Comments for Chronicles of a Cancer Patient

Comment on What Does Chemotherapy Feel Like? by Beverly

Beverly — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:30:00 +0000

I know that your description of chemo must be true. I just spent months with my son while he went through the grueling treatments. I have never seen anyone so sick & weak.
I am wondering about post chemo. He finished his chemo about 3 months ago. At first he was excited about getting his hair back and his strength is slowly returning. He told me last night that recently he has been remembering how awful it as and how terrible he felt for so long that he just starts crying. Any ideas or input to the post chemo? Most people think that he should just be over it after 3 months. I’m not so sure they are right. Any ideas on how to help him?

Comment on What Does Chemotherapy Feel Like? by Danielle

Danielle — Wed, 22 May 2013 05:08:15 +0000

Hi,
I just wanted to say thanks for this personal description, it was a good read and very informative. I was curious as to what my younger sister is going through and it brings tears to me that it is such a brutal disease, and treatment. Im happy to hear it cured you and hope you stay healthy, as well as everyone else fighting this awful disease with a brutal treatment.
Cheers

Comment on What Not To Say To a Cancer Patient by Rachel S

Rachel S — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:11:22 +0000

I can identify with you and with the folks who’ve posted here.
Some people are just insensitive, as if they don’t even think about what they’re saying. Others are just shallow, selfish and calloused. I’ve just gone through breast cancer surgery, then 5 months later was diagnosed with uterine cancer (the two were not related, just coincidental)and had surgery for that. People’s comments or lack of any response at all is not surprising to me. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1996 and got a lot of the same stuff. One supervisor at work told me that she understood that “you would want to work until you can’t walk anymore.” Well, I’m still walking! My husband was also diagnosed with cancer 2 years ago. Sometimes I don’t even want to bring up the latest issues because I think no one will even believe that a husband and wife can be diagnosed with cancer in the same 2 year period. In all this, I treasure those who have sent cards, made calls, etc. The smallest sincere gesture means so much! I rely on my faith in God, which has seen me through my experience with MS. Whatever happens, I know I am in His hands.

Comment on What Not To Say To a Cancer Patient by Jenny

Jenny — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:50:03 +0000

I think the worst was my mom’s reaction when I told her I had Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and Leukemia – “Oh I wouldn’t worry about it, you can live with it for a long time and it’s not serious”. WOW – my mom, no empathy as if I stubbed my toe and then proceeded to tell me about my sister’s medical issues. Hard to write a mom off your list, but definitely won’t rely on her for support :(

Comment on Courtney I do not support your decision to have… by Diana

Diana — Tue, 14 May 2013 06:47:13 +0000

What would make a really great care basket for someone starting chemo?

Off topic: I absolutely love the way you write. It’s obvious that you’ve dedicated lots of energy, passion, time, and forethought (and afterthought) into each entry. You could write about the most mundane task and somehow turn it into an experience that the reader would relive through your words. I admire the honesty and integrity you maintain as you tell it like it is, at least, for you. You’re not “phony” as Holden Caulfield would say. Thanks.

Comment on What Does Chemotherapy Feel Like? by Mismagius

Mismagius — Sat, 11 May 2013 01:19:28 +0000

Wow… a friend of my moms had chemo, I always assumed it was like some one hour process where take some pills and then your outa there….. but for goodness sakes now I feel her pain….

I am currently writing a story from the point of veiw of a cancer patient. This was helpful thank you.

Comment on What Does Chemotherapy Feel Like? by Atique

Atique — Wed, 08 May 2013 14:32:45 +0000

I feel sevsre pain and weakness in my legs and feet due to
chemo stomatch lynphoma

Comment on What Not To Say To a Cancer Patient by It's Terminal

It's Terminal — Wed, 08 May 2013 01:44:41 +0000

After being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer out of the blue at 40 years old, I have seen the whole spectrum of human reactions to cancer, death and what we all must face: our ever-looming mortality. Some people honestly want to help and will pour their hearts out to me. Others will cook a dinner or make a surprise phone call. But all in all, I found that over time most just ignore me. People have an almost built in response to run from death and serious illness. At best you will receive some cheesey Hallmark sentiment before they disappear. I wish I had some better news to report. One thing that really pisses me off is when people ask me “so, what are you doing to keep busy during the day.” Never. Ever. Say that to someone with cancer or a terminal illness. It has to be the most sickening, nauseating hopeless question anyone can ever ask and I just want to die everytime I hear it.
Peace.

Comment on What Does Chemotherapy Feel Like? by Elizabeth Wright

Elizabeth Wright — Tue, 07 May 2013 15:58:40 +0000

I’m a 70 year old grandmother who has breast cancer stage 3, I’ve had surgery to remove the cancer an now have to take chemo for a year,my treatments start in the morring ,my question is ? I really donot want to start, I’ve heard an read so much about it and it sounds just like I thought, since I’m this old do I really want to start? no I do not,so I’ve got to the point I’ may tell the doctor I will not take it, wouldn’t you/

Comment on What Not To Say To a Cancer Patient by Shannon Jennifer Knight

Shannon Jennifer Knight — Mon, 06 May 2013 22:45:10 +0000

I posted my cancer blog and an excerpt that helped me relate to this article

If I could make one recommendation to all my friends that have someone in their life battling cancer I would say this strongly, Educate yourself “read books on what NOT to say to someone fighting cancer or how to be supportive, there’s easily accessible information online”. Don’t allow ignorance to be the barrier between you and your loved one. It would be better in that case to stay away and just send cards or a little care package to cheer them up.

The worst thing I ever heard from a girlfriend that I’m sure was said with good intentions to make me feel better was, and I quote…”Awe Shannon, look at it this way girl, you’ll have new boobs and look better than the rest of us”, she said it very dismissively, like I shouldn’t be worrying about anything (It was the day I told her I had breast cancer). Just an example of ignorance, it did not make me feel better at all!

http://www.myspace.com/shannonknight123/blog/401019852