My Cancer Journey | End of Chemo Chats - Mental Health, Staying Positive and Hating Facebook
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- Опубліковано 3 лип 2024
- This is a chatty update! I'm really just talking about my mental health after chemo. I guess it's not that upbeat, but I am always honest here. It would be a lie if I said I was fine all the time...and nobody trusts anyone who smiles all the time ;)
Hopefully you'll find some comfort knowing it's not just you, if you feel in any way similar to me!
As always, thank you for watching... if you want to connect, find me here:
deedohertyinsta
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There are blessings in cancer which I'm sure sounds odd to those who've never experienced it. Stage 4 colon cancer survivor here and I don't regret my journey it allowed me to learn what's important and what really doesn't matter. Praying for you through your journey sending warm hugs from S Florida
Thank you 🙏🏽💖 for telling it like it is. I’m a week behind as I have an infection. The nausea & fear & lack of appetite plus chemo have left me weak & 89 lbs. you helped me find the courage to ask for help. I was crying so much & felt like the cure was killing me. You are a beautiful soul.
Diane Paull you poor thing I’m so sorry!! Glad to hear you feel support from these videos ❤️
Thank you for telling us your truth. As a newly diagnosed stage 4 breast cancer patient, I truly appreciate your story, thoughts and feelings. God bless you , and I pray you’re feeling better and in full remission.
i have to go for chemo i am so scared but after watching you makes it little easier
tyvm god love god bless you
You are such an amazing lady .... I will soon going through the same and your videos are so helpful.. thank you so much for sharing and God bless you...you are wonderful :)
My friend had chemo like you first then the operation later on her breast it's been two years since and she is still clear. Really hope that is you. You have done really well.
Karen Hibbert I believe in it Karen ... it’s just those questions. I’m sure there is an answer and I will get the answers. It’s just the dark thoughts making me question myself! You know? Glad your friend is well after it all xx
You are such a warrior Dee! A beautiful warrior! I'm happy your chemo is done. Going through this difficult time can be scary and sad.But you have shown so much courage.You cry and let it out whenever you feel like it. You are such an inspiration!
Thank you for sharing your story, I am praying for you and your family. You are so brave and I pray for your complete and speedy recovery. God bless you.
JUDITH BRAUN thank you! ❤️
You have helped me more than you know... I am halfway through my Chemotherapy treatments and I feel like I don't want to do this anymore, but you have given me the courage to continue. Mostly you have been my support person since I don't have any other support and I would like to thank you for doing this... you are so strong and inspirational.
Roxanne Mikulak thank you so much for such a lovely comment! You can do this!! It is so tough, but you will get there! Look after yourself, get lots of rest and don’t forget your water!! X
You have every right to feel whatever it is you are feeling! Think about you every day! Love from Newfoundland!
You are so refreshing and "real"! Love that❤️
Janet Losso thank you xxx
Thanks for sharing your story. You are an inspiration and helping others by being so brave.
Thank you so much for making these videos and being so open about your feelings as you progress through these stages. I underwent a mastectomy 2 weeks ago and I am about to start 6 months of chemo, which I think will be the same as the chemo you received. Watching your videos has helped me process all the information I've been given, and put a face and a personality to it. I agree that so much of the cancer treatment process involves so much self-doubt, so much wondering if you've done the right thing, made the right choices, and were right to trust your doctors. I, too, block out Facebook on days when I'm not feeling it. I feel better when I take weeks long breaks from it. My faith is bringing me through this, and the wonderful encouragement that videos like yours have given me. Thank you!
Floresita H what a lovely comment I’m so glad to have helped you in some way! Wishing you the very best of luck with the chemo - it will go faster than you think!! X
Thank you so much Dee for sharing your journey. It is so helpful to me. My second chemo is this week, with 4 more to follow (every three weeks). I felt all the emotions you talked about; the darkness was scary, but on a positive note, I've started walking to ease my neuropathy and I am grateful to get that exercise! Hope you are well! Thanks again!
You’re an inspiration, thanks for sharing your journey
Your cancer Journey will be as individual as you are...it won't be the same as the next persons...whatever you feel, whatever your mood, whatever your frustrations or elations are, they are yours...thanks for sharing your journey with us and attempting to have us understand what you feel...and by the way, I love your Irish accent..lol
Michele Smyers thank you Michele! ❤️❤️
Hi 👋 thank you for sharing your story I have Follicular Lymphoma Cancer stage 3 with no symptoms I was ask to watch are treat I decided to treat I start on October 18:21 I’m sixty five years old and because it still can go to other parts of my body are organs i feel it’s better to start now I’m overwhelmed at times thinking about how sick I will be and what’s is helping me is hearing your story and holding on to my Faith in God to see me through.
