Linda it was so good to hear from you not that we don't enjoy Al because we all do!! I can relate to so many things you mentioned in your post. This really does turn your life upside down. After going through the first year of thinking I was going to die any day I finally came to realize I probably wasn't going to die tomorrow. Just when I started moving on and accepting my illness, being unemployed, giving up some of my independance and making new friends then my husband starting having medical problems one after the other. When I was doing well he wasn't and when he was doing well then I wasn't such a roller coaster for another year. We were relying on friends for rides, meals, house cleaning. I was too tired to do much and he was having surgeries. There were times when a friend would come to pick me up for an appointment and their spouse would pick up my husband for his appointment. Some of his surgeries I was too tired and wiped to be at the hospital none of our friends offered to stay with either one of us!! I don't think they realized never been there or done it. I think if we both had been younger or only married for a short that our marriage would not have survived. It has been a struggle for both of us and I had to keep telling my husband wouldn't you rather be able to do some things then nothing? He thought he had to be able to do everything and still thinks that at times. I have 2 cleaning ladies that come in every two weeks because neither of us can vaccum wash floors etc. It is a full time job for me keeping up with doctor appointments ( I hate them too ). I do talk to lots of people and the nurses call me the social butterfly in oncology. Most like to talk a few don't and I can respect that. As soon as my IV is going I am up and walking about the place I hate to set, don't like TV much. I am involved in 3 support groups, do phone support to other BC patients, do and monthly newsletter at church and take art classes. I am going to do just as much as I can as long as it keeps me from getting ill. People ask me when I am going back to work! I do lots of things but they are at my convenience. Some days I don't do anything. We are all different and have to do what we have to do. The treatments take a toll on us and so have to work around them. Some people just don't get it. Like you said it takes time to keep up with supplements, eat well, exercise, do these darn appointments. I have rambled on long enough. We all know what it is like on this journey. I am thankful I do have a spouse. I just don't know how a single person does it on their own!!! Looking forward to meeting you soon. I am sure we will have lots to share. hugs, Sandy
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