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Glynn |
When I can't eat I just keep trying stuff until something is tolerable.
No worries SweetCali, I will be there soon to fatten you up! I have my handy-dandy recipes for blondes booklet and a lot of will power to make you feel better. I will also show you how to make ensure tolerable. A girl has to add things sometimes. :harley: |
Superfemme, I have had 3 and 4 opinions on this. I have had blood tests run (ca125 and other labs), mammograms/sonograms, you name it - I think I have had it. I am going to the largest breast cancer center on the East Coast. I trust them. There are doctors who I don't trust, and who leave me with a bad taste in my mouth. How they got their license is beyond my understanding. And trust me, I will never set foot in Johns Hopkins ever again. Not only for how they treated me as a transman, but how they neglected my sister with her cancer. Enough about that. Thank you for your love and support. I appreciate it. Waxnrope, Talk to your sister NOW. Tell her what is in your heart. Tell her you love her. Tell her your dreams, your hopes, your loves, your losses. Don't wait a second more. Help her to die with dignity. I had to help my sister to die. It was by far the hardest thing on earth I ever did. Everything from writing letters to her 2 young sons who couldn't grasp what cancer is or what it was, to planning her funeral, to talking about the afterlife, to reading to her, to helping her pick tomatoes from a vine I planted for her in a small tub. I have such wonderful memories of her. I also remember holding her head while she was getting sick, her hair loss...it is just heartbreaking. So I know what is going thru your mind. Be with her, and don't be afraid to share your soul with her. She needs it just as much as you do. SweetCali, Try eating fruit shakes with real fruit. They are good. Or even ice cream floats. :clap: I love those, but they put on the pounds for me because I like whipped cream. If it is fattening I love it. And I'm diabetic, so I have to watch what I eat. There is a website from NIH that is from their nuitritional group. I am not sure of what it is called diet something or another. Try doing a search there, and maybe you can get some ideas. Hospice is awesome. I know I had a bunch of angels helping out with my sister. They were just the best. Always knowing what to do, when to do it, and how to make everything flow. There were some days that were harder than others, but for the most part, I would recommend hospice to anyone. Tommi, Thank you my brother. You always are so kind to me. I just adore you! PearlsnLace, Humor always keeps me going. I love to get pms that are like that. The more the merrier. Thank you. I appreciate you thinking of this for me! How sweet of you! Drew :farmer: :bingo: |
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My energy levels are really low. I just do not have the stamina I used to have for anything. Sometimes I sleep ok sometimes I don't. Yes I do the traditional 3 meals a day. What confuses me is some say for muscle gain, some say for weight loss, some say just for added protein. etc etc. Thank you, sweetcali |
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sweetcali |
Andrew...First of all, I want to thank you for creating such an empowering and supportive thread.
Next...To all those going through such a challenge or taking care of someone who is: My heart goes out to you and your families. A little bit about my experience with cancer: Cancer has struck my family in many areas. I lost my Aunt from cancer in her entire body when I was young. I lost my Father 1 1/2 years ago from Melanoma. My daughter got pragnant at 14..I know yikes! But during her pragnancy the doctors found cervical cancer...She had to carry and deliver the baby before treatment...Which was quite scarey. I am happy to inform that they removed and treated her after and she is free and clear to this date and she is now 30. As for myself, I seen doctor after doctor to find out why I was so ill and why I hurt so badly. I was so sick I was making dinner from the couch for my children on a hot plate. Cooking in the fireplace to make things fun. I had written good by letters to all my children in the event I passed. It was horrible to endure. 2 years into the pain I finally found a decent doctor who went in to look. They found all my female organs, including tubes and cervix had cancer cells. Of course they were removed. And that was 18 years ago and I am happy to say....I am still cancer free! What I would say to everyone is use your supports you have..That is your biggest key. I am so proud of all of you who are or have faught and struggled through this horrible challenge. And I want you to know I will truely be here if you need an ear...Or simply a laugh! Surround yourself in as much laughter and posotive light as possible. It makes the healing and process from both sides so much easier. Namaste |
My 33 year old niece had surgery on Wed. They removed one large tumor and several smaller behind that didn't show up on ultrasound. They also noticed some white spots on various organs. She is home waiting for pathology reports. It's been hard to sleep for all of us. I'm so tired and trying to keep pushing forward with so much to do. Things like this effect a family on so many levels. The extra money I thought I was saving for repairs now goes to help my sister. Don't get me wrong I am soooo very grateful I can.
