The Great Cancer Recovery part 3

[TopOfTheCliff]

You may have finished active treatment for cancer, be in remission or NED. You want to look forward not dwell on the past. You know you ought to be eating well, exercising more and picking up the threads of your old life. Join us and share the ups and downs of recovery. We understand!

Here are some resources we found helpful:

The Mountain Lion
https://www.cancerpal.co.uk/post/what-it-s-really-like-to-receive-a-cancer-diagnosis

Peter Harvey on Psychology of recovery:
https://workingwithcancer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

Resources from Penny Brohn:
https://pennybrohn.org.uk/our-approach/resources/

Breast Cancer Now Moving Forward:
https://breastcancernow.org/information-support/support-you/moving-forward

Get your Oomph Back with Carolyn Garritt
http://www.oomph.london/home.html

Charity providing treats for cancer patients:
https://somethingtolookforwardto.org.uk/

Exercise is good for you:
https://www.webmd.com/cancer/features/exercise-cancer-patients

Any more suggestions? Post them below

There is also a thread for those suspected to have cancer, or newly diagnosed and facing treatment, and also a thread for those with Stage IV cancer who want to talk to others in the same boat.

It’s nice to hear everyone’s news, and I’m pleased to hear you are healing well @Penguinsa

I’ve been having a very mixed time, up and down with my mood and optimism levels. I had a small cry at my monthly zoladex injection earlier in the week and am stressing about my two year post surgery appointment this afternoon. No real reason for any of this, I have just used up my resilience. More positively, I have started daily lymphatic drainage massage using a YouTube video from the breast cancer rehab pt and I think I am seeing some improvement in my hand. And I had a mini break on Jersey with DH which tbh contributed to my stress levels but we did have a really gorgeous walk. It turned out to have been a bit too much for DH and his Parkinson’s dystonia and he hasn’t been able to walk or drive since but it was beautiful. Hey ho, life is such a mixed bag.

Lovely plants Top and glad you are having a good week.

Good luck for the exams Remaker very interesting about different year. Hope scan went fine.

Sorry to hear things are a bit up and down Dotty and your DH is struggling.

I have had fine recovery continue but DD having left and not being allowed to do anything has been a bit depressing as think so much about DS. But have cleaners in tomorrow for first time in a couple of months which should get house back on track and defluffed. Then hopefully can go out on Sunday. DD is very happy and sent pictures of northern lights, one here. Next check up Monday then another one following week.

Also like hearing everyone's news and to anyone struggling, and also for the things going well! I spoke to the GP today about IBS type symptoms I've had for over a year now. She doesn't think they sound like cancer, but I'm still going to have to do a FIT and some more blood tests, I'd rather just never do anything medical ever again! None of the cancer clinicians have been bothered about them. I feel like I might've developed an intolerance towards something, yoghurt is definitely setting me off, so maybe lactose.

Good news from DD, she has a permanent job in children's A&E. I'm really proud of her, but also it's another change, she won't be coming and going the same way as she has been as a university student so it just feels like another thing to integrate into my new life. And of course I can't get up there so easily now having a full-time job, it's too expensive to stay over in hotels over the weekend.

I spent this morning putting together photos and bits and pieces for DM's celebration of life. I've had the day off work and also did yoga and tennis, I've managed to get back into exercise this week after a erratic last couple of weeks. I'm pretty knackered though!

Lovely plants @TopOfTheCliff have a great trip.
@Penguinsa so glad healing is going well- can understand your feelings with dd now away, and I suppose in limbo.
@dotty2 can get what you mean about resilience- your trip sounds lovely, sorry it was too much for your dh.
Just had clear results from mammogram which is reassuring….. but takes me back to treatment too. Lots of friends with health issues at the moment…. I feel lucky I can support them like they did me.

