Ashera

Hi, Ashera. I just wanted to tell you again that I'm so sorry about your son. How old was he when he was diagnosed? It's such a horrible, horrible disease. Absolutely heartbreaking.

Ashera, I just read your post to Bengal about eye issues, and your story about losing your son. I understand what you are saying when you tell us you look at that shared chemo time as a gift. My son was 31 when he died from complications from muscular dystrophy, which he had since birth. He was a lot to lose. People might think his life was stressful to me (as his mother), but no. Of course there were stressful times, but Billy became a computer programmer and he and I were taking classes together at a community college - different subjects, different classes, but we would meet for dinner at the cafeteria place and go over our day. I loved being an adult along with him, I am so glad for that time. My husband, his father, died 6 years before he did (melanoma), so I am also relating to Bug's posts about caring for her husband.

I don't know if it is all these memories, but I just want to go back to bed! My doctor switched me to Tamoxifen about a month ago and I am wondering if it is causing some depression? Or maybe it is this endless snow...ugh. If it IS Tamoxifen I am going to have to stop. I don't want the time I have ahead to be laced with all this sadness and malaise.

Ashera, I just wanted to tell you what a nice response you gave to TOUGHERTHANIT about her upcoming surgery. Your comment was so kind and supportive. I really appreciate it. It even made *me* feel better. : )

Thanks for suggesting the lip balm and lotion. I would never have thought of that. What a nice little thing I can do! I so appreciate your suggestions. Thanks again

Ashera, I read a comment you posted about a chest pump you had for chest lymphedema. I’m dealing with this now. I’m 65 and am on Medicare & I have to leap over tall buildings before they’ll pay for it. Where did you get your pump and how much did it cost? Any info would be appreciated. Also do you wear a compression sleeve for your chest area? I’ve been looking for something like that.

Thank you so much for your response. You stated exactly the fears and feelings I have right now. I am sorry your son passed. I can’t imagine how difficult that must have been. Your message gives me hope. I am in a fog it feels like, all the time. I’m lucky, I have family and friends who are doing their best to help. But it feels like I’m just letting them down, too. I am not the same anymore. Will I ever be again? This week has be difficult. Your message came when I needed it most. I’ve not been very active on here but I honestly think the sincere, impactful responses from the wonderful people on here have kept me together. Thank you

Thanks Ashera for the additional information of your journey thus far. It is a wonder that many of us are able to survive the treatments for this xxx disease. I shared many of your side effects from chemo though thankfully not all and did not have to submit to radiation. I did not have your chest port issues and although I finished chemo three years ago, have elected to keep my port since the recurrence rate is high for my stage of cancer. I am looking forward to its removal in another year or two. I was saddened to read about the loss of your son and can only imagine the pain you experienced being unable to be there with him and unable to attend his memorial. Some voids can never be filled.

Hi Ashera, your question prompted me to look you up and read your experiences. You have documented your story very well and I could feel some of your pain as I read about your MRI experience. I hope you catch up your experiences to the now, you left off at " more later." Wonderful the CT scan showed no evidence of a primary cancer site elsewhere in the body Hope to see you posting on the pin boad and helping answer other's questions. Take care. Oh, next time an exam comes up and that xxx anxiety grabs you go ahead and shout as needed.

Hello,
I am an oncology/end of life nurse. Welcome to the “What Next” family. If you should have any questions or concerns that you feel that I might be able to help you with, please do not hesitate to ask. There are many excellent people here always willing to help in any way with the latest information or experiences to share. You are among friends….there are no strangers here. I hope you find all the information and support you seek, Carm RN.

Welcome to the WhatNext family! The WhatNext family is made up of people like you who are looking for help or looking to help others. To help you along your journey the WhatNext family has put together a Beginner's Guide to Cancer that I highly recommend you check-out here: http://bit.ly/10BQKCi. Also, please do not hesitate to reach out to others or ask for help.

Wishing you the best.

David
Founder, WhatNexter