Your videos are helping me understand so much more. I had no idea about a lot of this. I appreciate your sharing so so much. I am a couple weeks out from surgery and it's really starting to get to me.
I'm new to your channel so I'm still catching up on your story, but I love your personality and your realness it's very refreshing and informative! I personally have never had cancer, but my mom passed away 6 months ago from brain cancer, which really is what prompted me to find UA-cam channels that were going through similar diagnosis! Anyway, so happy for you completing your chemo treatments, I know from taking care of my mom how much one goes through during treatments! I look forward to watching your next chapter!
💖🍀💗🙏❤️🌻🌷🌸
Jessica Vargas thank you and so sorry to hear of your loss 💕 Big hugs! Thank you for watching and for your kind comment xx
Hi beautiful!! Great to see u!! I'm so glad your done with chemo! Thank you so much for this video because you have said so many things that I 100% understand and agree with!! It's so nice to know I'm not the only one that thinks like that! Can't wait for your next video! Your an amazing person and so inspiring!! My thoughts and love are with you always! 💞
Loving Dale Hi April! Thank you so much, I hope you are well xx
Dee Doherty I'm doing good, it helps more than you know for me to wake up and watch your videos, you inspire me and push me through some of my most difficult times and I'm so very grateful and can't thank you enough! Just seeing how strong you are and hearing your thoughts and feelings on things and of course seeing you smile, it just brightens a dark room!! 😊
Loving Dale aw April xx I’m so glad to hear that ❤️ Never alone x
So beautiful and strong!! 😊💕
Thank you for your honesty.
Hey Beautiful! I just checked in yesterday wondering how you were doing, so glad you updated! Congratulations on finishing chemo! I had those same doubts about 'did I really need the chemo' after... and I still dont know. Now I wonder if my autoimmune disease that caused a virus to turn into a new secondary cancer wasnt caused by the biologic that primes the immune system to find and kill B cells, because its all related in my case. Anyways, cancer and chemo changes us in so many ways... it really woke me up to what is important and what is just narcissistic self concern that never even realized was before, like the whole unfollow thing you mentioned.
Ophiuchus Oversoul Hi :) Thank you! Yes it really does wake us up! But yes, I can understand your worries and I know it must be hard for you not to have the answers x❤️
You looks so pretty. Get well soon. I pray for you.
Thank you for making these videos. I found myself agreeing with so much of what you were saying...Facebook...things people say to you. Start second cycle chemo tomorrow. Thinking of you often from Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
Natalie Siemens best of luck Natalie xx hope you’re doing ok!
I'm.a year and a half out of surgery (I didn't have chemo) and still have that doubt , except mine is..."should I have had chemo, what if it comes back now" . All very normal what you are going through. I would recommend counselling . Just remember you are doing great and will be fine ❤
74mackg Mac thank you ❤️❤️ Yes that’s the thing ... I know it’s just self doubt... dark feelings taking over and all par for the course! It is crap but good to have the reassurance of others that we all feel the same. Thank you 😊
Thank you very much for sharing your journey
It gives me courage to continue all the treatments
Just done to my 3rd cycle
Thanks for the inspirational story it help a lot ❤
From Philippines with love 🥰❤️💋
Sending you truck loads of hugs and wishes from Germany ❤️🌺❤️
Swati Negi thank you!
Hi Dee I have one more treatment then surgery double mastectomy. I also had mastitis on the bad side when I was trying to breast feed. My oncologist said it wasn’t related but I still wonder. There will never be any complete answer why we got it and for me it is frustrating as how do I protect myself from it happening again. I followed many others on UA-cam too much time on my hands. It seems a really common theme that after each phase of treatment there is a letdown or meltdown instead of the anticipated elation. Because it isn’t over and will never be. The fear is real and terrifying at times. I do believe until you face it yourself it isn’t understood because I know I have never felt this way before. The questioning of what should we be doing for treatment or not. My only answer there is everything you can so you can’t have regret if the worst happens. You are amazing and strong and have inspired me greatly thank you so much for sharing your very real story with the rest of us who are also fighting and struggling to stay sane and get well. Cheers Annie xxx
David Psaila Annie ❤️ Thank you so so much for your support x you kind, kind soul. It’s such a hard time and your words are beautiful and reassuring xx thank you
Hi Dee,
Subscribed.