Woo! Thread celebration for @thesandwich mammogram all clear! Mine is coming up before Christmas but I’m ignoring it for now.
@SierraSapphire goods news re DD (and also good she’s not going into oncology nursing.)
@dotty2 and others struggling with mood be gentle with yourself. You are recovering from a huge trauma. It takes time.
I am back from one trip away, got in exhausted at midnight, and off on the next trip. I’ve dug my heels in and sent DH out to play without me. I am RESTING!! Alien concept to him but I need to eat carbs and recover before the big ride tomorrow.
I think @SierraSapphire that I have an element of IBS since the Olympic gut bug I brought home. I ate a spicy meal on Thursday and it felt like a bowling ball in my guts. I feel sick a lot too which might be the exemestane. It’s helping me lose weight but it’s a bit unnerving. It’s hard to banish the thought of cancer lurking.

Thanks @TopOfTheCliff very much appreciated. Enjoy the ride. It is hard to banish thoughts of cancer lurking- still looking for footsteps in the butter.
Hope your cleaners are working their magic @Penguinsa.

Yeah, putting on weight - cancer, losing weight - cancer, wanting to eat more - cancer, not wanting to eat - cancer. In my case my symptoms haven't really changed over a year, so hoping - not cancer!

Yes, well remembered about the oncology nursing @TopOfTheCliff . I'm hoping that kids with raisins stuck up their nose isn't going to be triggering me .

Congrats @thesandwich on your clear scan, fingers crossed for your results too @Remaker. How was your appointment @dotty2, are to feeling any better?

I'm having to support DD quite a lot at the moment, she feels now so she's in completely different life stage to student friends that she's living with, she's been banking full-time at the hospital and now moving on to a proper job she doesn't want to be going out partying in the same way. She was out last night and ended up tending to one of her friends who got punched in the mouth, not always great to be the only one with medical skills! It's just a phase of her life with all the transition, all I can really do is just sit with her, but also help her to work out what she wants and to move towards it rather than being pulled back to something because of peer pressure. I've also been sorting out more stuff at my DM's, but I've been back and on the sofa for the last couple of hours reading and having a little snooze, this would normally be the time in the weekend that I would've been looking after mum, I really notice how good it feels to actually have some time to myself to relax.

I’ve been trying to loose some weight and have finally lost 2lbs! Hooray - although I’d like to loose another 10! Anyway, it’s a step in the right direction.

Sorry your resilience is low @dotty2, it can be quite an arduous journey this recovery - be kind to yourself. We only have so much capacity.

I’m actually resting too @SierraSapphire watching the America’s Cup final on YouTube.

I spent sometime stripping surplus bits off my bike and putting new brake blocks on so it’s ready for tomorrow. Now I need to stuff myself with carbs!
I will attach a picture of my adventure yesterday in Wiltshire.

Well done @tam23 it seems such a slow business doesn’t it? 2lbs is a great start.

@TopOfTheCliff plants IKEA good call. I misread that you had reported the plants which left me a little confused until I reread!!
And it's that the puddle that cars get stuck in?
@tam23 good on you 2 lbs is 2 lbs and deffo in right direction. Mine goes down an odd pound here and there but it's a celebration
@dotty2 sorry it's just bloody hard.

Took myself out for a coffee and little pizza panini which was lovely whilst son at dance and decided against the walk had planned on, because Netflix, ELO and goats cheese seemed more appealing!
Happy Sunday evening all

Yes the puddle was quite deep! I got soaked up to my knees.
Today I reached a new recovery goal. I cycled 70 miles round the New Forest with my DH and a bunch of friends in a big event. We finished in good time, I didn’t walk up any hills and was the first lady from our club to reach the finish. It made me very happy indeed to be back doing what I enjoy at a competitive level. Now my knee aches and I am stiffening up but it was worth it!

That's great about your DDs job Sierra Sorry you have more tests, sounds like they will be fine but urgh medical tests.

Great news about results Sandwich and thank you.

