A few people suggested I start a blog after I was diagnosed. Mostly because it's a good way to vent and it means you can look back and see how far you've come and how things have improved. I Agree that writing your thoughts down is an excellent way to vent frustrations without moaning to loved ones, it's also a good way of putting order into your thoughts to help you think clearly when you're head seems to have too much flying around in it all at once!
However, I didn't see the point in a blog as I felt it was a personal thing to do and no one else need be concerned with it. Instead I bought a lovely little leather bound notebook and i've been keeping my notes in there.
Since then, I've realised why a blog is a good idea. Whilst searching for hope on the internet I came across a few blogs of people who have been battling synovial sarcomas. The positive attitude and courage in some of these people when facing what they have to face has inspired me and lifted my spirits so many times now. I always thought my story was a bit too doom and gloom to bring to anyone's attention as most people are looking for success stories. I feel now that with all the twists and turns, my story is worth telling as it might give others hope and strength to stay strong and carry on when the outlook is bleak!
I've just started what I think is the final stage of my treatment, hence the 'better late than never'.. So I shall summarise the whole escapade and see how it pans out.
Wednesday 14 September 2011
The story so far.. August 2011
Started radiotherapy, almost finished my six week course - sick and reeeeeeaaally tired! Hardest bit so far. (Getting 45gy to a field that covers half my chest from my clavicle to the top of my stomach. Then a boost of 9gy to both positive margin areas. I read a paper about radiotherpy to treat positive margins with sarcoma and it seems quite effective. Although significantly better if the dose is above 65gy but i think 45gy is the maximum you can get at your spine.)
Bought a campervan with our wedding money :oD As soon as my side affects start wearing off we're off to the outer hebrides to try it out!
Bought a campervan with our wedding money :oD As soon as my side affects start wearing off we're off to the outer hebrides to try it out!
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Hang in there, not long to go. One of my motivators was imagining the future and I was terminal and lying on me death bed that at least I could say to family and friends that we fought the good fight and did everything that we could. You would feel a real nong lying & dying and then thinking or saying.. I wish I did that radiation therapy the specialists recommended. ... I found fresh food, light activity and lots on naps to be good.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gary, I finished today, woooohoooo!!
ReplyDeleteWhat's all this about imagining the future terminal on your death bed? We'll have none of that, positive visualisation all the way!! I know what you mean though, I often think 'if it all ends the way I hope it doesn't, have I definitely done everything I could have?' And I'd say yes :)
Hopefully wont be too long before these side effects wear off.
Hope all's well with you!