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The Californian

Jacquie_333
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Hi Everyone,

My name is Jacquie and I am from California, U.S. and not the UK. I found this site by accident and really liked the sense of community here, so I thought I would join. I'm looking forward to hearing about everyone's experience and strengths and sharing my own as well.

About 15 months ago I was diagnosed with stage IIIB cervcal cancer. My tumor was inoperable and the cancer had begun going into my lymph nodes, but was not yet metasticizing. I went through weekly chemo and daily external radiation plus regular internal radiation treatments about this time last year I was nearing the end of my treatments.

I was officially declared in remission in early October, which is great, but I have been battling radiation damage to my internal organs, so there is still a bit of a long road ahead. I have also been fighting with some depression and anxiety, which I just found out is common for survivors when they are trying to get back into life. Although my family has been outrageously supportive, I am really looking forward to having a sense of community from those who have been there.

Thank you, this seems like a great and supportive community and I look forward to diving in. 

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    Hey Jacquie I'm desperately clinging to hope my sister was diagnosed with stage iv bowel cancer they gave her one year max. Can't imagine life without her so it helps reading stories like yours. I hope you get out of this depression soon the worst is over think about it. Sending a big hug xx Sandy

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    Hi Jacquie,

    You are right this is a very supportive site.  I have spoken to some amazing people on here during the time I have been a member.

    Well done to you. But it is quite often the case that people feel down after cancer. Lets face it; its a life changing experiance so its not surprising really. Often the residue of the treatments that have bben given also have the same effect. I have no doubt you will soon start to feel better and more your old self.

    Take care and am sending best wishes to you and your family, Brian.

  • Offline in reply to sandy.w

    Thank you, Sandy.

    Hugs to you as well and to your family. 

    ~Jacquie

  • Offline in reply to woodworm

    Brian,

    Thank you. Its nice to meet you. It looks like youre a very active member on here :)

    I hope youre right, that things get normal soon. I'm doing what I can to make that happen.

    ~Jacquie

  • Offline in reply to Jacquie_333

    Hi Jacquie,

    It takes a while to get back to normal. I know when I was having my radiotherapy for prostate cancer, my world changed quite dramatically. As the hospital was about an hours journey away, Most of the moring was taken up for about seven and a half weeks. In the afternoons I didnt feel like starting anything.  Afterwards life seemed to be so much slower as I had time to do things so it took a bit of getting used to.

    But I am pleased to tell you while I was on my second day of radiotherapy, I changed quite dramactically. I used tobe quite shy but on the second day, for some reason I lost that shyness and have since done things I would never have dreamed of doing before. I have joined several charities and their committees and have even give talks, something I could never have done previously.

    I just feel so lucky as I know of at least three people whose psa was around the level mine was and they didnt recover from the cancer. So thats why I do what little I can.

    Sending kind thoughts your way and hope you soon fully recover, Brian.

     

  • Offline in reply to woodworm
    Hi Jacquie I found when I had my radiotherapy, how much the people that were having RT started chatting, it did not matter what cancer they had it was like a community. The damage done internally will repair itself, like all things just takes time. Everyone on this site always has encouragement and the help and advice and if you need a friend we are always here, no matter what country your from we are all trying to stamp out this terrible desease. Take care and well done you your family must be so proud of your accomplishment.

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