A tough cancer, a tough process and recovery, and a toxic financial [...]
A tough cancer, a tough process and recovery, and a toxic financial sentence for the remainder of life. this is not me bitching, just wondering how great the number of those affected really are. Grants are impossible to secure post cancer. however the treatments of oral surgery, wound care , the list goes on and represent a high balance deep in the red. organizations boast of their availability and support arsenal but never seem to have the cash on the barrel.
If they do, the paper trail is so great you are eventually made exhausted and need time off to recharge and get back into survival mode. cancer killed my participation as a professional chef as my palate is way off, and the cancer twisted some nerves in my tongue and makes swallowing a challenge. i for one do not know what to do. i try to enjoy some part of each day, have a laugh or 2 with my wife of 36 years. we no longer dream as we once did. disabled and not working while my wife struggles with c.o.p.d. and works 3 days a week. head and neck cancer simply does not have the recognition of other cancers and the money cannot keep up with the rapidly growing cancer.
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thanks for reading and sharing when u can
Hey Charles, I cannot know what you are going through as every Cancer is so different and every experience different again. I can relate to the financial blow and the fact that it changes your life forever. Enjoy what you can of every day and keep your near and dear close to you. Sending you strength. Holly
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1 ReactionVery difficult and frustrating indeed. I wish you the best and envy your strength
C
I am also going through head neck & throat cancer. I feel as you. I have difficulty with memory, fatigue. It has wiped me out financially. I own a business which is on hold. The loss of income great. Best of luck to you.......Nothing improves as fast as you would like, my frustration also.
I am so sorry that you are having to deal with this, I know how hard it all is. Social Security may be available to you, but it sure is not the same as full time income. Maybe you could begin to investigate a new line of direction to channel the experience, and probably the love of, being a chef. Have you thought of the possibility of teaching? I don't know what credentials they require, but just maybe it is something you could do? And keep dreaming!! You have to, even if that little voice inside your head tells you not to, don't listen. You must have hope and you must have dreams or you might as well just give up. NEVER give up!
Wishing you the best ~
Hats off Charles, You start to think once your a year out or so that nothing really improves and your life goes to hell. I am single which depresses the hell out of me. I am doing this solo and there is nothing worse then loneliness at this time.
I understand your thoughts and greatly agree. put a number on your forehead
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I was self employed. What happens, you lose everything you had. My business is national. Its very difficult.
After time go;s by you realize that this is it, not one of the side effects will ever go away. You now have this life of living with cancer the rest of the days you have left. This sounds harsh, but as time go,s along your always fighting to get by.
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1 ReactionSorry Cocobud you have to endure this disease alone. I would like to suggest you look in your local area for a cancer support group where you will fine many other people with cancer willing and needing to talk. I know all of that sounds very elementary, but these people can provide tremendous support when you are solo. Plus, you might even be able to help others get through the ups and downs of the disease. Depression in not healthy for you even if you have been told you days are numbered. 5+ years ago, my prognosis was 12 months tops, and i am fortunate to say I am still active and stable now. I fought back against the depression and did things that made me feel good. Please don’t give up on yourself. Fight with all your might. Best wishes, Marilyn
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2 Reactionsthanks Marilyn, We always need someone to talk to. I will check out the support groups,
Thanks Much
Cocobud you are so right, my husband had a lung out due to cncer 20 yrs. ago, once he got past that recovery he was almost just fine except for losing his breath walking long distances. This throat cancer seems to never quit. The expense for meds, the hospitalizations for infections & the wound on his neck that just won't heal. We are told that there is no more chemo he an have because his bone marrow is shot. We are on a fixed income raising an 17 yr. old who will be graduating high school this yr., I have found no support groups & now that he has a trach I can't leave the house unless someone trained in trach care can stay with him. no one will do that except my son who was trained with me. I can't even find info on the internet about this cancer. it has dominated our lives for 4 yrs. now & when my husband passes we will be so fiancially drained I will have to sell my house. I just live day by day hoping he other shoe doesn't drop.
I'm very happy to have this group.