The Cancer Journey - Strap Your Belt On!

  Right before Christmas I was given the news that the lymphoma that they were treating me for in my chest wasn't really lymphoma at all but scar tissue, which most people have by the way if you have ever had a illness of the lungs ( bronchitis, pneumonia, etc). To add to the mystery, I was told that I was probably cured by the fourth chemo treatment. What? Were the extra two a bonus? And I am still rumbling down the road on the cancer bus only the sign has changed on the top to "Remission."
  Have you ever been told that medical science is vague at best? Why do you think it is called a "practice". There are so many things that I have had to find out on my own about symptoms and side-effects that if they were coins they would probably choke the CoinStar machine. My famous last words became "Why didn't somebody tell me about this!" So I will try and use this blog to give you the need-to-know low down on what I have learned so far. Let me know if you have anything specific and if I don't have an answer, I will research it.

In the Beginning:
  -Try to wrestle as much information about your diagnosis and treatment strategy as you possibly can from your doc and write it down or as in my case have someone write it down for you (very helpful because you are confused and stressed). This goes for medications you are given also! Some docs have a nasty habit of hit and run when it comes to patients, never mind that you are in a life or death situation here.

-If you are in the hospital and on pain meds, make sure to have a "step down" plan for when you get home and wean yourself off SLOWLY. Don't go for the old "Just go home and rest" line without a med in sight. I did this after having surgery and being on heavy meds for weeks only to experience detox hell when I got home. Have them give you a prescription for recovery and take less and less until you are safe to stop.

-Have someone responsible help you with appointment scheduling and prescription pick-up if you need it. This can be invaluable when you are mentally wiped out.

-Have your oncologist doctor or nurse give you a tour of where you will be receiving chemo treatment or the same if you are having radiation. I had visions of being in a room with a bunch of gaunt, bald people and was scared to death. I found out that it just wasn't the case and actually laughed and made some good friends.

Please stay tuned as I will have more good info and tips on side-effects and other fun subjects. Thank you for checking me out and feel free to ask questions or refer someone you know who is dealing with cancer and it's effects.

-Shurie