Hi Tory,
I'm so sorry to hear that you are feeling so down. It is certainly justified given all you have been through, but I know that's not where you want to be.
I agree with everything that everyone has said, but I had one more thought. Have you been to your normal GP for a check up? Although you have been poked and prodded in the extreme, your GP will run blood tests that your oncologist may not, including things like your thyroid level. I know when my thyroid and vitamin D levels are off, it can plunge me into a funk that is hard to get out of.
Just a thought ...
Lyn
Forums
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Christa's Mom - Name: Christa's Mom
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: September, 2010
- Age at diagnosis: 53
Re: Motivation to get on with life - how to get it back?
Thanks Lyn, for your advice. Will be seeing my G.P. next week so will ask him to do the tests you suggested .
Stephen, your description of the grey wall blocking the sun was so true. It describes how so many of us feel, not just the patient, but I think so many caregivers feel the same also.
My husband often says he feels so helpless. It is the first time in his life that he has no control over things. Sometimes I think not enough thought is given to how they can also suffer from depression but are too scared to say anything because they have to be strong and support us.
For the first time in a long journey I am looking forward to my day! Going for a walk this morning and my meeting tonight with the Cancer Foundation. Seems strange to be be actually getting ready to go out and doing something independently.
I think the first few steps moving forward out of the grey are the hardest, but if we push ourselves it can be the start of a whole new world!
Thanks again to everyone who took the time to reply to my posts.
Stephen, your description of the grey wall blocking the sun was so true. It describes how so many of us feel, not just the patient, but I think so many caregivers feel the same also.
My husband often says he feels so helpless. It is the first time in his life that he has no control over things. Sometimes I think not enough thought is given to how they can also suffer from depression but are too scared to say anything because they have to be strong and support us.
For the first time in a long journey I am looking forward to my day! Going for a walk this morning and my meeting tonight with the Cancer Foundation. Seems strange to be be actually getting ready to go out and doing something independently.
I think the first few steps moving forward out of the grey are the hardest, but if we push ourselves it can be the start of a whole new world!
Thanks again to everyone who took the time to reply to my posts.
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Tori - Name: Victoria
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: June 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: Motivation to get on with life - how to get it back?
G'day Tori,
Today I received a phone call that a friend of mine died overnight. 47 years old. Outwardly a healthy man. Just dropped dead.
We are still alive. If I was a gambler I would've put money on him outliving me. But there you go, he is gone and I am still here.
What's my point? Don't get caught up in the dying, it may not happen for a very long time, whilst there will be those who have "nothing wrong" may go before you..
So if I'm to be blunt. Give yourself a swift kick and, every time you get down, remember you are still breathing. And, hey, not even healthy people are motivated all the time, so maybe don't be too harsh on yourself either. As others have said, there is adjusting to do. You just have to be brave and keep on going.
Take Care
Vicki
Today I received a phone call that a friend of mine died overnight. 47 years old. Outwardly a healthy man. Just dropped dead.
We are still alive. If I was a gambler I would've put money on him outliving me. But there you go, he is gone and I am still here.
What's my point? Don't get caught up in the dying, it may not happen for a very long time, whilst there will be those who have "nothing wrong" may go before you..
So if I'm to be blunt. Give yourself a swift kick and, every time you get down, remember you are still breathing. And, hey, not even healthy people are motivated all the time, so maybe don't be too harsh on yourself either. As others have said, there is adjusting to do. You just have to be brave and keep on going.
Take Care
Vicki
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vicstir - Name: Vic
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: October 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 39
Re: Motivation to get on with life - how to get it back?
Hi Tori, I feel like you've received some great advice, and its great you're putting, or plan on putting, some things into action. But also remember that sometimes if a person is depressed enough, a good swift kick in your own ass may not be enough! That's when counseling and possibly even medication can come in to play. It sounds like you are coming thru the storm now though.
Best of luck to you, and I would totally come to Australia if such a thing would ever be in the cards for me!
Best of luck to you, and I would totally come to Australia if such a thing would ever be in the cards for me!
Re: Motivation to get on with life - how to get it back?
Hi Tori. Sounds like I'm going thru the same thing. I've now made a point of parking my car away a little from my destination, just so I can get that little bit more exercise, which I find helps me.
I was only diagnosed a few months ago, so I'm still currently in a spin! I'm just up on the sunshine coast, so if you ever find your way up here, please contact me. Would love to have a chat about this horrible stuff.
Regards. Ailsa.
I was only diagnosed a few months ago, so I'm still currently in a spin! I'm just up on the sunshine coast, so if you ever find your way up here, please contact me. Would love to have a chat about this horrible stuff.
Regards. Ailsa.
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Ailsa - Name: Ailsa
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: May 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 53
Re: Motivation to get on with life - how to get it back?
Hi Tori.
