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DISCLAIMER:
The information and views in this article are not in reference to any institution or facility and our my
SUE - a breast cancer survivor |
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What does it mean to be a survivor and when does that start? Is it as soon as chemo and radiation are done, after adjunct therapy, when I only have to come once a year to the doctor? I am not sure but MY clock started after my chemo and radiation were done. I just finished my adjunct in October and I know for some insurances it starts at 5 years past the time that stopped. Most people are so focused on getting through treatment and when that happens, the now what? comes into play. Many express an emptiness or feelings of the what now and a new normal. Recovery can last from 6 months to a year and that is the physical part of it after recovery from treatment. Lifestyle changes, chemo-brain, and other important issues start to crop up. Now may be the time that you need that support group or someone solely to talk to about your issues and the baggage you carried through your illness. What about Post-Traumatic Stress? Yes, that can even be a part of what you may experience and also an emptiness at not having to be at appointments everyday. Your friendships that developed while receiving treatment start to change as you have completed your regime and they may still be in theirs. Your former friends are not sure how but you have changed and they do not totally understand or appreciate your changes. I have one friend that after treatment was like a hamster on one of those wheels just running crazy and doing everything possible while others step back and isolate and still others only seek out the fun part of life and avoid any negativity, pain, or heartbreak. Myself, I have always been too sensitive and that has heightened me post treatment. I have found with the cancer gone, my kids are also out of the house on their own and those two factors alone have led to a more pronounced, "What now?" My job is challenging and exciting and lots of hard work and I do enjoy helping others but also want more time to visit my family that is spread across the world. Grandchildren are paramount on my lists of want to and have to do and be a part of. I often hear from my one son with my only granddaughter and it makes my day, week and life to be apart of her life when I can't physically be there. My other two grandsons are in NC and I rarely connect with them as they live different lifestyles and are difficult to connect by phone. I try to visit but between everyone's schedule it is limited to a couple weekends a year. One part of my survivorship is GRANDMA CAMP. This is the one time a year that despite how hectic and tired I am, I am vested 100% in this venture. Family along with grandkids join together for the time they can at the riverhouse and we enjoy a time of togetherness, marshmellows, campfires, swimming, kayaking, games and just being together. That is my survivorship and regardless where my road leads, that is one thing I will never give up. Yes, there are times that things hit you in the face and concerns with and for others but my stronghold is family and being a part of their lives in whatever capacity I can. Cancer brings an emotional impact on your life and it doesn't soon go away. If you think that just because you are out of treatment that you can back to normal, trust it will be a new normal and that is not necessarily bad. If you feel stuck, then get help! Live and love every moment of every day, that is what I think survivorship. It is not numbered by hours, days or even years but by content and what you want and allow to be in your life. Slowly you establish your new role and find comfort in knowing that each day is a new beginning. The potential for positive growth is there if you only allow it to come in... and always MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!
S DISCLAIMER: The information and views in this article are not in reference to any institution or facility and our my
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AuthorMy name is Sue Kilburn and I am a clinical nurse breast cancer educator at the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Archives
March 2015
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