Have you heard of this guy? https://www.herbdoc.com/index.php?op...emid=38&cid=42 He's been around for years and had a lot of media attention as well as lawsuit, I think from FDA. His incurables program actually cured terminally ill people. I'm sure dietary changes were also added. This past year my health wasn't good and even the past few months felt pain and fluttering in my heart. I was super tired all the time and even my moods were funky. I was desperate because to be honest I probably wouldnt go to a doctor. Thats just me. Just changing a few things made a huge difference and slowly I'm getting stronger and stronger. The shit in the water, in our food supply and all these fucking pharmaceuticals are killing people. It's a very sore spot with me. Dec I will be a grandmother and I'm trying to figure out ways to work and care for my grandchild rather then daycare and hopefully instill things he/she will need to be healthy. I talk to my son's GF about things but then I see her current little 4 year old living on french fries and chicken mcnuggets washed down with koolaid or mountain doo . drives me nuts |
Today as we sit and hear the doctors making rounds,
the picture on the wall says What cancer cannot do... Cancer is so limited. It cannot cripple love. It cannot shatter hope. It cannot erode faith. It cannot destroy peace. It cannot silence courage. It cannot suppress memories. It cannot kill friendship. It cannot erode the spirit. It cannot conquer the soul. |
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Sweet Cali I highlighted in red, exactly what we are going through, My heart goes out to you and all the others who are suffering and fighting this battle. At times it seems as if the loved one and caregiver are fighting alone. Its tough when your friends cannot fathom how very taxing Chemo and Steroids are on you. It takes only a minute to phone and say I thought of you today. So today I want you to know I thought of you and the others who grace this thread and silently said a prayer. |
i am having surgery this week as well. another massive incision and a few days in the hospital.
this time around there is not going to be the constant help of my mom. not since she decided it was ok to steal most off my pain killers, anxiety and sleeping meds. so my poor brain that's like swiss cheese these days is trying to play a strategic game of who can come be with me in the hospital and when and for how many hours. it's surprising to me that my friends are actually saying they can't help because they have already made plans. everyone always tells me to let them know when i need help. and when i finally work myself up to actually asking for it i hear no. and people wonder why i resist asking for help. and to top off the fun of surgery my next round of chemo will be probably be administered while im in the hospital. that's just adding insult to injury. when all this is done i want a fucking vacation. i want a hotel room with 1000 thread count sheets, a chocolate on my pillow every night, and a view of the ocean. *sigh* |
The sun will come out tomorrow and ...it did
5:30 AM Monday. I isolated this weekend, and I know it. Thank you Andrew for a place to visit.
The weekend is over, and I should be getting ready for work. The mail with that envelope from my Dr. arrived.. the results of my latest tests on May 13th at the Gyn/Onchologist arrived Friday, and it lays, still unopened on kitchen table. Is it okay. Do I need further tests? It's the unknown in a white envelope as big as an elephant in the room. It really is just an envelope on the kitchen table. They would have called, wouldn't they? Endometrial cance was Six years ago, I got the tests and the results monthy for the first year, then every 6 months, and after the 5th year, I just go annually. So why is one stinkin' envelope too tough to open? We have a common bond on this Planet earth-you and I, and I am glad to be here with you. :heartbeat: It's Monday. In the pre-dawn hours I awoke and I thought of sweetcali and what she is going to have for breakfast, Andrew with surgery pending and that stinkin' unknown, and Sachita's niece who just underwent her surgery and waiting on tha stinkin' diagnosis of the unknown, and fiercegrrrrrl, and SuperFemme, and cybersubee, Lady Pamela and Spirit Dancer's walk among this stinkin' disease and SD's Syr, and PearlsNLace adventures. Waxnrope , I wish you a smooth journey with your sister, as she may just need ears to listen, eyes to love, and a hand to hold. and ((((hugs))))) to the other's on the list of people linked here by my monitor. We have a common bond on this Planet earth. and I am glad to be here with you. If you were here we could open the envelope together. I want to stay home, but, alas, I have no chocolate left in the house, so, I'm taking the envelope to work, and going to open it among friends, and have some mocha java. To those that are new and to those who care for those who can't I say helloo, and welcome, and thanks for stopping by. . We have a common bond on this Planet earth-you and I, and I am glad to be here with you. :heartbeat: Tommi |
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Tommi, I had a vision of sorts while reading your post. In it, all the people who come to this thread, all the people who care about one another, all reached out a hand and touched you .. on the head, the shoulders, the back. And when there were too many people so that some could not touch you (because it is crowded up in here!), they touched somebody who did have a hand on you, and so on, down a long long of folks.
