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MinnieMN
New User
Joined: 02 Aug 2009
Posts: 3
Location: Midwest, USA
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 Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 7:50 pm Post subject: New here-havin hard time. |
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Hi everyone, my name is Lori, and I have a recurring brain tumor. I'm having a very hard time dealing with this. They say that when it rains, it pours, and this is so true. I feel like I'm dealing with way too much at one time, and I feel very lonely (family lives half of a country away). Most days, I am strong and independant, but I'm starting to deal with depression, and things are certainly getting to me. Without sounding too pathetic, I just wanted to try and find some support here.
I hope that everyone is feeling okay tonight.
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***Just trying to make it one day at a time*** |
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brainman
Site Admin
Joined: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 5962
Location: Tennessee
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kenobewan
Regular
Joined: 10 Jun 2009
Posts: 25
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| Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 7:47 am Post subject: Re: New here-havin hard time. |
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May I suggest some natural supplements to help. Vitamin D3 to boost your immunity and bring a bit of sunshine, melatonin to help you sleep and fish (or other omega 3) oil to help with general health and elevate your mood.
Its natural to feel down with this diagnosis, there would be something wrong if you felt nothing. The key is not to let it rule your life - easier said than done  . I found that buying DVD's of my favorite comedians and comedies helped. Exercise also helped me take my mind off of things.
It would be hard being away from your family and I would plan a visit soon if possible. Having said that can you talk over a webcam or phone. Feeling loved is important too.
All the best with your treatment. Please keep us up to date  . |
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plugh
Experienced user
Joined: 18 Oct 2007
Posts: 50
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| Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 11:56 am Post subject: Re: New here-havin hard time. |
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| MinnieMN, very sorry to hear about your recurring tumor. I do think you will find a lot of support and help on this forum. I've been coming here for insight for almost 2 years since I was first diagnosed and find the support and guidance here invaluable (especially from Brainman ). I don't have any soultions for you but I too have a lot of trouble dealing with the constant fear that this illness engenders. As long as I'm keeping busy and occupied it keeps the thoughts at bay and exercise helps me a lot. I play a lot of soccer and, not suggesting you take up the sport, while I'm playing my mind is totally focused on the game and therefore not on this illness. It's periods of inactivity that are hard to deal with for me. As Brainman suggested maybe you could post a bit more detail of your situation since that would help people respond who have simialr situaitons as yours. Wishing you well. |
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MinnieMN
New User
Joined: 02 Aug 2009
Posts: 3
Location: Midwest, USA
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| Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 7:11 pm Post subject: Re: New here-havin hard time. |
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Hi everyone, thank you so much for your responses. I have oligodendroglioma, and I just recently started chemotherapy. They want me to take these pills called Temodar or something like that. I had a second surgery scheduled, but it was postponed for this treatment. They're also putting a needle in my spine on Wednesday. Can anyone tell me about the side effects that I might be dealing with here? It has been 8 years since I had this the first time, and I'm very upset that it came back. I feel deflated and like giving up sometimes. I'm 31 years old, by the way. I'm soooooo not ready to deal with this. I was in denial after the "bad" scan, but then started dealing with the symptoms, but I'm still very much not happy about this!
Thank you so much for listening, I can't thank you all enough.
_________________
***Just trying to make it one day at a time*** |
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brainman
Site Admin
Joined: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 5962
Location: Tennessee
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| Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 7:43 pm Post subject: Re: New here-havin hard time. |
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Hi Minnie, I too have an oligodendroglioma. Mine it a grade III. What stage is yours? I had one course of chemo (PCV) prior to my surgery in 2005 to see if they could shrink to tumor a little to make it easier for the surgeon to remove it all. Surgery was followed by steriotackict radiation.
1. Temodar is the current gold standard treatment for any glioma. I have never had it but they say it has fewer side effects that the previous one (the PCV that I took).
The spinal tap often can be done as an out patient was very few side effects although some people experience major headaches.
I can certainly understand your feeling that you are not ready for this. I was abt 7 years older than you when I was first diagnosed. I had 3 small children... my youngest was only 3 at the time. I really did feel like I had no past and no future. It was like time stood still. That feeling lasted a very long time too.
You are among friends here. I also hope you have a good local support system.
You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
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Jim
Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendroglioma grade 3, same location.
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=2405
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=2528
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 3: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Twitter: @JimHawkins54
FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/James.Hawking54?ref=profile |
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MinnieMN
New User
Joined: 02 Aug 2009
Posts: 3
Location: Midwest, USA
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| Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 10:32 am Post subject: Re: New here-havin hard time. |
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Hi everyone again. I'm having a little bit of a bad day. Having some very bad, awesome headaches. Can't seem to think very clearly. I am very stressed out, too much to deal with at the present moment. They have me on pills that make me sooooooooooo nauseus (I know that's spelled wrong). I'm very lonely-dont have a support system right now. Just do not feel good at all.
_________________
***Just trying to make it one day at a time*** |
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Phil B
New User
Joined: 23 Nov 2008
Posts: 8
Location: UK
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| Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 3:10 am Post subject: Re: New here-havin hard time. |
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Minnie,
Just to let you know that you are not alone. I am going through the same ( a grade 2 Oli) but this is my second year after diagnosis and first time around with surgery etc, heaven knows how you are coping.
Everyone who doesn't understand the illness always says 'stay positive' but as my counsellor aways reminds me, you can't be positive all of the time...there are going to be bad days. You have found a fantastic forum here, with lots of caring and experienced people ( I must also add myself to the Plugh and Brainman appreciation society, they have improved my outlook so much, even with a few lines in a message).
I shall waffle no further. I'm sure that I can speak for all who use this forum, we are with you all of the way and you are in our thoughts and prayers every day.
Phil B |
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ennis
Regular
Joined: 19 Nov 2008
Posts: 37
Location: warrington england
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| Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2009 10:46 am Post subject: Re: New here-havin hard time. |
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I can understand you saying your not ready for this. I am not the cancer patient it is my grandson who has a gbm 4 and it is so hard to watch although he seems in good spirits most of the time.I have seen a lot in my 63 years but this has to be one of the most difficult to deal with.You will receive encouragment from this forum, and will not feel that you are alone.
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live in hope
my story http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=11140 |
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