Given awful news

[Mary]

Forgot to say that I now face one type of chemo after another which just feels an insurmountable mountain at this moment in time.

[Hidden]

Hi again, Mary;

Just to reiterate; you cannot yet know for certain that this is the case, or how that would be. Take it a bit at a time, and let yourself accept that you might achieve remission - even against the odds. This is not to detract from the depressing effect of the prognosis you have been given, just to point out that no one can know the future!

I xx

[sarah1963]

Hello Mary

I found myself in exactly the same position as you in May '09. I had chemo/surgery/chemo in '08. Then it re-appeared on my liver. Since then I have had 2 more courses of chemo. BUT at one point I had a whole year without treatment. Yes the cancer never disappeared but my oncologist took the view that it wasn't necessary to rush into further treatment until I was unwell. So just think about the possibility that in say 12 months' time you could have a whole year free of treatment and symptoms.

The only difference is that no one has ever told me how long I am going to survive and I am glad that they didn't. I agree with Isadora - no one can know.

It has certainly all felt insurmountable at times for me and will do again BUT that feeling will pass and you will feel positive and enjoy life again.

We are right behind you in whatever you have to face.

Love Sarah

[MargaretJ]

Hello Mary!

No one can predict how long you will live! We are all going to die so just remember that as long as you are alive you need to enjoy life! I know how you feel though as, at the end of my first lot of chemo, in 2010, an insensitive junior on the team told Me that only a minority could expect to reach 5 years! I had been doing well, staying positive up until then! Now my attitude is "I am all for extending life but not merely postponing death" all tratment must make me feel better not worse! I also find that it helps to give myself a good talking to and to visit my friend who has advanced Parkinsons! I always ,come away feeling that I am lucky that I have cancer!

[Suewt in reply to MargaretJ]

I really wish health professionals would stop and think about what they say and how they say it. I don't think they realise the effect of these unguarded comments.

Mary - I know it is hard but please,please try to remain positive although I know at times that can be difficult.