tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.comments2023-05-19T15:30:01.828+01:00Chris's Cancer CommunityChrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05208572330195914101noreply@blogger.comBlogger346125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-13512750802134852712014-05-20T16:03:17.772+01:002014-05-20T16:03:17.772+01:00Another great post Chris.Another great post Chris.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00488514327465955284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-38889593937144015692014-03-10T15:56:32.492+00:002014-03-10T15:56:32.492+00:00Thank you so much Catherine. I didn't really w...Thank you so much Catherine. I didn't really want to change web addresses etc, but unfortunately this platform can no longer provide, the flexibility that my work requires.<br /><br />I would like to thank you for your continued support, and hope that you enjoy the new site. Chris <br /><br />Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05208572330195914101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-56553952431977356312014-03-10T15:12:13.877+00:002014-03-10T15:12:13.877+00:00Congratulations on the upgrade, Chris! ~Catherine...Congratulations on the upgrade, Chris! ~CatherineFacingCancer.cahttp://www.facingcancer.canoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-29082124794283558332014-03-07T03:55:13.151+00:002014-03-07T03:55:13.151+00:00dear Jayne and Chris,
It means so much to me that...dear Jayne and Chris,<br /><br />It means so much to me that you have taken the time to leave such lovely and encouraging words to me in response to my comment. being able to contribute anything of my story that may help others is so gratifying - and being grateful leads me heart and soul to a place of respite from so much that is happening in my life that is difficult. your words have uplifted me. thank you so much to both of you.<br /><br />much love and light,<br /><br />Karen xxootccomments2013https://www.blogger.com/profile/00446394638074551345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-36716723689025881412014-03-05T12:27:39.589+00:002014-03-05T12:27:39.589+00:00Hi Karen
Thank you so much for your very moving c...Hi Karen<br /><br />Thank you so much for your very moving comments. I know that from previous comments you have left on this blog, that we all learned so much from your experiences, and so value your contribution! <br /><br />This is another example Karen. The work that my wife does as a carer, is vital to what I am able to do. When I am running around to treatment and meetings, my wife is making sure everything is ok. All my meds and appointments etc, she organises. My concentration levels are now very low, and her work behind the scenes enables me to do what I do. <br /><br />I appreciate the role of carers, as I meet so many, in my work. But I do know that they have their own issues, many of which you have described above. Jayne writing her expert piece, gave me the opportunity to write this blog.<br /><br />You have been a caregiver both professionally and privately, and your comments are most valued. I was particularly struck by the point you made about grief living next to hope. You have prompted me to write about that in the coming weeks.<br /><br />I'm so happy to hear from you again, Karen, and I wish you well, with your own personal journey. Love and light to you, Chris xxChrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05208572330195914101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-52494900713467577312014-03-05T06:52:28.155+00:002014-03-05T06:52:28.155+00:00Karen I extend a hug to you and thank you for such...Karen I extend a hug to you and thank you for such a lovely comment. I'm fortunate to have only had a short term care experience in my life to date, I am grateful that it was short term and also that it allowed me a glimpse of what life can be like. I've seen carers completely lose sight of themselves and feel guilt ridden as they do more and more to meet the needs of their loved one. Carers deserve our thoughts and support. My thoughts are now with you, Jayne xAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-37248407060406421012014-03-04T04:38:43.039+00:002014-03-04T04:38:43.039+00:00dear Chris,
this is a wonderful post and so much ...dear Chris,<br /><br />this is a wonderful post and so much of what both you and Jayne addressed about care givers is often lost in the conversation when it comes to their needs. I was very touched by your words about how much you cherish about your Wife in her role as a care giver.<br /><br />I was Hugh's CG for four years as he struggled with so much - multiple myeloma, PTSD, depression, surgeries, and then my own cancer diagnosis after his second stem cell transplant. it was only after his death that I realized that during that entire time I had my own struggle, one that I failed to recognize. grief, grieving - grief for so many losses in our life; dreams we dreamed of so many things - travelling, retirement, the loss of relative carefreeness, loss of normalcy in simple and ordinary pleasurable rituals and routines and the loss of safety and security that comes with the betrayal of a formerly healthy body. pretty ironic, since before Hugh's illness I was a hospice nurse. I have pondered the big "why" of how I did not connect the dots and came to the conclusion that I just was not able to allow grief to live next to the enormous hope I was holding onto, the hope that Hugh would be okay. had I at least recognized I was grieving, I would have reached out for help and would have had the guidance to see that grief was a whole separate issue, that it would not have extinguished my propensity for hope and eternal optimism. I hope that sharing this small, and yet so valid, part of my story will help others. and I thank you and Jayne for all the good suggestions and advice, and for the compassion expressed for care givers.<br /><br />much love and light,<br /><br />Karen xoxotccomments2013https://www.blogger.com/profile/00446394638074551345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-10953800836484812252014-03-01T15:26:07.174+00:002014-03-01T15:26:07.174+00:00Hi Karin
Glad to meet too, and thank you for your...Hi Karin<br /><br />Glad to meet too, and thank you for your comments. It is always difficult, when discussing cancer. Sometimes we give too much info, and other times, not enough. As you can see, even after more than 6 years, I still find it difficult to know the answer. <br /><br />I wish you well on your own journey, and I hope that you will find the shared experiences on this blog, helpful. Chris Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05208572330195914101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-13537676330998533852014-02-28T16:15:06.670+00:002014-02-28T16:15:06.670+00:00Can relate to this very well. I feel like I can sh...Can relate to this very well. I feel like I can share a lot, but I am still holding back a bit. But I only started in January, so maybe I will gather the courage to write about it all. Will be inspired by your blog, glad we meat on Twitter. XXXAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10541281146074621806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-21691883401889717862014-02-27T11:04:37.872+00:002014-02-27T11:04:37.872+00:00Hi Dan!
