Cancer is only part of my journey

Worry,  nervousness, apprehension or  uneasiness - regardless of the word used the emotion surfaces in all cancer patients. It should as our bodies are assaulted through the disease itself, the treatments and/or those treatments' "side effects." However, if you are just centered on it and expect me to send you emojis depicting hugs and kisses - forget it. As is well-documented  worrying is not beneficial to your fight.  It lowers your immune system.   Don't need that, especially if you're on an immunotherapy regime. It negatively affects your short term memory. Hello, hasn't chemo screwed enough with your mind?  Premature  coronary artery disease heightens Cancer already offers chances to hurt your heart. Why better the odds? This is not like a horse race where the odds play in your favor. Instead, fi nd something constructive to do.  Garden, tap dance, take up the harmonica or just sit in yo...

Question? How many of you walk with eyes of wonder rather than boredom? Granted, the latter can seem easier and cooler to do. However, the former delivers so much that makes life richer in a multitude of ways. Cancer gives us the perfect excuse to wake up each morning WITHOUT anticipation of an adventure. I feel miserable. I am so tried. I don't want too try/learn something new with all the other new stuff going on. I'm going to die soon. Why bother? Until you take your last breath...you are still living. Personally, my cancer journey went fine through surgery, radiation and even chemo. A few minor and expected bumps. Then came immunotherapy . Four sessions with Keytruda and suddenly my left knee heavily arthritic and damaged over the decades of being a klutz began to hurt - badly. T he pain quickly spared  to my deltoids, wrists and hands. I needed a walker to get around. Getting out of a chair was near impossible. My normal 6' fr...

I made it thru major surgery, radiation and even chemo with fewer side effects than immunotherapy has given me during the last month. I am on Keytruda for stage 4 endometrial cancer (tumor atop vagina). While a CTScan proved the Beast is on the run, my one knee, deltoids and ankle have experienced extreme pain and weakness.  Heavy-duty painkillers (which I hate) don't seem to extinguish the 24/7 agony. I had to start walking with my walker again months after walking without it and my hiking stick. Rats! My oncologist took me off today's infusion, put me on an anti inflammatory as my usual daily intake of turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, green tea and tart cherry juice isn't working. I also have an appt with an orthopedic surgeon to make sure if there is anything else wrong. This is not a cry for help or a vent. It is just curiosity over possible side effects for Keytruda. As it is a new therapy - not all is known yet so I will keep you...