1) Very brief background: I'm a Prostate cancer survivor, saved by radical prostatectomy. My urologist tells me it's all gone now, completely; but he still wants to see me every 6months or so for a PSA test etc. (Meaning: you can never be certain that it's gone, and there's always the risk of it starting up somewhere else.) I am much older than you, and don't care about dying overmuch, BUT I am dead scared of hurting my loved ones!! Also, my radical prostatectomy has left me both incontinent and impotent. I've had a neat-o complex mechanical implant that has fixed problem No. 1, but No. 2 will never recover, and this really hurts, even though I am an old fart and should know better!!! (Well boo-bloody-hoo for me! - you see some heart rending stuff on these blogs, and I should just thank God that I have been so lucky and HTFU!!) There. So much for me.
2) Get off Facebook is my advice. I found I couldn't stand it finally, and was at also at risk (being fairly bipolar) of posting something that I would really regret later. Also, some of my contacts' posts distressed me with their attitudes (eg: anti-Semitism FFS!!) I found out how to "commit suicide" on Facebook, and did it. I made one last "suicide note" to all my contacts, giving them my email address it they ever wanted to have a deep and meaningful private one-to-one. Nobody ever did. That really says something about Facebook to me. Google how to do it, it's a bit involved, but GET. OUT. NOW!!!
3) Having had some experience with depression, quite a lot in fact, what you describe SHOULD NOT BE TOLERATED. Sorry to shout. You seem to me to have a form of long-term depression going on there. I've just realised that even an experienced grumpy old fart like me has been depressed for the last 6 months at least and didn't know. It was not the normal GOF & growing older condition. I am on meds (of course, in my case) and have made some minor adjustments, with professional assistance of course, and suddenly I feel 10yrs younger with lots of energy. See your doctor and do something about it. You've got bigger fish to fry with the recovery from the Chemo, the kids and partner etc without putting up with the debilitating effects of long-term depression.
That's all from me for now. I love your positive attitude. You are an amazing person and an inspiration to me.
God bless you, and your family
Stuart (Melbourne, Australia, but fairly "normal" in spite of it) :-)
Getting off Facebook was one of the best decisions I made! Going onto Facebook and seeing family and friends living life all happy and going on vacations, etc, was causing me to become more depressed as it was a constant reminder of what I did not have. It sounds selfish, and probably was, but I could not handle seeing everyone so "happy" and "healthy" while I was going through absolute HELL. I've been off Facebook for 3+ years now and have never regretted it!
Hi, if you turn the comment section off, it'd be not so good for your viewers since we learn so much from other comments. Like the nurse that commented about the vitamins c and minerals being added to your regime. Reminded me, rather taught me! So...
You're doing great. The anxiety that you are currently experiencing will subside but it does have its place in the scheme of things.
I don't do Facebook because it's just an awful place. It's like going grocery shopping! Like going to the dentist.
Or having to go to the laundromat because the washing machine broke down! Just don't do it and feel the freedom!
You are a great endurer (did I just make up that word?) I mean to say, you are running a good race and viewers appreciate this! Thanks for the information. It is helpful! Take care and many blessings!
I start chemo next week for bowel cancer so slightly different, but I wanted to say a huge YES to the FB thing! Noticed that myself before surgery. I tend to stick to TikTok these days, least you get a laugh. Anyway, I hope you're doing well, I've been having a binge on all your videos. I might even follow your insta, you never know. ❤️ xx
Oh I’m so sorry to hear this x I hope you’re coping ok with your treatment plan. Thank you for your sweet message x
GOD BLESS YOU
Thank You for your thoughts ,your video, You helping us a lot💞
I just start my chemo
(4 stage, have a surgery just few weeks ago, scare, what next,how to go thru it, so scare)
God Blessed You 💖
Sending you lots of love and hugs! 💕❤️💕❤️ you look incredible!