I am so sorry for you to be taking 50 mg of dex every day. How could you not be exhausted and depressed? I had 40 mg per day for 4 days on and 4 days off for about 6 weeks, and I thought it was one of the worst times. I would be so buzzed on my days I was taking so much, my hands shook like crazy and I couldn't sleep. On my days off I would crash.
Be gentle with yourself - don't expect too much of yourself. I feel for you.
I am so sorry for you to be taking 50 mg of dex every day. How could you not be exhausted and depressed? I had 40 mg per day for 4 days on and 4 days off for about 6 weeks, and I thought it was one of the worst times. I would be so buzzed on my days I was taking so much, my hands shook like crazy and I couldn't sleep. On my days off I would crash.
Be gentle with yourself - don't expect too much of yourself. I feel for you.
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antelope1225 - Name: Cathy1225
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: May 25 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 55
Re: Motivation to get on with life - how to get it back?
Hi Cathy, yes you're correct, 50 mg of dex every day does change everything!
Starting today my oncologist has dropped my dosage to 50 mg alternating with 25 mg.every second day. Hope not to have too many crashes! I don't get buzzed, but only sleep a couple of hours a night and then the nightmares are horrible and I wake up really distressed.
Sometimes wonder if the the cure is worse than the condition.
Ailsa, your idea of walking extra from the car park is a great idea. I think sometimes we don't appreciate how these small changes can help us greatly. If you would like to have a chat by phone, please feel free to send me a private message with your number.
Victor, sorry to hear about your friend, you are so right, I myself have experienced the same thing. When my mother was seriously ill with melanoma, and only a few weeks from passing, my stepfather (only 45 and not sick) died in his sleep.
Happy to report went to my first Cancer Council Meeting on Tuesday night. Was a bit nervous first outing on my own in 18 months, but was greeted by the best group of people, and came away feeling great now going to get involved in some fund raising.
Next challenge! Yoga classes start next week.
Thanks again to everyone who has taken the time to reply to my posts. Not saying that getting out there is easy, it has taken 6 months after my transplant to get out there and I still find myself sometimes making excuses for myself not to. But I do think the more you can get out and socialise, etc, the better your mental health will be.
Starting today my oncologist has dropped my dosage to 50 mg alternating with 25 mg.every second day. Hope not to have too many crashes! I don't get buzzed, but only sleep a couple of hours a night and then the nightmares are horrible and I wake up really distressed.
Sometimes wonder if the the cure is worse than the condition.
Ailsa, your idea of walking extra from the car park is a great idea. I think sometimes we don't appreciate how these small changes can help us greatly. If you would like to have a chat by phone, please feel free to send me a private message with your number.
Victor, sorry to hear about your friend, you are so right, I myself have experienced the same thing. When my mother was seriously ill with melanoma, and only a few weeks from passing, my stepfather (only 45 and not sick) died in his sleep.
Happy to report went to my first Cancer Council Meeting on Tuesday night. Was a bit nervous first outing on my own in 18 months, but was greeted by the best group of people, and came away feeling great now going to get involved in some fund raising.
Next challenge! Yoga classes start next week.
Thanks again to everyone who has taken the time to reply to my posts. Not saying that getting out there is easy, it has taken 6 months after my transplant to get out there and I still find myself sometimes making excuses for myself not to. But I do think the more you can get out and socialise, etc, the better your mental health will be.
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Tori - Name: Victoria
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: June 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: Motivation to get on with life - how to get it back?
I am so glad you are getting involved in this cancer group, Tori. Helping others with cancer can be therapeutic
I am also glad you are going down to 25 mg of dex every other day, too.
Cathy.
I am also glad you are going down to 25 mg of dex every other day, too.
Cathy.
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antelope1225 - Name: Cathy1225
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: May 25 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 55
Re: Motivation to get on with life - how to get it back?
Tori -
You are doing splendidly! I am so glad to hear you are taking some action. And as Cathy said, reaching out to others who have gone through or are going through the same things as you have helps to make the hard times somehow worthwhile: you can help another!
All the best, keep taking it one day at a time
You are doing splendidly! I am so glad to hear you are taking some action. And as Cathy said, reaching out to others who have gone through or are going through the same things as you have helps to make the hard times somehow worthwhile: you can help another!
All the best, keep taking it one day at a time
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Toni - Name: Toni
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self - MGUS
- When were you/they diagnosed?: April 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 51
Re: Motivation to get on with life - how to get it back?
Hi Tori, I'm glad to hear that your first meeting with the Cancer Council went well. I hope reducing the dex dosage works well for you.
I think you are on your way on an overall upward trajectory now. Keep up the good work!
I think you are on your way on an overall upward trajectory now. Keep up the good work!
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mikeb - Name: mikeb
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2009 (MGUS at that time)
- Age at diagnosis: 55
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