covid-19

CASSIEME1

the whole world is in crises mode, now saying we have no control. I feel like welcome to my world Cancer diagnosis showed us that we were not in control of anything or any aspect of our lives. we try hard to follow the rules, to stay afloat. we all know that the world keeps revolving. That life is forever changing. we know about prayer and asking God for healing and guidance.

GregP_WN

I keep seeing quotes and graphics that say things like: as soon as this is all over we will look at life differently". And I keep saying that all of those would apply to a cancer patient and the message would be the same.

TOUGHERTHANIT

Once I entered the cancer world I started reading things like, your new life, your new normal, life is forever changed. I thought that it couldn't change that much, could it? But boy was I wrong, yes our lives are changing. It seems like every day I find something else that has changed and will never be the same again.

legaljen1969

I was diagnosed with DCIS in early November 2019 and have quickly progressed through the major invasive parts of my treatment. November and December were "fact finding" months for me. I had appointments with my radiation oncologist and medical oncologist on New Year's Eve. I left with what I thought was a "plan." By mid- January plans had changed and all bets for a "plan" were off the table. I had gone from a "wait and see" approach in December to a
I am almost thankful for the chaos of my diagnosis and treatment prior to the world locking down for COVID-19. The hysteria of the rest of the world seems crazy. I feel like this is insane. I was literally just given the go ahead to go back to work when the world started to shut down. I had already been in "stay at home" mode and "sanitize everything" mode. My biggest worry at the beginning was finding mild detergents and antibacterial soap. My home health nurses ordered me some extra supplies- saline wound wash, alcohol wipes, ABD pads, paper tape, and sanitizer because they said they thought things were about to get crazy and they wanted me to have ample supply in case supplies got scarce.

I really consider it a huge blessing that my cancer came before the COVID-19 scare. It definitely helped me put things in perspective and keep a much calmer outlook.

ChildOfGod4570

Oh yes, it seems a cancer journey and this whole CoronaVirus thing are so similar it's kind of creepy. My "new normal" after cancer involved weight gain and nap time even to this day. I still work to exercise 6 hours a week despite the quarantine. I wonder what the "new normal" will look like when we finally can come out of our houses? I heard handshakes are going to be a thing of the past. Someone once told a group I was in that when this is over, there would be several things we'll never do again because of the virus, though they didn't go into detail about it. What do you guys think? HUGS and God bless.

Bengal

Although this virus is terrifying to folks who have depleted immunity due to cancer treatments both because they are more vulnerable and because they are afraid that oncology units may be, or already have been, shut down, I think those of us who have experienced cancer are better equipped to handle the isolation. Many of us have already been there, done that. We just need to hunker down and wait this out just as we have been doing through treatments. And as I've said before, I detest that term "new normal" . There is NOTHING normal about any of this.

Horselady46

No wonder I am handling this COVID-19 so well. I didn't think of it as the same as going through Cancer. But it is somewhat the same. I just take it day by day and hope for the best.

LiveWithCancer

@Horselady46, you hit the nail on the head, in my opinion. There's no need to worry about tomorrow because there's little we can do about tomorrow. And, we can't change the past. The only thing we have any control over at all is right now.

Worrying about the future, in my opinion, is an exercise in futility and frequently just causes great fear, depression, anxiety, all emotions that are unwelcome in my life.

fluteplayer

I feel that the cancer now is the least of our worries. Scared as I feel I will get it and die from it and have no funeral because of it. my funeral was prepaid and prepared when the Dr. said I had 6 months to live in 2011,she was so wrong but now spread to liver so I think the 6 months is back on.Trying a new chemo and hope it works but has alot of side effects. So far only can not sleep. Has anyone taken XELODA?my first two weeks so have a week off. see the dr. the 26th and have to have blood work but told all blood test are off as labs are only doing testing

Bengal

Fluteplayer so terribly sorry to read your story. Since Covid19 this is our worst nightmare come to pass. You may not get the bloodwork you need and don't know if you can depend on treatments continuing on schedule.. I know we all think about this scenario. You are living it. I can only repeat, so sorry. Just continue to hang in there and I hope you can find the strength within to get past this mess.

legaljen1969

Fluteplayer, I am sorry you are having to go through the stress of cancer while the entire world seems to be shut down to discussing anything but COVID-19..
We are all here for you. I shudder to think how many patients with cancer are missing out on essential tests and treatments while the whole world is obsessed with COVID.
Hang in there. I hope you have way longer than six months. I will be saying prayers for you to get the testing and treatment you need in the midst of this storm.
Know there are still people who care more about you.

petieagnor

I also prepaid/prepared my funeral so my children wouldn't have to do it. I watched a PBS program on the 1918 flu. I was told as a child that lots of people died, but couldn't understand how many. We're all struggling with cancer on some level, but our norm is everyone's new norm. This too shall pass. Prepare for the future, but live in the now.