You can feel this in your Spirit, Tommi, if you close your eyes for a sec. It is a mountain's worth of support and love. Now, without breaking contact, open that envelope and know that the hands stay right there ... |
The secret of sucess is love. Love is all this life is about. :bbq: Fiercegrrl, you will be having surgery the same time I am. I think it is destiny for that to happen to all of us. What happens to one happens to all of us. Both of us will be recovering the same time. So you know I will be thinking and praying for you if I remember too. You know I get sleepy on those pain meds - lol. |
Just wanted to tell everybody that I'm thinking of you. As much as is possible I'm with you in your journey - wherever on that journey you may be. Hugs and prayers: that surgeries go well, that envelopes hold only continued good news, that a friend can find it in their heart to visit and sit awhile. I'm with you. You have only to close your eyes and you'll find that I'm with you.
Gentle hugs and prayers to you. Sue |
Fiercegrrl, I understand about people. I have had to do the same when I had my 4 prior surgeries. I actually had someone drop me off at the hospital when I was having my hysterectomy. Yep. At least it was at the front door, and I didn't have to pay for a cab or walk. Now with this surgery, the surgeon will not operate without someone being there. It is a much different approach. Plus it is a different hospital too. Remember one day at a time. :bringcoffee: Love, Andrew oxox |
Dear Sue, Thank you for your post. It was so very kind of you to hug and pray for us. God bless you. Namaste, Andrew |
Hope for tomorrow
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Waxrope, thank you for the bond that ties us together ! Normal. Opened the envelope @ work , and that little 3 X 5 slip of paper in the envelope read normal on all the tests.:drummer: And Ditto on what cybersubee said above Andrew and fiercegrrll....Wow, what a journey, what a bond., and sweetcali, have you had breakfast. How bout some Pnut butter n jelly and chocolate milk PM if you need anything in the hospital, or at home. I can have pizaa delivered, or maybe chocolate shakes..:eatthebunny: PM me if you want a phone number and we can talk about the weather. (((XOXO))))). |
Thinking out loud here...
There are no accidents in life. Everything is done by our Creator. It is a master plan. We all come into each other's lives for a purpose. Destiny is what I call it. Someone once asked me if I minded if they "thread stalked" me. I said no. Go ahead. I have nothing to be ashamed of or to hide. I am what I am. A human being. I have the same DNA as the next guy. This person was shocked. I have no idea of why. I think in life we have to help each other out. If someone falls down, we have to stop, bend over, and help that person back up. At least that is how I live my life. I am not the kind of person to walk over someone who obviously needs help getting up. It is not only my Christain and Buddist principles but my humanitarian ones that keep my heart in tact. I can go to bed and sleep at night. I don't have to change my name at different sites. I am who I am. :cigar2: Please pray for both Fiercegrrl and myself. Our surgeries are tomorrow & Thursday. Thanks. Namaste, Andrew |
so my surgery did not go as planned on Friday. when my doctors opened ne up there was a lit mire cancer than what the mist recent CT scan showed. so they didn't do much. they got out some bulk but to get me to the point they thought the would before opening me would have put me in the ICU with a chest tube, and breathing tube fir a few days. do they did a bit and closed mr up.
time for a different chemo- mine ain't workin'. I'm still in the hospital- Looks like I'm running a fever tonight. I need to find a new cache of hope and strength that I'll be able to fight this off and at least get a couple of years- I'd like to make it to 30. |
Fiercegrrl, (f) We will chat in private. Publically, I want to acknowledge your strength, determination, and the hope you give to me and others. Thank you. Much love and peace to you, Drew oxox |
My platelet count is 21. It should be a lot higher so I am sure a transfusion is coming.
Some days endless sleep feels like a better option than fighting all the time. |
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(((((((((bubbledooodles)))))))))) sweetcali |
One two..