You are beautiful and so amazing and Im sending you lots of love and prayers 😘❤💔🙏
I found your channel about 3 or 4 weeks ago, Dee and have caught up with your 'journey' (oh, how I hate that word!). I was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the left axillary in March, had a mammogram, ultrasound and MRI and my breasts were clear. I had a lymph node clearance on the 18th April, 13 nodes were removed and showed cancer in all 13. A CT scan of my pelvis, abdomen and chest saw no cancer anywhere else, just a couple of other larger lymph nodes. I will start chemo next Tuesday (22/5). The treatment is the same as for breast cancer as the oestrogen is involved. My oncologist says he wants to start me off easy, with the least amount of side effects, so the regime will be 9 x weekly Taxol, followed by 3 x 3weekly epirubicin and cyclophosphamide and G-CSF (a growth hormone - to help the bone marrow produce white blood cells). You may be thinking, 'she's having 9 x weekly Taxol the side effects will be 3 times as bad as my reaction'.....well I'm hoping it won't: that's why it's weekly, it's half the dose you were given. There are side effects but they're minimised.
You questioned in this video why did you need to have chemo, well I've already done that. After all, prior to the CT, I'd been told that the lymph nodes had all gone from the left axilla, the surgeon told me all 'the nasties' were gone! So why were they recommending chemo? And I was given a choice! My oncologist wants to keep a close eye on me and if I can't tolerate the chemo, then he'll stop it and continue with the radiotherapy and anti-oestrogen treatment. My choice!! I agreed to have the chemo. Why would it be on the cards if it wasn't necessary? And I intend to see it through....I just hope that I don't back out. Being given a choice is a bu**er....
I'm quite a few years older than you Dee so I have that bit of age-d wisdom (LOL), but I agree with you, people on the whole are good. I'm a Slimming World Consultant and I've been honest and up front with my members, they know about the cancer, and they've been absolutely brilliant.....I've definitely felt the love. I've been unwell for well over a year so everyone has seen the way I've been. We didn't imagine it would be cancer though.
Sorry, I've gone on a bit here, Dee. I wish you all the best with your ongoing treatment, my dear. You'll be in my prayers. Christine xx
Christine Marsden Hi Christine! Firstly, so sorry you have been unwell and to hear you have Cancer... not what you expected at all! X Thanks you for your comment. Please know I would never have said no to the chemo either - I believe you are making the right choice. My real point is that you can become “low” and worry a lot - question your decisions, that kind of thing. I absolutely wouldn’t tell a person not to do chemo - and really it was specific to my situation that I meant it x. Wishing you the very best of luck with your chemo - stay strong!! ❤️
Oh, no Dee. I think I put it wrongly. I know you weren't saying we shouldn't say yes to chemo. I was saying, from a personal point of view, I wish I hadn't been given the choice to stop chemo if I want to. I know for certain that it's the right way to go...I just hope I don't wimp out. That was all. There's no way I'd put you down, my dear. You've helped me...more than you could ever know!
You may be wondering why I've been ill for so long. If not, then bear with me! In July 2016 I felt a tingle at the tip of the big tip on my right foot, this spread to the whole foot and eventually to both legs below the knee...and peripheral neuropathy set in. It's also in my hands to a certain extent. To cut a long story very short (!), I now use a stick, need help putting shoes on because I have limited power in my right leg, and can't write any longer. This is what my SW members have seen and were so surprised and concerned when they found I had cancer. And why my oncologist is giving me the choice of stopping the Taxol and going straight onto the radiotherapy, because I already have peripheral neuropathy. I have a condition called paraneoplastic syndrome. It's rare, and in my case, it's when the cancer-fighting agents of the immune system (antibodies and T-cells) attack not only the cancer cells, but also the healthy cells of the nervous system. I don't know whether this makes sense, but I realised that the main weakness in my leg and arm is on the right, and the cancer is on the left.....so, left side of the brain effecting the right side of the body? This was actually diagnosed by my neurologist who I'd been seeing for a year: he wouldn't give up on me... test, after test, after test and eventually a large lymph node was found during a CT scan...incidentally! Not looking for cancer! I have a lot to thank that man for. You'd think!! It appears that PNS shows up long before a cancer is ever found....so, it could have been around since at least 2016, and my immune system has been fighting it ever since? Who knows?
If you've got to the end of this, Dee....good on 'yer
Maybe I should write a blog!!
Christine Marsden I’m so sorry to hear about all your troubles x honestly it sounds like the taxol would just be awful for you!! You’ve had a terrible time... don’t beat yourself up about not doing chemo! If it is too much - you will just have to stop it xx
U r very strong & beautiful.....u will beat this!
I don't have cancer, but I have been through health problems. I do understand what you are saying about putting your life in someone else's hands. It's like I think "did he have a fight with his wife last night? Did he sleep well? Is he on top of it for my surgery today???" I didn't think your video was rambly. I hope you are doing great now (since this video is months old). 💞
i_love_rescue_animals ah thank you. Yes exactly... do they have somewhere they need to be? Completely!! Sorry you are sick!