Well done on cycling Top

Well done on 2lbs off Tam

Glad you enjoyed coffee nappy

Hope things are improving Hellonheels

Cleaners were amazing as ever yesterday and house looking much better defluffed and deboxed from DD.

Recovery is going really well physically but mentally head has not been in a great place thinking too much about what happened to DS with too much time to think and DD gone but did manage to get to botanical gardens with DH this afternoon which was lovely, an hours walk round it and another 30 mins having a bagel, crisps and chocolate and Guinness cake outside with the birds. It still had a lot of flowers in bloom and pretty trees. This was my favourite tree.

Have hospital check tomorrow, think it's just new bandages. Then another a week later. In theory I am supposed to restart Endo tests again then but not sure I can be bothered with all those, they said they are likely to do nothing and most countries do nothing and even if they do something it may make no difference, such fun tests as well like 48 hours of urine collection, saliva tests, steroid blood tests, really living the dream with those. I can't tolerate steroids anyway, it's just whether they want to operate which would be in about 100 years anyway given the state of NHS lists and they said maybe pointless anyway.

Got an electric heater as DS always has our boiler turned off and Floof keeps coming and asking me to turn it on. He's decided it's his new best friend, think he thinks it's an animal that makes heat though he only goes up to it when it's silent but puts a paw by it to say turn it on.

Bloody hell that’s not a puddle it’s a lake @TopOfTheCliff 😁

@Penguinsa that’s a lovely pic. Sorry you’ve been struggling. I feel like I don’t know which worry to deal with first - kids, finances, health - they’re always there just take turns in being the most pressing. Thank goodness for the ever present joy and entertainment of pets. At the start of winter one of my cats lies on her favourite heating vent willing it to turn on.

Here’s my pic from yesterday. DH and I went to watch DS16 play cricket at a lovely harbourside oval here in Sydney. There a nice bushwalk you can do beside a creek. Sticker to protect DH’s privacy.

@Remaker thats a lovely photo.
I am aching still after my cycling efforts on Sunday. But post exercise aches are a pleasure compared to arthritic aches or chemo pains. I flew round the 70 mile ride with DH looking after me. On the hills I told myself “nothing is as hard as chemo” and only walked a short steep bit. I was so happy at the finish I was bubbling over.
Two odd things happened that day. One was the man with the medals and goody bags had a funny moment and as I approached him beaming he looked at the woman behind me and said to me “ Sorry I have to give her this bag” and blanked me. I was totally confused and tearful so DH got me a bag. I have no idea what happened! Then my friends arrived about 20 minutes after me, cold and exhausted, and were underwhelmed at my joyful puppy-like bounding around. In hindsight they found the ride really hard and were irritated with me. I am now officially recovered and will stop going on about what I have been through since my last endurance ride! I am fitter and stronger now than my girlfriends and am nobody special. That’s great! Let’s all just be normal again.
Here is a picture from Sunday.

Thanks so much Remaker and lovely picture.

That is odd about the bag Top. I think sometimes with others with cancer we become person to pity and think at least my life is better than hers is now and then when the roles switch back and you recover you find some people can struggle with that, normally people who are struggling but it can be a bit hurtful. Though I am so happy to be in recovery I don't dwell on that much.

Had a further check yesterday and a nurse took the bandages of, one of those who talks to you like you are 5 years old though she was nice, but she pointed out 4 things she didn't want me to do like I had left binder at home, two I touched the scar, three I admitted to having one shower a week after 4 weeks and four I can't even remember, all perfectly valid but a bit tiresome. And she was a bit fast pulling off bandages and lost a bit of fluid though stopped and generally very good. Then second nurse came to put more bandages on and suggested the one hour walk I had done once last week might be excessive. So back to doing next to nothing all day and feeling down. I also slept on my side and now have pain on that side. Only if I touch it so think it will be OK but another thing to be added to list of things that cannot be done.

