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Rotorhead
Regular
Joined: 04 Jun 2008
Posts: 34
Location: Hawaii
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 Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 3:54 pm Post subject: What Keeps You Sane? |
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With all the decisions and trepidation involved on the medical side, and all the emotional issues of dealing with family and friends, I'm interested in what keeps us "sane" during the cancer ordeal. For me:
1. Hobbies. I do what I can, when I feel well enough - surfing, windsurfing and swimming in the ocean. When I'm too fatigued, I bust out the DVD's and watch the action.
2. Work. Getting back to work after surgery made me feel valid and normal. This was difficult as everyone seemed to want me to stay away and "just rest and get better". Sitting around at home, not working was actually driving me crazy.
3. Long-term goals. I set a bunch of them, some which I've had to revise due to post-surgery chemo, but I'm still committed. Sailing in the Molokai channel crossing (Maui to Molokai); running the Honolulu marathon (probably '09), finishing my boat project; charging real 8' surf - all are things I see myself doing in the next year or two as validation of beating cancer down.
So...what makes all of you keep on keepin' on?
Aloha,
RH
_________________
Diagnosed Stage 3 rectal cancer Nov 07
6 weeks chemo/rad Dec 07/Jan 08
Surgery (TME) 11 Feb 08
6 months FOLFOX started March 08
My blog: http://rotorheadsblog.blogspot.com/ |
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brainman
Site Admin
Joined: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 4279
Location: Tennessee
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| Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 4:58 pm Post subject: Re: What Keeps You Sane? |
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Very good question that I often ask myself. This is not original, I read it somewhere, but it does make sense: Life is a journey and all the positive AND negative thing that happen to us during this journey. Love vs Ambivalence, Hope vs Despair, Joy vs Bitterness, Relationships vs Disconnectedness, Trust vs Distrust, Confidence vs Fear, Meaningful activities vs Mindless activities. I think that trying to maintain the balance between all of these (and other) is what helps me to keep going. I am not sure this reply is entirely what you are asking about but I was just thinking about these dualities earlier today 
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Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/ |
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SFGiants13
Senior User
Joined: 21 Feb 2005
Posts: 121
Location: CA SF
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| Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2008 6:25 pm Post subject: Hi |
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I used to draw a lot but after years of treatments my skills somehow drifted away, plus with my bad eyes from the tumor it's been hard for me to focus carefully. Also I used to enjoy going to the beach and surf with my surfboard or my bodyboard since I live in the bay area, there's a lot of waters to travel out to. But due to my hip replacement and low vision, I'm still recovering and can't go out into the open waves like I used to. I sure miss it sometimes but I have a whole new life to live by, and my chances of going back, only time will tell. But what keeps me going is my family, friends, that I always remind myself to keep a positive attitude, hope for a brighter future, to stay strong, and never give up. I am more concerned on getting all well which is most important to me.  |
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In
Site Admin
Joined: 18 Jul 2007
Posts: 1436
Location: AUSTRALIA
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| Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2008 6:49 pm Post subject: Re: What Keeps You Sane? |
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For me I'd have to say My friends and Family- they give me strength. Keeping busy and doing things I love to do when i can.
_________________
Thinking of you Inica
*Administrator*
~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~
My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731
9 Lives and still kicking |
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dano
Senior User
Joined: 19 Jul 2008
Posts: 174
Location: Oahu, Hawaii
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| Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 7:33 am Post subject: Re: What Keeps You Sane? |
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Aloha Rotorhead;
To the bratha from a different Matha.
Hey let me know when you are ready to go sailing in the channel I'll go with. You like rough water huh? lol
I love going to the beach, makes me feel good soaking in the water over at Yokes on over by Makaha.
You are pretty impressive with wanting to hit the 8's, I don't surf and wont go in the water when they get over 3'. I've been given some pretty nasty head plants on the beach. But I will come and take pics!
