help

[HelenM]

Hi I have read lots of blogs but have never had the courage to write one but I feel so low at the moment. I was diagnosed at the end of 2008 had surgery to remove ovaries womb omentum etc and then had chemo. I tolerated that well and have tried to remain positive. I had to have chemo again sept 2010 to dec 2010 which made me feel quite sick but i managed and my ca125 came down to 100 it has now risen to 325. I feel so low just now. I cant stop crying and it hurts me to upset my family who have been wonderful through all of this. I am waiting on the brca test results as this could affect any future treatment but it is so hard to try to live life normally. Anyone have any coping strategies to help me through this tough patch.

[Hidden]

Hi Helen,

So sorry to read about how you are feeling! Of course it's hard to live life normally.

Firstly; it's wonderful that your family have been so supportive ; not all are! Don't fall into the trap of feeling guilty because of that, though. Supporting you is also giving them things in a strange way - it is never a solitary process going through illness. If you haven't; get hold of David Servan-schreiber's book 'Anti-Cancer'. He's beaten 'hopeless' cancer and recurrence and is very readable. He's a massive source of hope to me, and as he's a Dr, understands the science, and explains the reasons things help to get our bodies to fight back and get well. I know it's easy to say; but don't give up. Redouble your attempts to get well - at least this helps you feel you are making the right moves, give yourself what YOU need - and if that's to be upset at the moment, that's necessary and ok too!

With love,

Isadora

[HelenM in reply to Hidden]

Hi Isadora

Thank you for your kind words and thank you for recommending the book. I found it on line and should be reading it by the weekend.

Kindest regards

Helen

[Gilly46]

Hi Helen,

I just wanted to say Im so sorry for what you are going through and that you will be in my prayers.

God bless,love Gillyxx

[HelenM in reply to Gilly46]

Hi Gilly46

Thank you! I am very lucky that I have a wonderful family and friends who care about me. I feel a bit better now.

Regards

Helen

[Kerry]

Hi Helen

I second Isadora's book recommendation - it's full of uplifting evidence and advice and provides practical information. For another uplifting read I recommend anything by Bernie Siegal - Love Medicine and Miracles is a good starting point - don't be put off by the title! as I initially was - it's full of evidence based hope!! and Bernie is also a respected cancer surgeon.

I also recommend the following course for providing self help tools for overcoming the crisis of cancer and as a way to achieve peace of mind. healingjourney.org.uk/ it is run by experts in London and has a 25 year history in Canada where it has been proven to increase quality (and more) of life. It's a bit of a trek for me to get to but worth every step - they also do an online course if you can't make it in person. It doubles as a support group too as you will meet others with a diagnosis.

The best advice I've had is to truly live in the moment - i.e. try not to think about what ifs (future) and what happened (past) concentrate on the fact that you are here right now and try and make the most of that right now. It really is freeing if you manage it.

Sending you lots of best wishes

Kerryx

[HelenM in reply to Kerry]

Thank you Kerry, I will look for the other book you recommended. I am going to try and take just a day at a time and not dwell on what might happen in the future. I see my oncologist in a couple of weeks so will know more then about further treatments.

Regards

Helen

[AngelaAbell]

Hi Helen

I am catching up on emails so have only just read your blog. I am so sorry that you are having a rough patch - I know what feels like - and hope that it doesn't last too long. Waiting for news is almost the worse part, it is so difficult to stop thinking about it. As the others have said, do let your supportive family help you through, they wouldn't want you to feel guilty. I first had OC in 1998 and one thing I learnt then and never forgot was to enjoy every day and let the next take care of itself. My cancer returned last year and again this year but mostly I found that I could focus on the days I feel well and enjoy life. However, I did go through a period of bursting into tears and feeling so unlike my self that in the end I spoke to my GP. She was so reassuring - stopped me feeling guilty about being low - and had some positive suggestions to help me through. I also found that when some of my friends in the village realised how low I was they started suggesting activities to get me out and into company - invitations to tea, for drinks, a trip out to lunch. It was a big help. So don't be afraid of asking for help.

I hope that the visit to the oncologist goes well. I will be thinking of you.

Angela