There is value in information being shared from survivor to survivor. Many health issues may be common, but you can feel alone if you are not aware of them. A well-moderated online support group may be a great place to gain knowledge and comfort.
PUBLISHED June 05, 2019
Doris Cardwell received a life-changing diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer in 2007. While undergoing treatment, she co-founded a mentor program for the cancer center treating her. She also created community events to educate, encourage and empower people regarding cancer. Doris was the first Survivorship Community Outreach Liaison for her local cancer center. She is an advocate, educator and encourager on issues facing cancer survivors. Doris is a wife, mother, empty nester, survivor of life and lover of all things coffee. An avid speaker and blogger, she is available at www.justdoris.com.
When I reached the end of treatment for inflammatory breast cancer I was overjoyed. Yet that excitement soon turned to frustration. You see, in my mind, the end of treatment meant life would go back to normal. And in some ways it did. I was no longer keeping weekly appointments at the cancer center. I had hair again – that was nice. But in many ways, it felt like I was floundering.
You see, for over a year I had gone to the cancer center. I saw the same nurses and other patients that I had gotten to know over a long time. Then, as quickly as they all became a part of my life, they were gone. What had become familiar wasn't there anymore. Along with this, I had physical changes that started to appear. I had pain that was hard to explain or predict. My blood pressure would spike to unsafe levels, I had bouts of intense jaw and neck pain. This pain was on my mastectomy side. I passed out a few times. These incidents left me bouncing from appointment to appointment looking for relief and seeking answers.
You see, for over a year I had gone to the cancer center. I saw the same nurses and other patients that I had gotten to know over a long time. Then, as quickly as they all became a part of my life, they were gone. What had become familiar wasn't there anymore. Along with this, I had physical changes that started to appear. I had pain that was hard to explain or predict. My blood pressure would spike to unsafe levels, I had bouts of intense jaw and neck pain. This pain was on my mastectomy side. I passed out a few times. These incidents left me bouncing from appointment to appointment looking for relief and seeking answers.
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