Thank you so much my friend. Your support...Hi Dan!<br /><br />Thank you so much my friend. Your support is always appreciated. I'm doing my best to spread the word, and many thanks for sharing my work with your friends.<br /><br />I look forward to welcoming you back to the blog soon, Chris <br /><br />Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05208572330195914101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-4253169831181673602014-02-23T14:12:03.241+00:002014-02-23T14:12:03.241+00:00Love your blog Chris!! Stay strong and give the b...Love your blog Chris!! Stay strong and give the beast the beating it deserves!!brain cancer fighterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14064918293097506172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-24862426781448391332014-02-16T14:17:20.516+00:002014-02-16T14:17:20.516+00:00Hi Va
I understand that you have a slightly diffe...Hi Va<br /><br />I understand that you have a slightly different perspective on things.I can certainly empathise with many of the points you have mentioned above. In fact I also have written about the guilt I feel, in my survivorship period. <br /><br />A cancer diagnosis can certainly play havoc with your emotions, and as I mention frequently, it affects us all differently. I have learned that there is no right or wrong way of feeling. Only what is right for you. Unfortunately, many of us feel resentment, but personally I also feel gratitude for the extra time I have been given.<br /><br />Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feelings with the readers. We certainly never stop learning, and we continue to learn from each other. <br /><br />I look forward to welcoming you back to the blog soon. My very best to you, Chris Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05208572330195914101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-20489862692842051552014-02-15T22:08:58.293+00:002014-02-15T22:08:58.293+00:00I think my feelings are affected differently, in t...I think my feelings are affected differently, in that I was 65 when I was told I had cancer and so was already retired. OK I meant to spend more time looking after my grandson and doing other stuff, being active, but I do still see him. Just need to ration my activities carefully to allot what spoons I have. I think I am luckier than younger friends who have been diagnosed, two who are no longer here.I feel a bit guilty as I am older. It seems unfair. I feel I shouldn't resent the way life is limited now,being older.vahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06405627048981592665noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-6755390890957818732014-02-04T17:55:10.189+00:002014-02-04T17:55:10.189+00:00Hi Judith
So pleased you like my Twitter handle! ...Hi Judith<br /><br />So pleased you like my Twitter handle! Really good to connect with you guys, as you do such fantastic work and I am always happy to collaborate. Please let me know if there is anything I can help you with. Maybe you would like to write a guest post? <br /><br />Keep up the fantastic work you do, and I look forward to welcoming you back to the blog soon. Chris Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05208572330195914101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-32808396561446866292014-02-04T17:48:58.981+00:002014-02-04T17:48:58.981+00:00Hi Catherine
This is yet another example of how c...Hi Catherine<br /><br />This is yet another example of how cancer affects us all differently. Your point about the psychological impact is so true, certainly in my own instance. Unfortunately, there just isn't that switch that you mention. Emily is going through some tough times currently, and I'm so grateful that she gave me the opportunity of sharing her feelings with the readers.<br /><br />We are all still learning from each other. Thanks as always Catherine! Chris Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05208572330195914101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-45109237569163106182014-02-02T22:04:32.715+00:002014-02-02T22:04:32.715+00:00To have it all hit at once sounds all too familiar...To have it all hit at once sounds all too familiar. It can come in waves of realization, and yes - the psychological impact is almost worse than the cancer itself..at least while the cancer is tolerable. Sometimes I wish I could just flip a switch and tune it out completely. ~CatherineFacingCancer.cahttp://www.facingcancer.canoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-81093076439564688352014-01-31T13:07:34.202+00:002014-01-31T13:07:34.202+00:00So glad you are now following www.cansurviving.com...So glad you are now following www.cansurviving.com (title says it all) on Twitter, Chris the Eagle! Your name is wonderful and should help us all to soar above whatever life is throwing at us--the cansurviving site has lots of help for people., diet, books to read, poems, music, laughter as medicine--meditation, retreats, vegan restaurants.. up to date research by someone steeped in all of that--(so lucky to have him on board)--our logo is a little sailing boat, and the idea is that you load up whatever you want for the journey--and my god-duahgter is running the Midnight Sun |Half Marathon in Norway in June to support all of this--this is All About Us---keep your passions sailing and your questions in good repair...Judithhttp://www.cansurviving.