My surgery back in May went well without complications; the colon cancer was removed except for one lymph node. However, as I was officially diagnosed with Stage 3c, it was a strong recommendation from my oncologist to proceed with chemo. I'm still digesting and processing this news, and would like advice/tips/suggestions on some aspects surrounding the process.
I'm, frankly, depressed. I live alone, don't have a partner, and am far away from my family cross country. How it will work is, I'll get infusions (Copax) every 3 weeks, in addition to pills, for a 6 month period.
I'm very worried about the side effects, especially neuropathy, and have talked with my oncologist (who has been great answering questions), and we have solutions/remedies lined up, and I'll be in touch with the care team as needed. However, I love my lifestyle, and am worried and saddened about the fact that my summer is now "ruined" and I'll basically be on/off sick (if that's how the chemo affects me) for 6 months. I'm worried about the loss of taste/metallic taste that might happen, and generally feeling sick. I'm a foodie and love going out/being with friends/swimming, so this is quite devastating for me.
I'm a very social kind of person, so this is honestly depressing. I've been having trouble getting out of bed the last few days, and I just feel emotionally exhausted. I've been through a lot in my life — bullying, being laid off, rejection, and now cancer/surgery (which was pure hell in the hospital; stayed 9 days, which was 3x the average), and am finally recovering/feeling good. Now that will be yanked away for chemo. However, chemo is necessary, because if I don't get chemo, it'd be more than 50% of a chance that the cancer will return, and it'd return as Stage 4 and therefore not curable, according to my oncologist.
I'm struggling with the facts and the life change I'm facing, and want suggestions and realistic expectations, yet some reassurance. Some questions:
1) How do I deal with this feeling of depression and generally feeling powerless and sad? I have a therapist, but additional suggestions would be helpful.
2) Should I get a chemo "care package"? What items should I get during chemo? For example, a thermometer?
3) Should I get ceramic cookware to reduce the possibility of the metallic taste during chemo? I'm already planning to get plastic utensils. If so, links would be super helpful (Amazon-preferring as I have Prime).
4) Should I plan for a meal train on the first week following the infusion for each cycle, or just the first cycle? Any particular foods that work well with chemo (that's still delicious and pleasing to eat)?
5) How do I prepare to make life more tolerable and happy as possible with chemo?
6) Would you recommend I go home during the 6 month period and get chemo there? Would it be more helpful and go better if I have the support of family rather than alone in DC?
It looks like I'll be on cycles — 1 week when I get infusions, 2 weeks of pills, a "break" week, then infusions/rinse and repeat. That's how I understand it, anyway.
I asked about alternatives, including pills only, but because my cancer is too "advanced" (at Stage 3c) it really looks like infusion plus pill-based chemo is my only option. : I honestly feel bitter too—why me? But I understand that's normal to feel that way.
Thanks for your helpful suggestions to my questions. |
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