Life after Cancer..any survivors out there?

Question

Last year, I had Cancer & was treated and I have been a survivor for close to a year now! I get checked every few months & so far I'm ok! how do you keep going and trying to live a normal or somewhat normal life?

Please kind answers only! No cruel comments from thoes who just answer them to get points!!!

Answer 1

I was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx in the final stages but refused to have my vocal cords removed creating somewhat a delemia with my treating doctor. I was hell bent on saving my voice. After double the dosage of radiation ( enough to kill a perso ) by error and chemo alongwith the same, my cancer came under control. This was in April 2000. The side effects of the radiation have left some scars that will always remain with me - I developed a fistula between my air and food passage making it impossible for me to eat or drink any thing. Even breathing became a problem and an emergency tracheostomy had to be done. The doctors felt that the fistula should be left alone as they normally heal by themselves but not in my case! The overdose had taken its toll. Meanwhile,as I could not eat anything - a peg ( feeding) tube was inserted into my stomach which ment no solids and only liquids. My wife and mother fomulated some really high protien and energy feeds that kept adding to my weight that I had lost and got me back to where I was.
Its now been five and half years since I last even had a drop of water orally and everything is fed through the peg tube - either by pouring it down , if its totally liquid or by pushing it through the tube as in the form of an injection. I have been told that my fistulas will never heal by themselves and that means I am stuck with a stoma ( not permanent ) and a tube in my stomach - waiting for another miracle. The doctors were / are quite sure my air and food passage can be reconstructed by skin grafting but that would have to be done in phases and that in turn means spending time in the hospital. I have had enough of hospitals and decided to live my life out with the stoma ( for which I created an orator and can speak normally, hands free ) and as I have got pretty used to the peg tube it does not bother me anymore.
I still carry on with my job as I did pre cancer. I have added a personel gym next to my office where I work out for an hour every evening and go for a four kilometre run/jog every morning.
I look forward to a new day every day with a lot of positiveness and find myself getting closer to my two teenaged sons and falling in love with my wife all over again. I am no longer the worklaholic that I once was and take time off to be with my family. I have cut down on my travelling at the drop of a hat and rather have someone else do it. I have adopted 25 kids of who some are terminal. I make sure they receive all their medicines, hospital expenses, food and lodging at my expense. I also ensure that they receive a good deal of financial aid as all these kids come from families that cannot afford even one meal a day - let alone three that we all have.
Well I dont know how long I have left and even though I have been declared cancer free - one never is. I want lead a full life like I have always led - king size. I have no regrets and no complaints against the cancer. I was chosen to get it- I fought it and am alive for my sons and wife. I can also relate to others who have /are going through this illness and I think this makes my life complete. Cancer is a teacher of sorts and if you pick up the valuable lessons it teaches you - you can fight it and reap all the benefits of life from it. Benefits that you would never have considered had you not been the chosen one.
I dont know if this makes any sense - but then each one has/her opinionand I chose cancer as a techer.

Answer 2

I'm recently in remission from Hodgkin's Disease. Actually, I just got out of the hospital this week, from my High Dose Chemotherapy and Stem Cell Transplant.

I've tried to keep living a normal life all through my treatments. Chemo was pretty much a walk in the park for me, even with a few set backs (I had aggressive cancer) I have a four year old son and there's no sense in spending my life worrying or falling victim to the "why me's". I might as well live and make his life good while I am here and deal with relapse if I come to that bridge. No sense in being alive if you're not living, right?

Answer 3

CONGRATULATIONS! That doesn't seem like enough and doesn't seem right to say.

I too am a cancer survivor of 8 years now. I had cancer in the endometrium of my uterus. I was fortunate enough to have found it very early on (and by accident!)

I had problems with my period..very heavy and then non-stop...so had to go in for a D&C and the doc found a polyp. I asked immediately if it was cancer and was told no. It was pink and very healthy looking (he even showed me pix of it!).

It was sent to the lab and they found new cancer cells on it! Within 2 weeks I went in for a total hyst. and since it was so new, the cancer was only in the lining of the uterus. It did not get into the muscle at all so no chemo or radiation for me.

I was very, very lucky. I was so scared when I first found out and about 2 days before the surgery, I prayed and asked God to guide me and my family through whatever we were going to have to deal with.

So many of my friends are dreading their birthdays because we are fast approaching 50, but not me. I love each and every one of them. I was so close to not being able to celebrate another one.

Live life now! Housework will always be there waiting for you. Life will not. Once today is gone, it's not coming back. The dishes will.

Answer 4

I found out that I cancer when I was pregnant with my oldest child (now 8 years old). I could not have any type of treatment or surgery until after he was born. I had the surgery when he was a little over a month old and I am still cancer free. The cancer will always be in the back of your mind, but after some time, you will not stress everyday after a checkup waiting for the results. Continue your check ups as needed. I remind my self often that my cancer is gone, not simply because it was removed, but because God healed me (my doctor was the tool that He used). Be positive and keep in mind that you beat it. Be empowered by that and not imprisoned by the fact that you have had cancer. You are a WINNER!!!

Answer 5

First off....CONGRATULATIONS!! I too am a cancer survivor, Ovarian Cancer. I found the best support is from the American Cancer Societies annual event, Relay For Life. I am a committee member for the event in Kentucky. We put on a really big celebration for survivors. Check out the website....it always helps me to be around other cancer survivors. After checking this out and you have any questions, you can email me [e-mail]

Answer 6

I am a 2 year breast cancer survivor. You take it one day at a time, and follow up with your doctor as you have been doing. The big trouble getting back to reality is that when we go through chemo, radiation, etc. we are getting a lot of attention/support from family, doctors, etc. Now that we are "cured" all that support/attention suddenly stops.

I try not to worry too much about it coming back. If it does, I'll deal with it again, but everytime I feel a lump, bump, or twinge, I do get concerned. I also try to keep busy by supporting others who are just now going through the diagnosis, treatment process. Helping others keeps my mind to busy to worry too much

Answer 7

I am a 3 1/2 yr survivor. What I do..I get up each day and I go about my business. It's still new to you but it will get better to where you don't dwell on it. Honey..just live your life to the fullest. Enjoy what you have and do.

Answer 8

CUDOS GIRL!!!!! OUTSTANDING!!!! AWESOME!!!!!!
That is the things that make me happy to hear someone say that they have overcome a seious change in their life and still have a little giddyup in their hitch. HOT DAMN!!!

Yes, well not me; I had three people I loved. My grandmother is one; my dad is two and my uncle.
The only thing I can tell you from experience is continue to take your meds for the rebuild up of you white blood cell count, eat right (if you are able to have a regular diet) and exercise regularly. DON"T PUSH IT THOUGH!!!! Don't become compulsive about it. Just regular daily execising. And you will have a normal long life. My loved ones did.

CONGRATS TO YA AND CONTINUE THE DAMN FINE WORK GIRL!!!!!

Answer 9

My mom had breast cancer. She had one of her breasts removed, ten yrs ago. Shes going for reconstructive surgury in a week. She has been doing great "Thank God". Shes been able to live a normal life. Thank God that youre still here, Ive had other family members that lost their battles with cancer. God Bless!

Answer 10

i have a very close relative who has survived breast cancer for more than five years.She is hale and hearty. All her tests are negative.Her medication has been stopped.She has forgotten about her ailment and leads a normal life. Keep faith.Have a positive mindset. you will be OK God willing!