Another cancer blogger wrote about how the phrase, “touched by cancer” makes her angry.
I can relate to that. If you or someone you love has cancer…it delivers a powerful blow right to the gut. “Touched by cancer”…give me a break!
Ask Randy how much he’s been “touched.” Which brings up the question…is there some sort of support for the husband who is a caregiver? Seems like there should be a local group. Maybe there is and we just don’t know about it. If so, it could use some assistance with marketing.
My son, Andrew took me back up to the IU Med Center yesterday. Fortunately, it wasn’t a wasted trip. Although my counts are still pretty low, I did receive treatment. They also gave me a “booster shot” for my immune system which felt like a nice long bee sting.
My hair has started falling out. Other than being very thin, I don’t really look like a cancer patient because I do have a very full head of hair. I don’t know if my hair is just thinning, or if it plans to fall out completely. I have plenty of hair to spare so right now it looks pretty good. The kind of chemo I’m receiving doesn’t always make hair fall out, but if it does I’m OK with that…as long as it also makes the tumor shrink. And my doctor does think that beast is slightly smaller! So go ahead and fall out hair…but take the cancer with you.
Don’t forget to sign up for the 72-hour prayer vigil for the kids going through Chrysalis! Thanks to all of you who have done so! (See previous blog.)
Much Agape,
Ann
Ann, Congragulations on keeping up with this and Bless you and Randy. I do not know of any support group for the caregiver. Many times the caregiver is not forgotten, just not noticed when all this happens. All the Energy is focused on one person and that that is how it should be. But to be a one person support group, confidant, healer, organizer and to see the one you Love go through this is very hard on that Person. Unfortnatley we are the silent Soldieers behind the scenes. After going through this i think it takes years off the person…No problem, we gladly give it with no Questions. But you are right, I wish at the time that there was someplace to recieve some support, Hints, Ideas and a shoulder. Its tough.
Ann….Contact Visiting Nurse Association…I am quite sure they have a local support group…If not, I am sure they could put you in contact with one….Hang in there..I pray for you daily…
Ann,
I don’t know you or your husband Randy but I have been reading your blog and following
your progress with your treatments. I have been praying for you and thinking of you often,
and have been wanting to post a comment but didn’t know what to say until now. I read your
blog tonight and knew I had to send you some support for your caregivers. I work at
Deaconess Hospital and I found some information for you for a support group.
“Understanding Cancer Treatments” is an educational program for adults with cancer,
their family members, and friends. Each session will focus on a certain topic it says related
to living with cancer. Featured speakers with expertise in each topic will present information
and be available for questions. Dinner provided and it’s a free seminar. You will need to
register by calling at 812-858-2273. It meets Nov. 1, 2007 from 6-7:30 pm at theChancellor
Center for Oncology. I hope this helps you and blessings to you and your family.
Heather
While I am not in “your shoes” right now….who knows the future and I could be and I can see where the phrase “touched by cancer: would be very frustrating….and could even make you angry….the saving grace is that you are in god’s hands and you and your family are being disciples in the most trying time of your life. God’s grace is upon you and your family………even in your darkest hour HE is there….and the difference you have made in my life as well as other strangers is so overwhelming and appreciated. You are bringing so many to Him….Bless you many, many times over! God Bless You and Your Family!
Dear Ann- I am so glad to hear that you got some encouraging news! I am praying for both you and Randy and the rest of your sweet family. I know that it is as hard for them as it is for you. I will be happy to pray for the Chrysalis weekend. Can you assign me a time? I am not sure what is available and I am happy to do any hour. You will be an inspiration for those teenagers. I wish I could hear your talk! Love, Carol
You may be interested in looking into Gilda’s Club Worldwide (named for Gilda Radner)…It is a support group for cancer patients as well as their family members and friends. They have several chapters and there is information on how to start a new chapter location on the website. I’ve heard it is an excellent resource both locally and online. If you haven’t already, visit: http://www.gildasclub.org — see also http://www.gildasclubchicago.org. I admire your strength, faith and humor!
Ann, I am a friend of Ann and Jim Coy and have been following your bolg – I am praying for you and I have been a caregiver for my husband for the past 5 years – he had mutiple myloma which is a cancer of the bone morrow – which caused him to have kidney failure and he was on dialysis since May of 2003 – I know I looked for a support group for myself and my daughter but could not fined anything. I will say I have insight to how hard this is on the patient and their family. You and or Randy call call me anytime if you just need a little comfort from someone who has been there. I am parying for the best for you and your family – and listening to you I hear the strength in you faith. Please know I always with you and your family in prayer and my phone is 303-5117 again I am a neighbor and friend of Jim and Ann Coy. Please call me anytime if you need to talk. Sincerley Dawn Gregory
Good Morning Ann, I too was a caregiver for a cancer patient, however I am not aware of any support groups in the area we did have a great support system at IUPUI. My husband had renal cell cancer and was doctoring at IU Med Center. He was seen by a social worker at the hospital every time we attended the treatments which were once a week. I was allowed to attend these sessions along with him to help both of us deal with what he was going through. Dr. Logan was his doctor, his office is near the breast treatment center. He had a wonderful nurse named Kristin Crowder. She was a great deal of support for my husband and myself I don’t think we could have mbeen as strong as we were without her. There was also a nurse that administered his cancer treatments named Jenny. I can not recall her last name at this time but would be willing to contact her if you would like to get in touch with them. They were wonderful people with whom we became very attached to. When you are at the hospital as much as you are at home they also become a part of your family. Three years later they are still there when I need to contact them for anything. In reference to the the phrase “touched by cancer”, I don’t think anyone is ever just touched by cancer, teh way my husband put it was he felt like he was being ran over by a mac truck and I think that was putting it lightly. Good luck with your journey and we will be praying for you!