Venting Room

[Denzie]

If you're dealing with an issue related to life with cancer, this thread is a place to vent your thoughts or feelings. It can be personal, related to treatment, or the cancer itself.

No judgement. No politics. Replies should be supportive.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

So I will start. I'm in active treatment so I try to avoid exposure and remind my family that my reactions to some things might come off like I've been possessed. My family all knows this and does a good job accommodating the mood swings.

My biggest trigger is the dexamethasone. By day three every muscle, every molecule in my body feels like it's vibrating at warp speed and I want to crawl out of my body. I absolutely h8 myself in this phase. Anyone else?

[ThePurplePlace in reply to Denzie]

You are amazing Denise! I hate steroids but unfortunately they are a necessity in treatment. I do better with Dex vs Prednisone / the hardest thing for me was the insomnia and feeling hungry.

I hope I won’t need it anytime soon, but know sometimes we need it.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to ThePurplePlace]

Did you have to take two dexamethasone a day? If so, when did you take your second d one at the latest. I'm trying to find a time that lets me sleep better.

[ThePurplePlace in reply to Denzie]

I took morning and dinnertime but still had insomnia - I can’t remember exactly what my dose was now, but it started pretty high (6 mg possibly) because I originally had a brain tumor and a lot of brain edema - I needed to have a high dose eventually, I tape her down and then mine went off, but it was a very slow taper. Once I switched to IO it was no longer needed. Not my favorite thing, but it did help.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

another small vent today.

Cancer may have weakened me a bit but I ask for help when I need it. So when I go to do something I am fully capable of doing, like carrying in a light bag, my water bottle, emptying the dishwasher, the dryer, or the vacuum, don't stop me or order me not to do it.

If I don't do it now I'll lose the ability faster. They are coming from a place of love and I appreciate that. I love them too.

[macm66]

I am 82, ULL lobectomy 2019 staged 2B. Fall of 2024 SBRT to right lung.

Resulting inflammation from the SBRT has left me with sob and fatigue beyond what I have ever experienced. Late Feb flu made it worse. This is an exasperating new normal for me.

I am learning to take a break between activities. I attend a senior citizen center, enjoy meeting others and attend exercise classes including aerobic, strength, Tai Chi and Qi Gong 5 days a week. Exercise seems to reduce inflammation. I do not eat foods that cause or worsen my inflammation. Gratitude is important. I try not to compare myself to others. I recently learned laughing at myself helps. I look forward for swimming early summer.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to macm66]

Wonderful advice! Thank you.