Most all of us here either have cancer or are caring for someone with cancer, I ask you all

NoLiver
NoLiver Member Posts: 1
edited March 2020 in General Cancer
What has cancer taken from you that the average person wouldn't know about? Some of the simple things wind up being enormous to us when they happen to us. I lost the ability to eat certain things that I love. One small thing, but big to me now.

What about you, what have you lost?

Comments

  • Jayne
    Jayne Member Posts: 134
    edited March 2020
    The ability to enjoy food in a world that is driven by eating!
  • Bengal
    Bengal Member Posts: 518
    edited March 2020
    My physical strength. I have always been a very strong person (grew up on a farm with no brothers). I no longer am.

    My peace of mind.
  • LiveWithCancer
    LiveWithCancer Member Posts: 470
    edited March 2020
    Some of my energy.

    I've gained far more than I have lost though. I prefer to think in those terms rather than in what I've lost.
  • BoiseB
    BoiseB Member Posts: 225
    edited March 2020
    I have lost almost all my teeth.
  • po18guy
    po18guy Member Posts: 329
    edited March 2020
    I have too many conditions and co-morbidities to remember. However, I also have chronic Graft-versus-Host-Disease, in which my transplanted immune system is attacking my body. That is fairly well controlled after 4 1/2 years, but my donor (son) has innumerable allergies and I have picked many of them up. All dairy, beef, nuts and seeds, many fish, some shellfish, all crustaceans, carrotts, and we find more as we go along. Diabetes, so lots of sweets are gone. Despite that, I seem to have no trouble "maintaining" my weight... :-0
  • meyati
    meyati Member Posts: 308
    edited March 2020
    A slim waist. I was told that I had almost 4 weeks to gain 20 to 30 lbs to be big enough to survive the experimental treatment. You know where that 20 lbs went-- my middle.
  • GregP_WN
    GregP_WN Member Posts: 742
    edited March 2020
    I have 32 years' worth of cancer to deal with, but I'll start with what I can think of right now.
    All of my teeth
    Lot's of strength
    My voice
    My ability to work like I used to.
    The ability to swallow like a normal person, I have to eat things that will slide, and eat slowly.
    I cannot turn my head very far to either side due to scars and damage from radiation.
    I cannot do things like order at a drive-through, or talk on a phone.
    I'm sure there are many more things, but I am not remembering. There's another one, my memory.
  • PaulineJ
    PaulineJ Member Posts: 205
    edited March 2020
    For what I can remember
    In 1998 Cololn surgery 3 times ( 1 in March,then 2 in Sept.(same week) Lots of complications.The 3rd was because of the 2nd surgery my colon was dying and I would have been dead in a week if they didn't operate the 3rd time.Lots and lots of complications since.And getting worst 'til now.Nothing has worked.
    I had 6 lymph nodes in 2012 with BC
    I had cervix biopsy and complications in my 40's
    Had gall bladder surgery in my teens or 20's?
    Open heart surgery(aorta valve) (bypass ) and tumors in 2014.
    Dental surgery in 2019.Still not done.I finally went back to United Health Ins.(Best ins.)I was miserable for 2 years with Tufts,but didn't want to lose the doctor I had.Second great doctors. And he's the best.For he does house calls (like in the old days.And he can get a needle for blood in me in seconds lol! I've been dehydrated for has long as I can remember.Complicated patient.lol! I was told.
    All the procedures and surgeries That I can remember and I'm still here.Tired , but here with,the grace of God.
  • BuckeyeShelby
    BuckeyeShelby Member Posts: 196
    edited March 2020
    I miss feeling my feet. Stupid peripheral neuropathy!
  • judithj
    judithj Member Posts: 26
    edited March 2020
    Holy cats Pauline! You are like the Ever-ready Bunny!
    You and Greg - hugs to everyone else, we're still here (sounds of cheering).
  • EmpathAgain
    EmpathAgain Member Posts: 8
    edited March 2020
    Being an active, productive, successful person with friends, on a career path, and just a life.. Now at 36 I'm just dying penniless and alone. Not where I thought I'd be a few years ago, but I'll die this way
  • JaneA
    JaneA Member Posts: 335
    edited March 2020
    I miss having energy to go all day without needing a nap. I have a colostomy so have to be careful about the weight that I pick up - 15 lb restriction. I forgot and do too much stuff around the yard and house.
  • Bengal
    Bengal Member Posts: 518
    edited March 2020
    You wouldn't think anyone would ever use the words "lucky" and "cancer" in the same sentence but Empath, many of us are so lucky that our cancer has left us with many options. I am so sorry for this predicament in which you find yourself. I hope you an find a way to come to peace.

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