that extra bite of food and to fight when you just want to sleep. God Bless you and your family. Aloha, my friend Hugss Joanne |
 | Posted Jul 12th, 2009 at 3:15PM I'm sorry about your losses. I'm glad you are still with us. Power to you. |
| Posted Jul 29th, 2009 at 6:40PM Thank you Mother2009, my surviving cancer was bitter sweet, as tony said in his comment, the question comes to mind why do some lose and some win, as I left the radiation room for the last time, I left with a mixture of Joy and a heavy dose of sadness for the ones who were not going to be so lucky. Insidious disease |
Share Your Comment
...then continue the discussion in the story's forum or, send this story to a friend
Experience Project is a community based on authenticity, support, and respect. EP encourages you to post with these values in mind.
|
Polls for I Am a Cancer Survivor
Here are some polls created by members of this group: There are no polls yet. Maybe you can create a poll yourself?See more polls for I Am a Cancer Survivor, or create your own poll |
Questions & Answers for I Am a Cancer Survivor
Here are a few Questions and Answers for I Am a Cancer Survivor
| Am a Cancer Survivor Open Questions |
| There are no open questions yet. Why not ask a question now? |
| Am a Cancer Survivor Resolved Questions |
| Sort by: Most Recent | Popular |
3 answers - Posted 1 month ago |
|
Forum & Chat Board for I Am a Cancer Survivor
Here are popular forum topics for I Am a Cancer Survivor See the Am a Cancer Survivor forum to chat about these topics and more! |
|
Music, Song, Artist, Book and Movie Recommendations
|
|
Show this Story's Author Some Love
There's lots of ways to show you appreciated this person's story from the experience group, I Am a Cancer Survivor. Send them a virtual gift, make a gesture, scribble on their whiteboard, or send them a private message. |
| Translate this Story |
Experience Project > Experience Groups > Health and Wellness >
Am a Cancer Survivor > Stories >
Survivor of Cancer
Anonymous & Free
to join millions in the world's largest community of life experiences
Explore first-person stories about any experience, including your own! Connect anonymously with people who understand.
↓ ADVERTISEMENT ↓
More Stories
Read Stories That Are...
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
More Stories From...
|
|||||||||||||||
Be YOURSELF
Be a part of the biggest social experience on the web. Where who you are is more important than who you know. Share what matters the most and find others who just "get it."
Join now and get started in seconds, or learn more about Experience Project
↓ ADVERTISEMENT ↓
Who is "Precious" to You?
 |
Wow. I read this some years ago. It's even one of the few books i want to re-add to my collection of book...
|
 |
 |
Family makes you who you are for the most part. You develop your own personality and traits and stuff, but you...
|
Of course, we love to hear Your Story, whatever it happens to be. You can be yourself here!
Questions For You 
|
|||||||||||||
People Like You
↓ ADVERTISEMENT ↓