I have started looking up events and there are at least fireworks before too long. DH is out all today and this evening. Did have a nice Indian meal yesterday from the takeaway which DS seemed to like as well.

Interesting piece in the Times today, response from Julia Samuel to request for support in helping letter writer’s husband understand recovery from cancer treatment. Probably not saying anything we don’t already know, but well articulated.

@GrannyGoggles I just read that article and it is good to hear mainstream reporting acknowledging the hard slog back from the cancer brink. Nothing radical, just “be patient, be kind”.

@Penguinsa I think you have nailed it. In my pre-cancer days I was a kick ass hardcore cyclist in our local club. For four years I have been a pathetic invalid and new people have joined and dismissed me as feeble. Now I am getting my mojo back and it is upsetting the pecking order! They will have to adjust their view of me now I am out and about again 😂 I like the idea!

Hey everyone, hope you're all doing well as can be. I took a break for a bit after finishing treatment but 3 month scans are looming now and I'm starting to panic.

Ah yes @catmomof3 the dreaded scanxiety. Not sure anything will really make it better, it's horrible. Just keep posting, we get it!

@catmomof3 this is the time to draw on the practices that got you through treatment. Yoga breathing, affirmations and bloody mindedness in my case.
“It Will All Be Fine!” But you are allowed to panic. Sending waves of calm.

I have foolishly agreed to cook supper for 45 people on Saturday so am panicking slightly and going shopping this morning. Sausage and bean stew then Dorset apple cake and clotted cream.

My weight is now down by a stone, but there is further to go to reach pre cancer weight. I bought a really pretty cycling top to match my new bike so wearing this will be a reward for another half a stone of weight loss. Onward.

45 people @TopOfTheCliff that is a lot! Best of luck, the menu sounds delicious. Well done on the weight loss.

Hi @catmomof3 I hope you are doing okay. It is natural to feel worried about scans, I hope they are over and done with soon.

My one year mammogram on my remaining breast was clear. I was a bit surprised there was no ultrasound of the flat side, but apparently it all looked fine on examination.

Wow @TopOfTheCliff , that’s quite a lake you cycled through! The ponies are beautiful too.

@catmomof3 Scans are horrid - I’d worked myself up for one in September, only to be told they’d moved it to March, as I’d had one 6 months ago! I’m all relaxed now but know I won’t be come February! It’s really hard. I do find the build up worse than the actuality though in fairness, I think i do it to myself!

Lovely to see beautiful countryside photos from everyone. I had a beautiful walk in Regent’s Park today.

Yes the scans are horrible. I refused to do them until 2.5 years out, couldn't face more cancer treatment and thought if I have cancer much sooner than that the treatment obviously doesn't work. Luckily was clear when I did it, which is the only good thing about scans, the feeling when they are clear. Though the scans missed 2 out of 3 original cancers so meh.

Great news on weight loss Top Very brave and talented to be cooking for 45.

Well done on scan Demi

Lovely picture Tam

Well after feeling really bored being allowed to do nothing since 17 September surgery and week in hospital, recovery from which is going perfectly, I started booking future things, emailing and chasing things and now so many things are happening. 🤣 It's great. This weekend we have DDs birthday and her Oxford matriculation, pizza tonight, chicken flooring and going out in between the dire weather. Then have 2 lots of fireworks booked for next two weekends, an event booked, 2 international flights booked, hotel booked, I have apparently been featured in an article and exhibition and just had a call from someone who wants to come round. And have so many things to arrange. I have hospital on Mon for what I hope is final check. I sent you a pm Top Called DD and got a I am so busy I hardly have time to talk with you but seems happy and just enroute to a party saying she now has too much cake and doughnuts for her birthday weekend but sure she will manage to find people to eat it. Think her boyfriend is over this weekend though having trouble keeping up with her socialising, not heard anything about the course other than her happy she has no 9am lectures. Think her matriculation thing starts very early like 7am or so.