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-59487661045553002292014-01-30T10:15:51.513+00:002014-01-30T10:15:51.513+00:00Many thanks for your above comments. I agree entir...Many thanks for your above comments. I agree entirely with what you have said. My feeling is that 'support' is such a vast grey area, and we don't appear to have the resources necessary to be effective. Therefore that subject is generally avoided by the giving of information, hoping that you can sort things out from there.I have no reason to believe that any long term health issue would be treated differently.<br /><br />Thank you so much for your comments. It is always useful to hear of other peoples experiences. Chris Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05208572330195914101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-31704050676453116692014-01-29T16:04:45.879+00:002014-01-29T16:04:45.879+00:00I have found exactly the same problems with mental...I have found exactly the same problems with mental health care. With cancer patients, as with mental health patients, the professionals open up a 'bag of worms' to be dealt with and then when 'time is up' you're sent on your way to deal with them by yourself with little or no information or support. Then they wonder why people can't cope.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-22387454734885503072014-01-24T11:23:10.685+00:002014-01-24T11:23:10.685+00:00This is a wonderful poem - gave me goose bumps - w...This is a wonderful poem - gave me goose bumps - would it be ok to share this post onto our facebook page? Eloise Lingerie? https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eloise-Post-Surgical-LingerieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-80411456780028379942014-01-22T12:04:44.934+00:002014-01-22T12:04:44.934+00:00Hi Catherine
I agree with you there. But maybe we...Hi Catherine<br /><br />I agree with you there. But maybe we don't use the word awkward, as we have our own personal experience? The examples you give above are very normal things, and you sometimes question yourself to how you should react. <br /><br />It can be a tricky time, when you see someone for the first time, or after a long period, and we are experienced. I can understand why people find it difficult. But of course, that makes things worse for the patient. <br /><br />Thank you so much as always, Catherine, for sharing your experiences with the readers. Chris xChrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05208572330195914101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-32831183923288037382014-01-20T15:16:01.484+00:002014-01-20T15:16:01.484+00:00When I see people who have visible signs of treatm...When I see people who have visible signs of treatment, it's not awkward - but I do feel this swelling of emotion. And then I wonder, should I say that I get it or let them have their moment of normal? Normally I just smile and say hello... Back when I had no hair, people swallowed their awkwardnes (I worked in a library - very public setting!), and I'm grateful for tht. Also, I think they eventually became used to seeing me bald. What is at first abnormal can in fact become normal. ~CatherineFacing Cancer Togetherhttp://www.facingcancer.canoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-71638405091936410702014-01-15T16:06:05.174+00:002014-01-15T16:06:05.174+00:00Hi Ken
Firstly I would like to wish you well, wit...Hi Ken<br /><br />Firstly I would like to wish you well, with your own health. It is a road that I have trodden for a long time now, as you will know from reading my blog. I am so happy that you have found my work, and are enjoying it. <br /><br />The biggest battle I face is trying to reach the number of people around the world, affected by cancer. I am spending more time to ensure that as many people as possible can find it.Thank you for sharing on your own site too.I have just opened a Facebook page which you might enjoy https://www.facebook.com/chriscancersupport<br /><br />Thank you so much for your very moving comments, and I look forward to welcoming you back to the blog soon, Chris Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05208572330195914101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-16247804808602305332014-01-15T15:37:09.149+00:002014-01-15T15:37:09.149+00:00Thank you Elizabeth. I was moved when I was given ...Thank you Elizabeth. I was moved when I was given it. I was delighted my friend was happy to allow me to share it. I felt it was a unique way of dealing with her emotions. My best to you for 2014, ChrisChrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05208572330195914101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749436707205297492.post-17987519041686360902014-01-14T19:40:40.664+00:002014-01-14T19:40:40.664+00:00Thank you for posting this. I was diagnosed with...Thank you for posting this. I was diagnosed with leukemia in December and I can relate to most of it. I just recently found your blog and I'm so happy I did. I reposted this with links to your page on my own blog. I hope you won't mind.<br /><br />Thank you for the work you do and for being an inspiration to so many others with cancer. <br /><br />Ken<br /><br />http://kenlundgreen.com<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02393070423632809078noreply@blogger.com