Once again today, like every 2 weeks, I find myself an hour away from home base sitting in an oncology chair for little over 4 hours, then hooked to a baby bottle for home for another 48 hours....
Now it's not what I expected to be doing with my life, BUT as I sit watching the comings and goings of others, I reflect....
Hell yeah, I am still here fighting the good fight. Many don't get me, but I absolutely refuse to be negative about this or my stoma or sh@@ bag (if you like). This is for me, my family, and friends. I'm not ready yet.... This new journey in my life is what's keeping me here!!!!
I am 59 years young and was raised a fighter. We don't give up. It's not in my blood.... I survived a heart attack 1 year prior, dealing with type 2 diabetes, have rheumatoid arthritis. I survived ileostomy 8-hour emergency surgery, and I am surviving cancer. I know they can't heal me. I accept.... But control it. It's better than the alternative....
My stoma pretty much behaves itself at treatments. Between treatments and 48 hours duration, the chemo and immo haven't really affected its actions or outputs. The most serious side effect I have experienced in my 3 months thus far is occasional nausea, not every treatment, the odd 1, and worse is not drinking or eating anything cold for the first week after bottle disconnect. AND the finger electricity feeling in my hands if I touch anything cold or metal. So, to help with this, I use a pair of insulated rubber gardening gloves when going in the fridge/freezer, grocery store, etc., and cleaning the toilet bowl, etc.... It's about staying positive, adapting, overcoming, and conquering and taking care of yourself in a ton of ways... Don't be afraid to treat yourself. You deserve it!!!!
There are worse out there than me and others better off than me, but no 1 is ME. It's okay to ride that emotional roller coaster. All of us ride it many times over and over. Just remember, at the end of the ride, we are not alone and we fight!!!!! Don't ask WHY me, ask WHY not me!!!!!
Smile on and keep on keeping on, never give up no matter your battle. Kick its ass!!! #noonewalksalone
Your friend Homie with a Stomie
Tracy