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Susan Cornett reacted to BridgetO in There are days....
I think both survivors and caregivers want to avoid unlioading their baggage on each other. It's inevitable that we do that some though. One thing I love about these forums is it gives me a place I can unload some stuff without unduly alarming my spouse. I know she wants to make things better for me, but at times I just need to vent or complain or share anxieties. Here others have been through a lot of the same stuff and will understand without feeling responsible or worried. Thanks everybody for being here!
Bridget O
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Susan Cornett reacted to Steff in There are days....
Susan,
I read your post a few days ago and it really hit me, but I didn't have the words or thoughts of how I wanted to reply since I am not the cancer survivor and don't want to make everything about me. But I too, as a care advocate for my mom, feel the nagging thoughts in my everyday activities. And honestly, I think you all do so much better in dealing with those nagging thoughts than I do. I will use my mom as an example...I speak to her everyday via phone. Yesterday happened to be the first day we did not talk about cancer, how she is feeling, upcoming appointments, etc for nearly a year. I had decided after reading your post that I would not be the one to bring up cancer in our phone visits unless something major was going on (I really had to look at what I consider to be MAJOR because I think EVERYTHING is MAJOR!!!). I realized that I was probably putting my nagging thoughts onto her and that is the last thing she needs. And voila, when I did not bring up cancer she did not either! So, although I cannot help with any "words of wisdom" in regard to dealing with nagging thoughts (since I totally suck at it!!!), I want to let you know that you are not alone. And I also want to say thank you...although I am sure it wasn't your intention, you helped me to realize how I can be unintentionally placing my baggage onto my mom when I really try hard not to.
I hope that those nagging thoughts lessen for you and for all survivors.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Take Care,
Steff
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Susan Cornett reacted to Tom Galli in There are days....
Susan,
Unfortunately, I still get hit right between the eyes. Case in point, I've had a nagging congested chest condition with a "dry patch" in my throat since mid May. My GP ordered and ENT endoscope consult followed by an MRI. So alarm bells are ringing in my head! Recurrence, even after long periods of NED is common. Living with the threat is partly finding one's new normal, but the threat is always hanging around my mind and effects my day to day life. For example, I pay close attention to medical expense and medical evacuation benefits on the travel insurance policy I now purchase for every international vacation. And, I still have that scanziety drill for my two scheduled oncology consultations a year.
Lung cancer really is part of my life. It is ever present in my mind. Sometimes, I am overwhelmed by its reality. My only solutions is to....
Stay the course.
Tom
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Susan Cornett reacted to Lisa66 in Cancerversary
Congratulations Susan!!!! I have told my dad about the red toenail celebration. Hopefully you will run out of toes and have to borrow some like Tom.
Lisa
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Susan Cornett reacted to LaurenH in Cancerversary
This is wonderful, Susan!
Lauren
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Digital Community Manager
LUNGevity Foundation
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Susan Cornett reacted to Tom Galli in Cancerversary
February 22,1019 -- 3 toes! Marked it on my calendar.
Stay the course Susan.....
Tom
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Susan Cornett got a reaction from Steff in Fourteen Years, Three Right Feet!
By the way, I'll be adding a two red toe picture today.
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Susan Cornett got a reaction from Tom Galli in Fourteen Years, Three Right Feet!
By the way, I'll be adding a two red toe picture today.
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Susan Cornett got a reaction from Tom Galli in My Friend Randy
Tom, I'm sorry for your loss. Lifelong friends are a treasure.
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Susan Cornett got a reaction from Tom Galli in Fourteen Years, Three Right Feet!
I love this!!! Your story gives us all hope.
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Susan Cornett got a reaction from Tom Galli in Breathe Deep
Tom,
It was such a pleasure to meet you on Saturday! I've often said we're members of a club no one wants to join, but getting to meet and speak with others who've walked the path makes this just a bit better. We had a good event and I'm already looking forward to next year.
Happy Thanksgiving to all -
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Susan Cornett got a reaction from BridgetO in Chemo Doesn't Work and Oncologists Get Rich
Almost every day, a friend on Facebook shares a story that doctors won't cure cancer because they and big pharma make too much money. Well, guess what? Those drugs and that surgeon saved my life and I am eternally grateful for the time I have. Without either of those, I likely wouldn't be here today. I have looked into other options, but certainly not in place of but instead in conjunction with my treatment. Part of being your own advocate is researching treatment and determining what is snake oil and what's real.
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Susan Cornett got a reaction from Tom Galli in Deja Vu All Over Again
Thinking about your daughter and you, and praying for only the very best results.
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Susan Cornett got a reaction from DanielleP in Caregiver Conflict? Why? Let's just...not.
Bless the caregivers! They make my life so much easier, and it makes it easier to fight the cancer.
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Susan Cornett got a reaction from Tom Galli in Social Security Disability by Disapproval
My dad fought this battle when he became ill. His neurologist certified him as totally and permanently disabled due to three strokes and ongoing seizures. He was denied on his first application, hired an attorney and was approved but had to fight every year to remain disabled until he reached retirement age.
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Susan Cornett got a reaction from LouT in Uncertain Treatment Outcomes: A Baseball Model
Great analogy! I'm swinging for the fences every day....
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Susan Cornett got a reaction from Tom Galli in Thirteen Years; Thirteen Toes!
I'm looking forward to painting my first red toe in a couple of weeks!
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Susan Cornett got a reaction from Tom Galli in Grandfather and Survivor
Congratulations on this beautiful addition to your family! I am so happy for you and yours!!
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Susan Cornett got a reaction from Suzanne in Uncertain Treatment Outcomes: A Baseball Model
Great analogy! I'm swinging for the fences every day....
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Susan Cornett got a reaction from Tom Galli in Uncertain Treatment Outcomes: A Baseball Model
Great analogy! I'm swinging for the fences every day....
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Susan Cornett got a reaction from LaurenH in I'm new and scared
Hi, Mike. I started my journey with the pulmonologist. I had a nagging cough and, as an asthma patient, already had a pulmonologist. I had been to the ER, though, and had a CT that showed my mass. He referred me to a wonderful surgeon who in turn referred me to an even better oncologist following my surgery. Here's hoping that it is anything but lung cancer.
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Susan Cornett got a reaction from Mike Martinez in I'm new and scared
Hi, Mike. I started my journey with the pulmonologist. I had a nagging cough and, as an asthma patient, already had a pulmonologist. I had been to the ER, though, and had a CT that showed my mass. He referred me to a wonderful surgeon who in turn referred me to an even better oncologist following my surgery. Here's hoping that it is anything but lung cancer.
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Susan Cornett got a reaction from Tom Galli in Lung Cancer's Painful Quadratic Equation
As usual, your post is enlightening for me. I'm flying next month for the first time since my lobectomy and wondered about cabin pressure. I usually drive to this particular destination but due to lingering fatigue (lovingly referred to as my chemo hangover), my docs thought it best that I not make the long drive. That said, I'll be prepared for the flight after reading your post. Three of my physicians have said that it can take a full year to recover from a lobectomy, but I'll take that discomfort over the alternative every day. Thank you, Tom, for being a light in this otherwise dark tunnel.