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I am a teacher of French from Melbourne, Australia.
Time to update my profile! I was diagnosed with IBC last October and...
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Thursday, April 02, 2009
View All of sue dyer's Posts
It's sleepless night tonight after Taxol infusion no.9 today. I've reached 3/4 of the way through this part of the treatment and there are only 3 to go. I'm getting excited already, so goodness knows what I'll be like the night before. Unbearable, probably.
This week marks the retirement of ...
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Going back - Giving back
koponen
Thursday, April 02, 2009 at 03:24 PM
Hi Sue,
I think so many of us feel the same way. That is what drew me to this site in the first place...the humor.
As far as missing the doctors and nurses....I really did feel that! I had been going in there every week for a year!!
So, I go back at least 2 times a month. I drop off books and hats and treats. I visit with the nurses and doctors (who all get a kick out of my curly hair - it had been straight...and my amazing cleavage - I'm almost done with reconstruction). I also visit with the patients who ask me a ton of questions. I have left my contact information with the nurses so that if any patient wants to talk to someone...they can call me. I had always been on the look out for "new" chemo patients. You know the deer in the headlight look, the fear on their faces, the worry that the loved ones show, the tears that are right on the edge of falling...I remember that feeling...so I try to spot it and talk to those patients. The nurses always pointed me out to people if they wanted to talk with someone. I always give this site out as the number one support site.
Going back and giving back. It really does make me feel better.
Take Care...You're almost through it!!!
Koponen (Sandy)
re: Going back - Giving back
sue dyer
Friday, April 03, 2009 at 05:26 AM
Sandy your deer-in-the-headlight expression reminds me of my Year 12 French students when we practise for the conversation exam and I ask them a question in French. I've always called it the rabbit-in-the-headlights look and my aim is always to eliminate it by the end of the year.
You've also got me thinking about what I might do during my PT (post treatment) life. I'll be going back to work part-time in July and if my school doesn't make me go full-time next year hwen my Herceptin treatments have finished I might offer to be a volunteer at the clinic on my day off. I love our volunteer, Judy, and we really miss her when she goes on holiday. She's a lovely, calming presence.
See what a good influence you are!
Sue
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Sue and Sandy - you're wonderful!
PJ Hamel
Thursday, April 02, 2009 at 11:20 PM
Thank you both for reaching out to those around you who need it. Amazing how cancer really can have the most positive effect on your life. I always say, if I had to go back and choose... yes, I'd choose to have cancer again. It opened my eyes, and my heart. Cheers to you both - PJH
re: Sue and Sandy - you're wonderful!
sue dyer
Friday, April 03, 2009 at 05:28 AM
I agree with you PJ. I wouldn't change ANYTHING about my life. Even losing my hair has brought the joy of seeing it come back!
Sue
Hi Sue,
I think so many of us feel the same way. That is what drew me to this site in the first place...the humor.
As far as missing the doctors and nurses....I really did feel that! I had been going in there every week for a year!!
So, I go back at least 2 times a month. I drop off books and hats and treats. I visit with the nurses and doctors (who all get a kick out of my curly hair - it had been straight...and my amazing cleavage - I'm almost done with reconstruction). I also visit with the patients who ask me a ton of questions. I have left my contact information with the nurses so that if any patient wants to talk to someone...they can call me. I had always been on the look out for "new" chemo patients. You know the deer in the headlight look, the fear on their faces, the worry that the loved ones show, the tears that are right on the edge of falling...I remember that feeling...so I try to spot it and talk to those patients. The nurses always pointed me out to people if they wanted to talk with someone. I always give this site out as the number one support site.
Going back and giving back. It really does make me feel better.
Take Care...You're almost through it!!!
Koponen (Sandy)