God Bless
Dan
_________________
54 year old male in Hawaii
Diagnosed Nov. 9,2007 with NSCLC IV
with Mets to the lymphs and brain
Had full brain radiation treatment in Jan 08
Currently on chemo treatments every 3 weeks
with Alimta
and taking Lovenox for blood clots
Now back to work full time
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9993 |
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ChemoMan
Senior User
Joined: 04 Jun 2008
Posts: 202
Location: South Australia
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| Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 5:03 pm Post subject: Re: What Keeps You Sane? |
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Hi there
My partner and I jump on the motorbike and we go for a ride Sometimes it takes a whole tank of gas before you think straight The good thing is she loves it as much as I do
Life is good 
_________________
Age 52
Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma
Stage 2a
Finished six cycles of R chop 21 26th May 2008
Officially in remission 9th July 2008
Remission confirmed 1st October 2008
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9620 |
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dano
Senior User
Joined: 19 Jul 2008
Posts: 174
Location: Oahu, Hawaii
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| Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 9:24 pm Post subject: Re: What Keeps You Sane? |
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Sounds real enjoyable Chemoman
I've been thinking about getting a bike. They are real nice targets here on Oahu. Most accidents though are solos, just going too fast.\
Dan
_________________
54 year old male in Hawaii
Diagnosed Nov. 9,2007 with NSCLC IV
with Mets to the lymphs and brain
Had full brain radiation treatment in Jan 08
Currently on chemo treatments every 3 weeks
with Alimta
and taking Lovenox for blood clots
Now back to work full time
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9993 |
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ChemoMan
Senior User
Joined: 04 Jun 2008
Posts: 202
Location: South Australia
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| Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 4:46 pm Post subject: Re: What Keeps You Sane? |
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Hi Dano
Sorry this took so long
As much as I would like too i will not say go for it. They are dangerous but you can of course cut your risks by being very careful. After riding for many years you get to develop a style which is conducive to long life, but it takes time, and no matter what you do you can't avoid the idiots if fate decides your paths will cross.
If you do buy a bike and you have little experience don't get anything to big. Stick to a 500cc 4 cylinder or up to a 750 twin, there are also some awesome scooters these days Suzuki make a 650!
_________________
Age 52
Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma
Stage 2a
Finished six cycles of R chop 21 26th May 2008
Officially in remission 9th July 2008
Remission confirmed 1st October 2008
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9620 |
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Rotorhead
Regular
Joined: 04 Jun 2008
Posts: 34
Location: Hawaii
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| Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 11:12 pm Post subject: Re: What Keeps You Sane? |
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Dano-
Where else can you ride all year long? Plus it's so dry on the Waianae side you won't have to worry about rainshowers. Get a cruiser and just take it easy. Maybe even take one of the safety courses they offer down at the stadium parking lot, I've heard they are really good (all military bikers are required to take it). Think about it...a nice leisurely cruise from Waianae, to Kam highway through Wahiawa, to the North Shore for some lunch, and if it's clear, down the windward side...Really, if you use risk management (get some instruction, ride safely and defensively) it's going to be pretty safe. I say go for it.
-RH
_________________
Diagnosed Stage 3 rectal cancer Nov 07
6 weeks chemo/rad Dec 07/Jan 08
Surgery (TME) 11 Feb 08
6 months FOLFOX started March 08
My blog: http://rotorheadsblog.blogspot.com/ |
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In
Site Admin
Joined: 18 Jul 2007
Posts: 1436
Location: AUSTRALIA
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| Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 5:33 pm Post subject: Re: What Keeps You Sane? |
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I and My family have bikes- I used to ride alot before my car accident and freaked out. Now i'm a regular passenger.
More the issue is the other idiots on the road. If you do have a course/ ride defensively like RH siad then shouldn't be a problem.
In. ( WAS the proud owner of a rare Yamaha 650 ) 
_________________
Thinking of you Inica
*Administrator*
~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~
My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731
9 Lives and still kicking |
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dano
Senior User
Joined: 19 Jul 2008
Posts: 174
Location: Oahu, Hawaii
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| Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 4:24 am Post subject: Re: What Keeps You Sane? |
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Hi all;
Good to here there is a bit of Biker blood in the room. I had a Suzuki 550 for a couple years in Oregon, a small bike but it got me around, even drove it in snow and ice. I sort of feel that there is a numbers thing, the longer you ride the more chances of getting your self killed! lol. But it is a nice feeling to have a quality bike under you.
