Still Working
I am not actually getting chemo. I am getting cetuximab, which is a monoclonal antibody and therefore known as a targeted therapy, rather than a chemotherapy.
Collectively, the various gunks that they administer to knobble cancer are called Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment, or SACT.
https://adventuresofasickdoctor.blogspot.com/2025/01/still-working.html
Another incredible example of dedication, compassion & tireless efforts of a caregiver providing essential support to loved ones with #LynchSyndrome
Sarah Fitzgibbon: 47 year old GP, mother of three gorgeous children, wife of superhero husband, wrestler of metastatic bowel cancer.
Diagnosed with liver mets November 2014, bowel cancer diagnosed the next day. Folfox x 5, SIRT x 2, Anterior resection Oct 2015, Folfiri+panitumimab x 5 Extended hemihepatectomy April 2016. Folfiri+panitumimab again July 2016. Stereotactic radiotherapy in February 2017 Scans May 2017 – no evidence of active disease May 2018: some small lung lesions requiring more radiotherapy SBRT again June 2018 No active treatment since 2018 Until June 2024 – back on Folfiri for liver recurrence
https://adventuresofasickdoctor.blogspot.com/2024/10/so-i-left-ye-hanging-there-after-my.html
“If you think about it, cancer loves stress and anxiety because the body becomes inflamed and therefore patients who engage in mental well-being tactics like counselling and exercise live longer, tolerate chemo more and have a better quality of life. However, anything other than that I do not know.”
It can be overwhelming and frankly too much when we get bombarded with leads on cures, from the potentially sound to the ridiculous and they are generally expensive. That’s why I love exercise, it does so much good, and it is potentially free depending on how you go about it. So please build up to that 150 minutes a week if you can. Ask your physiotherapist in your cancer centre if you need to get advice on how to start. It is never too late.
https://peakd.com/health/@clodaghdowning/alternatives-or-additions
Why am I back? Well, I got cancer.
If you are like me or close to someone like me, I wish to lighten your load with this blog and maybe give you a laugh every now and then.
“I do not, however, consider myself to be a cancer survivor, and I do not hesitate to politely point this out to anyone who refers to me as one. ….. Generally, we prefer to be described as people who are living post-cancer (and indeed in some cases with cancer) and this subtle difference is very important, not just for us but for the all too many cancer patients who did not live to get the chance that we have.”
Finding a key word or phrase to replace survivor in the context of cancer is a regular discussion topic among healthcare professionals, patient representatives, researchers, counsellors and of course cancer patients. We are still searching.
Any ideas?
https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2024/03/13/life-after-cancer-diagnosis
When you look around, there are various definitions, but words like reliable, genuine, trustworthy, and real are usually in there someplace.
The Irish Cancer Society has partnered with Barretstown to run a camp, from Sept 29th – Oct 1st, helping children who have lost a parent to cancer.
Please contact Amy Nolan at anolan@irishcancer.ie for more info
Lynch Syndrome Ireland 