Hi everyone. Just dropping in, catching up on where and what is going on with everyone and hoping tonight finds you all safe and sound.. (((((((((((Fiercegrrl, sweetcali, SuperFemme, Andrew, cybersubee, Sachita, SD and all)))))))))))
My Peaches the big boy orange cat has learned to count. So far it is just to one, but we are working hard on two. He raises his paw for one treat. Of course, when he raises it again he gets another One. and another One..I just looked at him ,and said, you are beginning to look like Morris, and ....he raised his paw. One more treat. Hope tomorrow's sun brings you warmth and healing.(f) Tommi |
Thanks Tommi, You are such a wonderful friend to me, and many others. (f) I am out of sorts. Just not myself. I am so grateful for my many friendships here. :candle: Namaste, Andrew |
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sweetcali |
Sweetcali, You are so right. I agree. |
Good News to Share
The tumor the surgeon removed last week from my breast was not cancerous. Thank God above. I have a very good chance of getting cancer since I already had cervical cancer, but my mother and grandmother both have/had breast cancer, and my sister is in remission from ovarian cancer. It has been 8 years so far. The surgeon told me that my chances go up a great deal. I am being used in a study and followed from this point forward. :praying: I dodged a huge bullet. :moonstars: |
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I was the same way, stepping on toes, so I took Salsa:clap:and Two Step lessons. :fastdraq: Quote:
Glad to hear the good news. Waiting for the news is scary, so glad that is over. Now as you know, the follow-ups are so important, as you know.:praying: I signed up for a clinical study too, when I was diagnosed with endometrial ca 6 years ago. My only family history of cancer was my Mom, who had lung cancer after smoking since she was 16.. No relatives on either side of my family for as far back as anyone knew. My Gyn/Onncologist had said they wanted to follow many things, including effects of 2nd hand smoke on non-smokers who were diagnosed with cancer. So, I am now having annual follow-ups, and am free to live every day to the fullest, and thank god for my lucky stars every night.:moonstars: |
I sat here and read this thread tonight with tears in my eyes and sadness in my heart. Some of you are new to me and others I have known for years now, but either way, it's painful. I wasn't sure I'd be mentally strong enough to read in here, but something kept pulling me in. Years ago when my mom was diagnosed with cancer, she gave us 6 years to prepare for the inevitable. It wasn't any easier even with those 6 years. She wasn't diagnosed for a year from the time she first started seeing doctors. My mom had lymphoma and I saw glands swell and burst over the last year of her life. I remember sitting every day at the hospital with her. My visits would leave me drained and mentally exhausted. She once asked me why my brothers couldn't understand that all she wanted to do was die. I cried hard that day trying to grasp hold of the situation, but I did understand. I understood she gave us a 6 year warning. She gave us time to spend with her. She lived for her oldest grandchild that she helped raise. I think that's why she lasted so long. It wasn't until all the transfusions and hospital stays that last year that sucked the life out of her. When she stopped eating, I'd bring my niece to the hospital with me to feed her. Seems like she would eat for granddaughter, but only baby food. My niece used to beg my mom to eat for her. I should tell you now, my niece was only 9 or 10 then. When my mom stopped eating, she started getting worse. She had absolutely no strength, but enough of a voice to ask me to sign a DNR for her. It was the hardest choice I ever had to make, but I did what she asked.
