cancer

Posted by arlina (568 days ago)

hi everyone, just want to share my feelings and wish someone can relate to how I feel. Last year was a big challenge for us. My husband was diagnosed with lung cancer stage 4. We went thru the chemotheraphy and radiation and all hospital visits together.The chemo worked on him, but every now and then I always have the creeps especially when I will hear him cough. I feel so
paranoid with my self as well thinking I have this and that kind of cancer. Is there someone out there who have gone what I have been through ? Did you do any program after the chemos and radiation?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by annebin (566 days ago)

Hi Arlina,

I understand how it is to have your loved one go through this challenging period. Sometimes it's even worse for the family than the patient. From experience, it's best to learn all you can about cancer care. Knowledge empowers you, and can help you overcome your fear.

Surround yourself with positive people always. Join a cancer support group if you don't have friends and family here. I found this site but have no experience with this organization. You may get in touch with them and see if there are people who are in the same situation as you.

http://www.cancer-fund.org/html/eng/who/index.html

Read Lance Armstrong's "It's Not About The Bike". It's an inspiring story. Check out the website of Livestrong:
http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.jvKZLbMRIsG/b.594849/k.CC7C/Home.htm

Hang in there Arlina, it will get better. Stay strong :)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by arlina (566 days ago)

thank you for your reply. Yes, I have been reading the Lance Armstrong books and it help me alot. I have been lucky to have friends who were so supportive but at the end of the day, when I am by myself- I am so scared. I need to be strong in front of the kids as well. At the moment, he is done already with all the treatment. He only visit the doctor every 6 months for petscan starting this year.Anyways, thank you Annebin.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Arline (560 days ago)

Dear Arlina
please keep hope and give hope to your husband. Without hope you cannot fight a cancer.
To find hope, it's extremely difficult in Hong Kong especially if you are western, institutions here do not understand western needs. I'm thinking about Cansurvive, Cancer Fund... which have been totally inadequate. From my part, I found support with Raja Yoga courses, they are free, the centre is in Tin Hau.
You can order also a incredible book: remarkable recovery from Marc Ian Barasch and you will see that cancer can be reversible if, like all the people in the book, you manage to find what the body needs. A few people found solution to their cancer: we never talk about this people because doctors have no interest in their experience but they exist and they have a lot of to say and they can give a lot of hope.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by arlina (559 days ago)

thanks Arline, by the way- do we have the same predicament?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Arline (559 days ago)

I'm struggling also with a cancer so I know in some degrees what your husband and you lived.
I had to find solutions, hope, tools for myself as I didn't find anything in Hong Kong among existing hospitals, institutions...to help me.I didn't expect such a big city has nothing appropriate to offer but it's the reality.I hope everything will be fine for your husband, hope , faith in life are an essential components to face cancer and the afterwards.Doing some meditation helps a lot and works better to calm the mind than taking medicines. Doctors never give this kind of advice but try to explore this tool and you will see on the long run that it works and empowers you.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by arlina (559 days ago)

Hi Arline. There was a pinch in my heart after I read your response. It was a difficult year 2005-2006 for us. But at the end of the rainbow, is
sunshine/ I still have him. Every morning when we wake up we've been given a wonderful gift- another day of life so let's make the most out of it.No one can do it for us. During his treatment, he was in and out of the hospital.
white cells, red cells etc. When he felt fine, we always make it sure we do something fun. There was one instance after chemo and he was alright we went to macau to have fun and it was great -I won a lot!! I paid for 1 session of chemo the next month. We tried to find humor in everything we do but just like what I said- when I am alone ,it is just so scary and sad. I gain weight, though(ha ha) I hope you have someone with this journey,Arline. Take care and talk to you in here again.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by lammum (547 days ago)

Arlina - you sound like me... hope you are doing well. just hit my first year aniversary - but like you found no support in HK for westerners, sad when cansurvive can't reurn either emails or phonecalls when you are at your worst. pmif you ever need a chat.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by arlina (443 days ago)

hi lammum, annebin, arlina.. What's up with you guys. Hope everything is going on smoothly.
Just to say hi there!!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Sweetie Piglet (392 days ago)

Please bear in mind that even you've finished all cancer treatment (chemo/radiotherapy), you've to keep on monitoring and to avoid recurrance of the cancer cells. Best is to take yunzhi PSP, it works very well and is well-known to cancer patients. For details, visit <www.wonder-herb.com>

