tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377218771506051065.post5796442367739988492..comments2023-10-21T03:26:14.989-05:00Comments on Appendix Cancer Survivor's Blog: Outcomes and ExpectationsCarolyn Langlie-Lesnik RN BSN MSNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16809251183587926473noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377218771506051065.post-90655341465379006152009-12-27T15:58:14.279-06:002009-12-27T15:58:14.279-06:00Alice, wanted to add that I loved what you said......Alice, wanted to add that I loved what you said..."And not winning does not mean that you have failed." You are so right.Carolyn Langlie-Lesnik RN BSN MSNhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16809251183587926473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377218771506051065.post-71226694264664131752009-12-27T15:49:15.314-06:002009-12-27T15:49:15.314-06:00Hi Alice,
I'm sorry you went through so much....Hi Alice,<br /><br />I'm sorry you went through so much. I know some with upbeat attitudes still have a difficult time, and some have problems in spite of positive expectations.<br /><br />And I truly don't believe an "I'll beat this attitude", religious support and doing "all of the right things" guarantee cancer survival, I know too many who have done all of those things and not survived. Cancer is a large and strong enemy.<br /><br />But there are also some who have "anticipitory nausea and vomiting" before even receiving chemo as they are so convinced beforehand they will have those side effects. I think positive expectations in recovery, while not the only factor, are still an important factor. We at least have to go into it with an open mind!Carolyn Langlie-Lesnik RN BSN MSNhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16809251183587926473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4377218771506051065.post-61246463166312342882009-12-27T14:06:34.450-06:002009-12-27T14:06:34.450-06:00Carolyn,
I have to agree that expectations play a...Carolyn,<br /><br />I have to agree that expectations play a role in recovery. Unfortunately, it is not the only factor.<br /><br />Following my first surgery, when my cancer was discovered, I was back to full activity in no time. My second surgery, with a “worst case scenario” hospitalization of 7-10 days was riddled with unexpected complications, all the while with me asking when I’d be discharged. However, intestinal ileus won, and I was hospitalized for 28 days. <br /><br />I went to IP chemo with no expectations other than some bloating – I had unforeseen extreme pain and complications. The doctors discontinued after 5 of a planned 8 cycles, with the hope that systemic chemo would be easier for me.<br /><br />I went into systemic chemo fearful, but reassured that the side effects could be controlled. My reactions to the Oxaliplatin were rare ones that I hadn’t been told about. My hand-foot from the 5FU left me unable to walk. A few other unexpected side effects convinced me to discontinue after 7 of a planned 12 cycles.<br /><br />Throughout, people were constantly remarking on how good my outlook was; amazed that I remained so up-beat. I now feel pretty good overall, and have pushed my cancer to the background. I feel confident that if my attitude had not been so good, the problems would have been worse, would have pushed me down much lower. However, with expectations that all was going to be manageable, I was wrong.<br /><br />I was a victim of bad luck in terms of rare complications. I am a victor in that cancer is not controlling my life, that I have a “normal” life back. Cancer is now in the background.<br /><br />People need to understand that your outlook can help, but it won’t avoid inevitable problems. I resent the people who tell me that everything will be okay because I have the right attitude.<br /><br />A very dear friend of mine with an extraordinary outlook on life died of cancer. She stayed hopeful and upbeat until the end, was devoutly religious, and did “all the right things”. Despite her emotional strength, her body let her down. She could not fight the cancer.<br /><br />Yes, go into this with the attitude that you can beat it. But also know that the enemy is strong. And not winning does not mean that you have failed.Alice R.https://www.blogger.com/profile/10474860179151806386noreply@blogger.com