Enough story, ok. To get to my point and what I'm trying to get at is that even if nothing tastes good or you don't feel hungry, please keep putting nourishment in your body. I think it's more or as important as chemo. Never stop eating or drinking. Please push yourself, for you and for those that love you. |
Andrew, :stillheart:
Glad to hear the good news. Waiting for the news is scary, so glad that is over. Now as you know, the follow-ups are so important, as you know.:praying: I signed up for a clinical study too, when I was diagnosed with endometrial ca 6 years ago. My only family history of cancer was my Mom, who had lung cancer after smoking since she was 16.. No relatives on either side of my family for as far back as anyone knew. My Gyn/Onncologist had said they wanted to follow many things, including effects of 2nd hand smoke on non-smokers who were diagnosed with cancer. So, I am now having annual follow-ups, and am free to live every day to the fullest, and thank god for my lucky stars every night.:moonstars:[/QUOTE] Make sure you let them know that 60% of those diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked. Out of that 60%, 45% have not lived around second hand smoke. 1 out of three women this year will be diagnosed with lung cancer. The least researched and least funded cancer is lung cancer. There is no federal mandated money to study or research lung cancer. Just a little info you can take with you to your study. sweetcali |
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Just a little info you can take with you to your study. sweetcali[/QUOTE] SweetCali You are so correct, when we began our journey we also found that Multiple Myeloma accounted for only 1% of all Cancers and therefore the funding was minuscule. One cannot help but wonder does lack of funding for research come with the price, since most patients are deemed "terminal" it's not worth spending the money to further research advance medicine or threapies for said cancer's. We've written letters to congress and pur senators regarding these issues. Although the rsponse was sketchy at best, A We voiced our opinions and will continue to do so. sweetcali sending you light and hope may your day be blessed. |
When my sister, Jo, was battling skin cancer at NIH, she dropped weight so fast. In the last 3 years of her life, I know that the chemo and experimental drugs really took a toll on her system. We all tried everything from Ensure or fruit shakes or just frozen fruit pops. Now, Jo was very much into cooking, so she still tried to keep playing tennis, making all efforts to live as if she was ok. Then when she was at the point of taking stem cells...she got her appitite back. In fact, she loved to go to McDonald's for breakfast. She loved their coffee, and english muffin w/egg sandwich (can you tell I don't go there much -lol). Anyway, I would make a trip there and get her a large coffee, and 3 or 4 of those sandwiches because I knew later on after this go round, when we were back on the chemo, she would be loosing weight again. I hated it. I hated what it was doing to her. I bought her a teddy bear from Vt. Teddy Bear Company when she was depressed, and not bouncing back from the treatments. That was a big hit for her, but no sooner than she got that, her energy level just dropped. I just kept trying to boost her spirits. I would sent prayer cards, plants, balloons, funny cards, tennis balls, and just tons of pictures. It was the best thing to do to keep her guessing what was coming to her next. The pain meds only help so much. Cancer sucks. I have lost not only my sister to cancer, but my Godfather. He died from brain cancer. I just cannot even talk about what happened to him. It is too fresh, and too overwhelming to me. Namaste to all, Andrew |
Five things every Cancer patient needs to know.
http://www.archive.org/details/Teres...patientsneedto This is a Podcast of a show I did some time ago on Holistic care for Cancer patients, I hope it can be of some help and support to you all. It is with Dr Jeannie Galloway, who is Naturapathic Oncologist here in Austin. She has some important tips to share that may help you or family members who are in the process of dealing with cancer, in any phase. These are the notes from a talk on Five things a Cancer patients should know. Generally, when a person hears they have cancer they either: relinquish responsibility and let the doctor have control over their life OR get very busy finding out everything they can that might help. I encourage every cancer patient to become involved in their own decision making and to ask questions. Often my work with a patient is to help them figure out what their questions should be. The treatments for cancer are somewhat limited from a standard medical position. The drugs (especially chemotherapy) are pretty much the same as they have been for many years. New ideas are surfacing, and benefits are found, but we have a long way to go. Chemotherapy, radiation and surgery are designed to kill the cancer, yet in the process healthy tissue is sacrificed along the way. Side effects of standard treatment are typically not the concern of oncologists. There is a huge gap in cancer care when it comes to addressing the concerns of the person undergoing treatment. The oncologist is focused on the cancer, not really on the wholeness of the person getting treatment. Naturopathic doctors with training and experience in complementary and integrative cancer care fill the void with an emphasis on the wellness factor of the whole person. We: improve nutrient consumption and intake Treat side effects of cancer treatments Improve the response of standard treatments Improve immune function Improve quality of life Speed healing processes Educate patients and their families, and their oncologists on natural medicine's Reduce recurrence of cancer What a Naturopathic doctor is NOT; we aren't just "green doctors" who replace a drug with an herb.We aren't interested in just treating symptoms of disease, we do not