Well, as usual PJ has it right. We need help. We can be strong. We can be diligent with our own care, but the bottom line is we had cancer and our lives will be forever changed. There's no returning to pre-cancer, pre-mastectomy, pre-chemo. We will forever be survivors. But does LiveStrong have to mean LiveSilent?
Oh, trust me, I am SOOOOO in PJ's shoes. "No thanks, I already made dinner, but why don't you see if the new mom across the street needs you to cook for her?" Yeesh! We need to leave the martyrdom behind.
I recently learned a sore spot was a cracked rib. No idea how I cracked it, no major trauma or accidents; just fragile bones. But, do I take the sore spot to the onco because it's on the same side as the bc and sorta close to the lymph area? Or do I take it to the pcp who may/may not realize the significance (or paranoia) of having pain in that area?
Oh, and let's not forget the dentist! She's worried because of the dry mouth that is sometimes a dehydration symptom or it could just be a long-term side-effect of chemo. Not helped at all by the fact that I had a major muscle spasm from lying in that awkward position for so long and nearly fell out of her chair! But it's certain she's not the one who should treat any of that!
I chose to fight the cancer and was well aware there would be side-effects. So, in essense I chose those too. But that doesn't mean they shouldn't be addressed and treated just as seriously as that very first lump.
I'm hoping that PJ's clinic will lead to a trend in our care that grows faster than the disease itself.
I will be working at an annual conference where I know, just know, I'm going to say "I'm doing great!" to every single caring and concerned person who asks. And, I am doing great - I beat cancer and I'm still here. That alone qualifies as G-R-E-A-T.
But wouldn't it be nice to say "I'm great" and not have to swallow the "except for the scar tissue pulling under my prosthetic; swollen fingers; tingling limbs; muscle cramping; dry-mouth, swiss cheese brain, and chemically induced menopausal hot flashes?"
Take care of yourselves-