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by sandydee (392 days ago)

wow. Just reading your responses you sound like very inspiring, positive people. (and you prob don't even realise that!!!) Your attitudes to this illness is what will help you get through it or at least cope with what it makes you deal with on a day to day basis. Use this forum to talk to each other or PM each other if the other groups are failing you. Sandy

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Johnco (390 days ago)

When one is very ill the best way to ease the "Mental Pain" is to listen to classical music.Try "Chamber music",trios,quartets and harped ensemble music.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by lammum (354 days ago)

Arline & Arlina

hope you are well? had a tough last 6 months in hospital 2x with relapses and infections as a result of removal of lymph nodes and prolonged radiation. feeling much better now and still cancer free. will be 2 years clear after christmas so feeling upbeat.
hope all is going well for you and you are taking care.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by annebin (354 days ago)

Hi Lammum

Congratulations on being cancer-free! Good to know you are feeling much better.
Stay positive!
Send me a PM if you want to chat. Take care

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by arlina (353 days ago)

hi Lammum, great to hear from you. Which hospital did you spent on? Regarding us, my husband will be on his 2nd year this oct 1. he will have his petscan soon- every 5 months. I still have the creeps , Wishing you the best, take care of yourself and enjoy everyday that pass by. Bless you!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by lammum (351 days ago)

thanks ladies. Arlina, stay strong, your husband is a lucky man to have you with him all the way, support makes a huge difference to attitude and beating it. my husband couldn't deal with it all, but i have a great support network of friends and my parents, plus 2 little ones who keep me on my toes! i am still at QMH for follow up, I also go to Adventist when have cellulitis, and the scepticemia/ septic shock which I have had 2x in last 6months. i have all my blood work and smears and scans at QMH. Finally at every 4 months not 3 and it will go to 6months soon. my only big issue now is the lymphoedema in one leg, did you get that annebin and if so what advice? QMH and Adventist seem to have lttle advice! thx for offer on a chat, might take you up on that for more advice.

have a great w/end ladies

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by vcheung (349 days ago)

Try www.cancerfightingstrategies.com

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by annebin (347 days ago)

Hi Lammum,

Fortunately, I didn't have any major medical issues during and after chemo/radio. Though I'm considered cured and cancer-free already, I still go to my gyne-onco 2x a year for pap and ultrasound.

Send me a PM anytime

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by arlina (347 days ago)

hi girls... the other problem now is his weight. After the chemo, radiation and all the steroids that they stuff him.. made him look like Homer (that's what we call him now) and he will reply by saying DUH!!
kidding aside, he is soo overweight and at times or most of the times he gets swollen feet. I kept on telling him to see and ask his doctor about it but he just ignore me and tells me it is all weight related problem - the reason why he have swollen feet. Do you agree with this, Lammum, Annebin? Anyway, he will be seeing the doctor next Oct. 5 for his every 6th month check up. FYI, He also go to QMH
and Dr. Diana Sui for these check ups. He combined the private and public practice for reference. Take care the 2 of you.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by leeatyhk (345 days ago)

Dear all, after reading your discussion, as the deputy general manager of one of the private cancer institute mentioned above, I would like to apologize if we are not able to provide you with the best advice and assistance. I fully understand that getting cancer knowledge is the power to overcome and handle the disease but also support from family, friends and medical professionals are very important factors. If I could be of any assistance to any of you, please feel free to contact me or leave me a message, I will do my best to answer.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by arlina (342 days ago)

hi leetyhk, I would like to participate with your volunteer work if you have any. pls inform.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by leeatyhk (342 days ago)

Sure, if there are future chance to share your experience to other potential patients during some public talk. Would you be interested?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by arlina (342 days ago)

i would like to help in a different way. And FYI, it is my husband who was a cancer patient. Do you have any other volunteer jobs.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Arline (341 days ago)

What does the Hk Cancer Fund offers today to western cancer patients?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by 5star (334 days ago)

I also go throught the treament now and yes i have gained about 30 kilos in 3 weeks when they started. Have not been able to remove any gramms so far!
No diet will do as it is all due to medication any one experienced too and was able to put weight down? cant really excersise as very tired but I do not eat much at all!
It is quiet depressing to see yourself blow up when you dont even enjoy eating cakes or eating all the good stuff!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by arlina (334 days ago)

hi 5star, how is it with you? wishing you the best to come

(I am based in Hong Kong)