Another stage on the journey

[BangorBelle56]

Tomorrow I get my Picc line out. I will be so glad not to have to cover my arm in cling film every morning before I shower and be able to swim again. However it means I am ready for the next stage, a Port a Cath, which will stay with me until the end of my journey. This time last year I hoped I had escaped this horrible recurrence, as my darling sister died after seven years and I had already made it until nine. Having very mixed feelings tonight as on the one hand I hopefully can go to the little village of Mavrikiano in May and swim in the sea and our pool. However it makes the end seem nearer which is really scary. Prayers for all of you on this journey x

[nstonerocks]

Dear BangorBelle

As I go thru treatment for progression, I can totally feel your mixed emotions and the sadness and fear. Nothing is for certain, but it is so much easier to cope when things are stable. I wish you many more years with your port. Sending you a big hug and a powerful wish that you get to take that swim in May, and many more times. It sounds magical

Nancy

[BangorBelle56 in reply to nstonerocks]

Thanks Nancy, thinking of you often and wondering why your hospital does not provide an apartment for free like they do here when you live far away from treatment centre. iI hope time is passing quickly for you. Thank you for your kind words. You are always inspirational . Ruth x

[nstonerocks in reply to BangorBelle56]

Hi Ruth

No accommodation unfortunately. I am on the list for the American Cancer Society housing but they have 60 rooms for the whole of Manhattan. So I have rented a ridiculously expensive small nondescript apt. Safe and convenient. Some days I’m ok. Some days I’m not. I am going to ask for onsite help with coping when I see the social worker Tuesday. My poor husband. 💕

[BangorBelle56 in reply to nstonerocks]

Good luck for Tuesday. Seems a lot to cope with away from home x

[mariootsi in reply to nstonerocks]

Nancy thinking of you and hoping things improve and also that cancer society accommodations become available.

Here's to more good days than bad! Hopefully the social worker can help.

Love,

Marianne

[Geulah]

.I try passing the worries on to the One Above,the only one that can really take care of it. Set a time to thank in great detail for all the things we all tend to take for granted. It helps to remember just how blessed we are. Such a challenge to stay positive, finds this really helps,and builds trust. Readi g posts about long time survivors defintely helos too. And certainly being able to share with everyone and learn from so many examples of courage really helps.

So many advances...let's hope for The Cure just around the corner. People have healed from herbs,from treatment,even from hot water, fasting etc, and of course spontaneously, miraculously.

Wishing you and everyone good news well being and recovery

[morty87]

I have had my original port since 2006. I use it every month to do lab work. It has become the best thing in regards to labwork and meds. I would suggest that you get a power port as they will also be able to use it for scans in the future. I am a very difficult stick and I always insist that they use my port. Some have become frustrated with my request, but I have learned to be an advocate for myself. Good luck - my prayers are with you.

[BangorBelle56 in reply to morty87]

Thank you. Not sure what a power port is, or if I will get a choice.

[morty87 in reply to BangorBelle56]

Most of the new ones are power ports, mine is vintage from 2006! haha!

[hopenowandtomorrow]

Dear Ruth & Nancy: Praying for hope & and relief in the difficult journey you each are facing. May the God of all hope give you comfort, hope & healing ❤️🙏❤️

[diamags]

I am so sorry to hear this. I hope the port-a-cath enables you to enjoy the sea. I also hope you enjoy many, many years on the next treatment.

[Hidden]

Each change is unsettling. It’s hard to continue the fight as the physical and emotional toil can wear us down. You are wise to have a goal to swim come springtime. I pray that you will find comfort in your many swims there in the past and a new season of swimming. Please know we are here for you

[BangorBelle56 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[mariootsi]

Dear BangorBelle,

I pray for you as you move forward with your port. My first dx I had a port. Made bloodwork and chemo so much easier.

I look forward to your swimming reports in May!

Love and hugs,

Marianne

[BangorBelle56 in reply to mariootsi]

Thanks Marianne

[hdhonda]

I have a power port and strongly recommend it. I wish you and all the rest of us much more time and peace and grace when it is time for us to leave this Earth. Blessings, Hannah