Mixed Blessing
Last Friday I was told by my oncologist that I survived the critical 5 year period. For the next 5 years I will have a yearly blood test. No scans anymore. My oncologist called it a medical miracle.
Nevertheless a mixed blessing. For he acknowledged that all after-effects very probably might be permanent. Hardly being able to walk due to severe neuropathy, regular attacks of chemo brain, chronic fatigue, bowel problems, a rapidly worsening tinnitus and a slowly growing deafness.
Don’t misunderstand me, I’m grateful to be alive and to have beaten the odds. Of course I realize (as I did in a previous post) that some of the above issues might be age related (56 at the moment of writing). However, is this the quality of life I had hoped for?
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Hi Lo, first of all I’m glad that you are sort of going in the right direction. Never the less the struggle will be with you for some time I’m afraid. I’m amazed by the fact that people never give up although we’ll like to sometimes very much!! So in other words I’m always very quiet for a while after reading your blog. Why? Because we can learn so much from people going through hell and back and so on. Quiet because I realize so well how fragile we all are and how sneaky illnesses attack us from behind. Also quiet because I know that people like you have so much more to tell but don’t because of being afraid being a “zeur”. But believe me, it’s a blessing to know people who have the strength to communicate about their situation and hard times. So Lo, I admire you for that and feel not ashamed for telling you that right now. Will visit you soon. Be strong.
Thank you Frits for your kind words. Hope to see you soon!
Lieve Lo,
it was a strange anniversary last friday. I saw you in a worse state than 5 years ago WITH the cancer. I’m also convinced that you are able to struggle through this, and come out as radiant as ever.. Yes, brused and beaten, and even somewhat older even thou that doesn’t show yet.. ;-D
I’m grateful of knowing you, and admire your strenght to still be able to communicate about your situation. You’re in my thoughts. XXX
Ankie.
Dear Ankie,
thank you!
you made me blush