believe that drugs are always bad or that cancer can be treated without standard medicine. We do believe that there is an ability of the body to heal itself if given the right building blocks and that addressing the underlying cause of a disease is the important thing to do, instead of just treating symptoms. We also believe that all of medicine has an appropriate place...at times drugs and surgery are needed, at times herbs and meditation are needed. There is a whole spectrum of medicine available to the ND. Five Natural Treatments 1) Blood sugar/Insulin 2) Vit D 3) Green Tea 4) Cortisol 5) Dangerous side effects First, blood sugar and insulin. If a cancer patient has high blood sugar and high insulin levels in the blood they are much more likely to have a more aggressive form of cancer and to have a high rate of recurrence. I encourage all the people I work with who have a cancer diagnosis to be sure their physician is checking their fasting blood sugar and their insulin levels. If there are troubles with high blood sugar or insulin there are great ways to impact this; dietary, exercise, supplements such as cinnamon, bitter melon, gymnema have been shown to have effect, and chromium supplementation, too. Secondly, it is becoming very clear that Vitamin D levels should become part of every person's "annual physical" blood workup. Vitamin D deficiency is being linked to a tremendous amount of disease processes and we are particularly concerned with cancer patients as they have been shown to have lower levels in many cases. If you have cancer, or if you don't and want to prevent it, have your doctor check your Vitamin D status. There are clear guidelines around what these levels should be. Your doctor should know these or s/he can find them out easily. Thirdly, green tea is part of any natural approach to the cancer fight. Cancer cells turn into tumors by continually dividing even when they should just die. Green tea, among many other important cancer fighting properties, is able to shut down cancer cell division...thus slowing the growth of tumors. Fourth, stress is a killer. Cortisol levels are associated with increased insulin levels, with decreased melatonin levels (a natural cancer fighter) and with increased inflammation which can drive cancer formation. Treating the adrenal glands, reducing stress, using techniques such as Tai Chi or Qi Gong are great ways to reduce the stress response and see a more positive influence of the body. Fifth, there are extremely dangerous side effects to chemotherapy. Yet, the use of chemotherapy is highly recommended by Naturopathic Oncologists for many forms of cancer. Sometimes the body needs to have the disease eliminated forceably in order to provide a clear path for healing. The leading side effects that can have long lasting impact are: nerve damage, heart tissue damage and digestive tract symptoms. In each case there are natural treatments that have been shown to reduce the side effects safely. The damage that can be done may be irreparable, and the cancer patient needs to take action to understand the risks and to find a practitioner who can help them avoid side effect damage. |
Skipping Medical Care
We have done this at one point in our lives. We make due with what we have. For colds, we take our Tylenol, stay in bed, eat chix noodle soup, and suck on cough drops. For some of us, it is a means of survival. Money for medical care and insurance causes alot of us to dely treatment. Cash for services rendered is out of question because it is so high. I really am not sure of what the answer is. I believe in healthcare for everyone, not just the wealthy. That is why I am all for NIH. It is not a hospital, but a research center. That way all of your medical care is free. It is funded by the drug companies & manufacturers. I feel that accountability for those sick should be on the minds of those in the medical field. It shouldn't be financial and run as a business for profit. There goes the Hypocratic Oath. But then again, this is my opinion only. |
Caregiver Burnout
By Dr. M. Ross Seligson Being able to cope with the strains and stresses of being a Caregiver is part of the art of Caregiving In order to remain healthy so that we can continue to be Caregivers, we must be able to see our own limitations and learn to care for ourselves as well as others. It is important for all of us to make the effort to recognize the signs of burnout, In order to do this we must be honest and willing to hear feedback from those around us. This is especially important for those caring for family or friends. Too often Caregivers who are not closely associated with the healthcare profession get overlooked and lost in the commotion of medical emergencies and procedures. Otherwise close friends begin to grow distant, and eventually the Caregiver is alone without a support structure. We must allow those who do care for us, who are interested enough to say something, to tell us about our behavior, a noticed decrease in energy or mood changes. Burnout isn't like a cold. You don't always notice it when you are in its clutches. Very much like Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, the symptoms of burnout can begin surfacing months after a traumatic episode. The following are symptoms we might notice in ourselves, or others might say they see in us. Think about what is being said, and consider the possibility of burnout. •Feelings of depression. •A sense of ongoing and constant fatigue. •Decreasing interest in work. •Decrease in work production. •Withdrawal from social contacts. •Increase in use of stimulants and alcohol. •Increasing fear of death. •Change in eating patterns. •Feelings of helplessness. Strategies to ward off or cope with burnout are important. To counteract burnout, the following specific strategies are recommended •Participate in a support network. •Consult with professionals to explore burnout issues. •Attend a support group to receive feedback and coping strategies. •Vary the focus of caregiving responsibilities if possible (rotate responsibilities with family members). •Exercise daily and maintain a healthy diet. •Establish "quiet time" for meditation. •Get a weekly massage •Stay involved in hobbies. By acknowledging the reality that being a Caregiver is filled with stress and anxiety, and understanding the potential for burnout, Caregivers can be forewarned and guard against this debilitating condition. As much as it is said, it can still not be said too often, the best way to be an effective Caregiver is to take care of yourself. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This is a great article but I cannot get two hours of downtime let alone a weekly massage, how do others deal with caregiver burnout? When you alone do the caregiving 24/7 and you cannot afford a private nurse? |
