The "Inside" Story of Cancer
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Results from the radiological tests ordered by my GP were not always accurate in the beginning, with the test results informing me there was a possible metastases (secondary cancer sites) with an undefined primary tumour. As soon as I saw the word metastases and I read the results of the reports, I was in total shock as according to the information I was reading I did not have long to live (I silently wished I was not a trained nurse when I read the reports as I thought it would be better to be in the dark). Or would it? Incorrect emotionally devastating radiological results were also written following a friend's diagnosis of cancer. She has since fully recovered.
When I was finally referred to an oncologist, I was still in denial believing that if I did have a tumour it would be benign as I felt well and that I had already been through cancer and could not believe that I was about to go through it again.
The oncologist, however, informed me quietly that I definitely did have cancer, and that the tumour that I had was malignant, large and aggressive. I was also in stage 4 (there are 4 stages) which was even more of a shock as I felt so well at the time. The specialist also quietly told me to get my things in order. What a shock!
His words took my breath away. That moment in the Doctor's office can be totally surreal. It was good to at last have an accurate diagnosis but while the oncologist was talking to both my husband and myself, my head was spinning and all I could think about was whether I was going to live or die. I just silently prayed that I could be given some hope and a chance at beating it. I am sure a lot of you can relate to this. If you went through the same emotions then believe me it is quite normal.
You will have so many thoughts in your head and questions to be answered when you receive the diagnosis. Sometimes your mind just goes blank due to the shock of the diagnosis. I know I completely switched off as I was still trying to get my head around the idea of having cancer again. We are all different and we all face adversity in our own way. I know I needed some quiet time to myself to come to grips with everything and work out how I was going to approach the next few months.
Your head goes into a spin. The word cancer can sometimes strike fear into your soul - your whole life flashes before you. I felt as though I had been hit by a truck. No one can ever be prepared for a diagnosis of cancer. I think you will agree with me when I say it hits you like a bolt of lightning. The first question that usually comes into a person's head is usually “Why me?” With myself the first question that came into my head was “Why me again?” but most importantly “Can I beat it?” Not everyone asks these questions as everyone's reaction is different. For most of us just hearing the word cancer creates incredible fear and stress.
However most of us just want to know what the prognosis is for the type of cancer that we have. My prognosis was not good and I could see the years ahead of retiring happily with my wonderful husband and watching my grandchildren grow were being taken away from me. All I could think of was that this would definitely be the biggest challenge of all for me.
Do not go on the Internet as the information provided is very negative and is more depressing than helpful. Stay positive and only have positive people around you as you need so much encouragement at this time.
As some of you may be experiencing the same flood of emotions be aware that this is normal. I was quite emotional for some time. It was as though my hormones were under attack so do not be embarrassed if the same happens to you. I did not know it at the time but cancer can become an emotional journey as well as a physical journey.
I did not understand it at all as I felt so well. Night sweats that I had put down as part of the symptoms of menopause were instead part of the symptoms of my cancer. All I wanted to know was whether I was going to live or die but of course the doctor could not yet answer the most important question of my life.
The doctor kept talking to me, and telling me to get in touch with my own spirituality. What I was hearing him say in not so many words was that there was a possibility I could die. I could not comprehend what he was saying and that it was happening to me. I was not prepared for such news. I do not think anyone is ever ready. I had so many plans for the future.
I remember when my husband drove me home in the car I had to ask him repeatedly everything the oncologist had said as I was in shock and could not remember all that was said. Observing others who have been diagnosed with cancer I can see this reaction is quite normal.
The oncologist spoke quietly to me abut the type of cancer I had and the treatment that was available, which I was to commence as soon as possible. I am sure though you have found out yourselves we have a long wait until the end of treatment before we have any idea if the treatment is eradicating cancer cells from our body.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
This is a unique story of how a husband and wife both beat cancer. The author of the book has beaten cancer twice and a few years later finds herself in a carer’s role when her husband is diagnosed with cancer.
It is a personal story that answers the simple questions that all newly diagnosed patients needs answering. The type of questions that patients are too uncomfortable asking their specialist. These include what it truly feels like to have cancer and go through conventional treatment as well as tackle any side effects. It recognises, in a very open and honest way, the emotional and psychological effect of a cancer diagnosis.
The book is very informative and gives a lot of detail of the variety of approaches the author and her husband followed to tackle a diagnosis of cancer and beat the disease. The book also tells of what it feels like to be a carer. Most importantly, this book is written by a couple who have tackled the disease head on and beaten it and therefore gives a first hand account on the inside story of cancer.