First day of chemotherapy is done. It feels really good to be able to say that; for the last couple of weeks everything has seemed in limbo. I have been weighed down with the fact that I have cancer, but caught in that frustrating period between knowledge and action. Today, finally, I started fighting back.
You guys, I am seriously in love with these photos. They capture the laughter, love and liberation of the whole experience perfectly, and I wanted to share them with you. Take a look at the slideshow below and, whatever your feelings about hair loss, please remember that they're valid, important and that you don't owe anyone anything when it comes to the choices you decide to make for you during this process.
Yesterday my parents and I attended something referred to as a 'Confirmation of Consent' meeting with my absolute babe of a Nurse Specialist, Theresa. Sadly this wasn't some sort of disruptive feminist workshop, but a medical appointment about chemotherapy. The point of the session is to run through your cancer treatment plan, its side effects and risks, answer any questions you may have and then finally get your permission to start poisoning you for your own benefit.
Instead I have been wading my way wide-eyed and babbling incoherently through myriad conversations about my fertility. Basically, am I ever going to want to grow some sproglets inside of me one day? Because [spoiler alert], cancer and its subsequent treatment might make my chances of natural conception as likely as Trump winning an honorary ACLU award.
It's funny what sorts of worries cross your mind in the dead of night. Lying in bed last night at 3am I realised I have no idea how to approach makeup during chemo. Some ponderous highlights include: When it takes my hair and I'm rocking the Jean-Luc Picard vibe, where do I draw the line... Continue Reading →
My personal relationship with mental health conditions was the main factor in why I immediately sought (and continue to seek) information regarding mental health support for cancer patients. Not only was I worried about my own mental health, and the mental health of my loved ones, but on top of that I was wracked with guilt.
Whenever I have had to have an injection, I've tried to rationalise my fear by telling myself "it could be so much worse - sure, the 'flu jab is scary, but it's not like it's a bone marrow biopsy or anything". The idea of that particular procedure terrified me so much that everything else paled in comparison, and I was just glad I never had to face it. Until I did have to face it.
It's easy to look back and think 'why didn't I notice earlier?' (you know, before my cancer got to Stage 4), but the truth is that hindsight is 20/20 and when you're actually living through these symptoms they feel so unrelated and random.
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The [Other] C Word 