Caregivers have a special place in the next life. My hat is off to them. For example hospice workers. They are definitely angels. :rrose: |
Just FYI :::
Benefits of Acupuncture in Cancer Care
http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs018/...196/img/37.jpg Here are some ways that acupuncture can help while being treated for and recovering from cancer.Cancer treatments are aggressive and cause numerous unwanted side effects as well as a lowered immune system. Acupuncture is an excellent adjunctive therapy in cancer treatments because of its ability to relieve pain, reduce side effects, accelerate recovery and improve quality of life. What Acupuncture is used for during Cancer Treatment Acupuncture provides a total approach to health care for people with cancer. It can be used to address many of the concerns that come up during and after chemotherapy, radiation, biological therapy and surgery. According to the National Cancer Institute, acupuncture may cause physical responses in nerve cells, the pituitary gland, and parts of the brain. These responses can cause the body to release proteins, hormones, and brain chemicals that control a number of body functions. It is proposed that, by these actions, acupuncture affects blood pressure and body temperature, boosts immune system activity, and causes the body's natural painkillers, such as endorphins, to be released. Areas that acupuncture has shown the most promise include: Nausea and Vomiting Dry Mouth, Night Sweats and Hot Flashes Stress, Anxiety and Fatigue Pain Management Increasing White Blood Cell Count Source: National Cancer Institute. www.cancer.org |
[QUOTE=Spirit Dancer;130150]Caregiver Burnout
By Dr. M. Ross Seligson Being able to cope with the strains and stresses of being a Caregiver is part of the art of Caregiving In order to remain healthy so that we can continue to be Caregivers, we must be able to see our own limitations and learn to care for ourselves as well as others. It is important for all of us to make the effort to recognize the signs of burnout, In order to do this we must be honest and willing to hear feedback from those around us. This is especially important for those caring for family or friends. Too often Caregivers who are not closely associated with the healthcare profession get overlooked and lost in the commotion of medical emergencies and procedures. Otherwise close friends begin to grow distant, and eventually the Caregiver is alone without a support structure. We must allow those who do care for us, who are interested enough to say something, to tell us about our behavior, a noticed decrease in energy or mood changes. Burnout isn't like a cold. You don't always notice it when you are in its clutches. Very much like Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, the symptoms of burnout can begin surfacing months after a traumatic episode. The following are symptoms we might notice in ourselves, or others might say they see in us. Think about what is being said, and consider the possibility of burnout. •Feelings of depression. •A sense of ongoing and constant fatigue. •Decreasing interest in work. •Decrease in work production. •Withdrawal from social contacts. •Increase in use of stimulants and alcohol. •Increasing fear of death. •Change in eating patterns. •Feelings of helplessness. Strategies to ward off or cope with burnout are important. To counteract burnout, the following specific strategies are recommended •Participate in a support network. •Consult with professionals to explore burnout issues. •Attend a support group to receive feedback and coping strategies. •Vary the focus of caregiving responsibilities if possible (rotate responsibilities with family members). •Exercise daily and maintain a healthy diet. •Establish "quiet time" for meditation. •Get a weekly massage •Stay involved in hobbies. By acknowledging the reality that being a Caregiver is filled with stress and anxiety, and understanding the potential for burnout, Caregivers can be forewarned and guard against this debilitating condition. As much as it is said, it can still not be said too often, the best way to be an effective Caregiver is to take care of yourself. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~[COLOR="Navy"][B][I] This is a great article but I cannot get two hours of downtime let alone a weekly massage, how do others deal with caregiver burnout? When you alone do the caregiving 24/7 and you cannot afford a private nurse? A very important post! I have been a cancer care-giver for 4 people in my life that I cherished and did lose. It was the hardest thing I have yet to do in my life and I did burn-out. In fact, I believe that some of my impatience with people now has to do with this. I see so much BS being attended to when people are dealing with this damn disease and other dibilitating health issues! My entire perspective on what really matters in this life has changed. Changed my life, forever. A special hug and much gratitude for those of you that have been, or in this position. Always take time for yourself even if it is something very simple. So many now are having to do this due to not having resources. |
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