Hi Chemoman, I'd like a decent bike but normally I get what ends up being my best buy.
Rotorhead; Waianae is dry but in two winks your out of here already, lol. But cruising out to North Shore does sound good, or a run to Kaneohe for some great Chinese food at Pah Ke's. Was there last week end, unbelievable, and desert was even better.
In; There are likely more idiots (not properly trained) per capita than in any other state on the road driving. They will pull out in front of you at any speed no mater the distance, defensive drive is purely a daily means of surviving. Though it may be worse here on the Leeward coast. I will have to go through a coarse on safety first. But waiting for some money to roll in first.
_________________
54 year old male in Hawaii
Diagnosed Nov. 9,2007 with NSCLC IV
with Mets to the lymphs and brain
Had full brain radiation treatment in Jan 08
Currently on chemo treatments every 3 weeks
with Alimta
and taking Lovenox for blood clots
Now back to work full time
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9993 |
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ChemoMan
Senior User
Joined: 04 Jun 2008
Posts: 202
Location: South Australia
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| Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 3:46 pm Post subject: Re: What Keeps You Sane? |
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Hi Dano
Have a look around for a kawasaki Vulcan 800, Should be able to pick one up for a song and a dance .
It a cruiser V twin on a 45 degree crank and is a well behaved bike. The model was discontinued in 2006 and they now have a 900, which is also a good bike but hard to pick up secondhand.
_________________
Age 52
Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma
Stage 2a
Finished six cycles of R chop 21 26th May 2008
Officially in remission 9th July 2008
Remission confirmed 1st October 2008
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9620 |
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dano
Senior User
Joined: 19 Jul 2008
Posts: 174
Location: Oahu, Hawaii
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| Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 5:17 pm Post subject: Re: What Keeps You Sane? |
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Thanks Chemoman, I'll keep that in mind. I haven't gotten serious yet but hopefully it will happen.
Dan
_________________
54 year old male in Hawaii
Diagnosed Nov. 9,2007 with NSCLC IV
with Mets to the lymphs and brain
Had full brain radiation treatment in Jan 08
Currently on chemo treatments every 3 weeks
with Alimta
and taking Lovenox for blood clots
Now back to work full time
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9993 |
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In
Site Admin
Joined: 18 Jul 2007
Posts: 1436
Location: AUSTRALIA
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| Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 8:38 pm Post subject: Re: What Keeps You Sane? |
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What keeps me sane- is a break away. A weekend away somewhere, a walk, a nice dinner, a slower pace.
Even a good book- or a good movie will help...
This forum keeps me sane - thanks all (seriously i would be worse than the mad and crazy women i am- without you)
_________________
Thinking of you Inica
*Administrator*
~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~
My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731
9 Lives and still kicking |
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dano
Senior User
Joined: 19 Jul 2008
Posts: 174
Location: Oahu, Hawaii
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| Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 5:03 am Post subject: Re: What Keeps You Sane? |
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In
I agree, I love getting out. Sometimes it helps me just to plan little vacations. Currently I have three in various stages of planning, but just thinking of going help me with stress. Currently planning trips to Maui by ferry, San Francisco and Las Vegas, these are purely for fun as I seldom really ever do. I think right now the easiest sell to my wife is Vegas. I love traveling, right now I'm working full time and enjoying life.
God Bless
Dan javascript:emoticon('')
_________________
54 year old male in Hawaii
Diagnosed Nov. 9,2007 with NSCLC IV
with Mets to the lymphs and brain
Had full brain radiation treatment in Jan 08
Currently on chemo treatments every 3 weeks
with Alimta
and taking Lovenox for blood clots
Now back to work full time
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9993 |
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