Dee Doherty You have me hooked on your videos now! I think you are the MOST LOVELY person and I just want you to be well! How are you doing now? No worries about me - my stuff is just stuff that's a drag, but doesn't kill you. For the most part, my quality of life is pretty good - I wish I could still do sports, but I can't 'cause my joints say "no". But there are other things to enjoy! Wishing you all the best from Minnesota. 💞
Hi:) I just found your channel. Sending you a big hug❤️🙏🏼🌸🌷💐💞🌼
Hi my wife have be diagnosed with breast cancer her2 negative stage 2 and starting chemotherapy soon every week
You are so right FB is over the top with negative news.
Carla Robertson yeah! We just want happy!!!! 😄
Dee you are so brave and strong to share your story. I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016. I felt like I was in a nightmare the surgery and chemo was difficult. I am so thankful to God he got me through it.
Is there a way to research this about the breast and breast feeding and the cancer. Just to give you more closer. Its sounds like that is why it was difficult for you. And the fact that your tried is enough. Your amazing and I love your channel. My son said the exact same thing about Facebook about not wanting to see the negative stuff all the time. He decided to spend more time on his Instagram instead.
Charlotte White thanks. I will try to find out more about it. I guess it’s hard to know I’ll never get a proper answer but even now I’m feeling better. First couple of weeks after chemo are pretty bad!
You have incredible communication skills and I really think your channel and videos will help so many people. Keep posting !
I know this is an old video so you may not see my comment, but I had a similar issue with nursing before my cancer diagnosis. Well... sort of. I had a SEVERE MRSA infection in my milk ducts when my youngest son was a baby. He was in the NICU and got colonized with MRSA and passed it to me. That was 12 years ago. I was diagnosed with IDC this last August and the only thing that I can possibly see causing my cancer is the infection. I never had any mastitis or other infections in my healthy breast. Go figure.
So crazy isn’t it?!
Just subscribed to your channel God bless you sweet lady and your family
I had the same issues with breastfeeding my 2nd baby and then got cancer on the same side.
Grace C seems like way too much of a coincidence in my eyes! Hope you’re doing ok!
Dee Doherty I actually brought it up to the midwife my concerns as I felt a lump. They said it was just the baby’s personality. It does seem VERY coincidental.
Grace C I saw the lactation specialist (only by pure fluke in the BF clinic one day) and she examined me and said something I can’t even repeat. But they do not know enough at all. It’s frightening
Dee Doherty ok, is there more research going into this?
Grace C no I mean when I had the issues back in 2015. She basically said it was my fault. She said I wasn’t able to feed on the left side because my body hadn’t developed properly. So far .. I’ve seen no research (published and accredited research) but I have spoken to many women with similar experiences to our own
My best friend just told me yesterday that she has triple negative breast cancer. She is going to start chemo next week for 4 months then double mastectomy and radiation. I am going to be there for her. Can you tell me what someone going through this needs the most. Thank you for sharing your experience
Hi Shannon, so sorry to hear about your friend x I would say taking control of paper work, organising things - sorting out work, medical, finances etc is the first thing. Just ask her what is upsetting or worrying her most in her life and try to sort those things out for her. I was very very fortunate to have people around me who did those things for me ❤️❤️
Dee Doherty thank you. She told me she needs me to listen to the doctor's and ask questions as she feels she is in a fog and overwhelmed. Thank you for being so strong
Shannon Heit oh yeah completely! Even what she remembers now, she’s likely to forget! It is information overload xx if you can be there and take notes and be that person for her it will help her so much! You’re so good to do that for her! ❤️
Dee Doherty I love her and I don't want her husband or herself to feel overwhelmed. This is my 3rd friend with cancer. 2 with breast cancer. I'm a fixer and a momma 🐻. BTW I know you miss your hair but you are gorgeous without it. I wish you nothing but the best
What cancer do u have hope u on way to mend keep strong never give up think bright sorry to ask that question for what cancer you had hope u well x
Hayley Allen hi! Breast Cancer. Two types: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma and Ductal Carcinoma Insitu x
Dee Doherty bless u hope ur battle goes strong like keep positive and keep fighting family friends are around u I'd love to meet u are u In the UK England x
Hayley Allen I’m in Ireland ❤️
I just got diagnosed with both invasive ductal carcinoma and carcinoma in stui triple negative starting chemo in two weeks 🙏