Sue McCarthy obtained diagnoses of breast most cancers in 2001 and lung most cancers in 2018. Atone for all of Sue’s blogs right here!
A few week in the past, I first observed the e-mail to the CURE bloggers selling “Stand As much as Most cancers Day,” and later that very same night, I obtained a textual content message from a particular good friend: “We’ll discuss quickly. I really like you.” Though I didn’t know that my good friend had contemplated hospice care, I questioned whether or not that was what she wished to speak about, and I felt uncomfortable and really unhappy.
I imagine I had been sleeping restlessly that night time, however I awakened at 4:30 a.m. the following morning out of the blue feeling a way of panic. Ideas skyrocketed in my thoughts. Was I making an attempt to learn her thoughts? Or was this all a figment of my creativeness? Was my particular good friend going to die? May I cope along with her demise, perhaps imminent, however seemingly inside the subsequent yr? I had advised my good friend, on the one day she introduced up the subject of her passing, that I’d be OK; however then I questioned myself; may I let her down? I knew I couldn’t let her down at that vital level.
Then out of the blue the e-mail got here again to thoughts: “Stand As much as Most cancers.” That’s completely what I’ve to do. I will likely be there for my particular good friend till one or the opposite of us is gone. Though each of our journeys have concerned life-threatening cancers, hers (three years after mine) was at a extra superior stage when identified. Her most cancers had metastasized to her lungs and liver, and he or she had skilled extra problems and unwanted effects than I did. On prime of all of it, she is ten years youthful than I’m.
All of those are good causes to face as much as my particular good friend’s most cancers.
The Challenges of Ongoing Therapy
My good friend had been combating low blood counts for the previous yr or two, but she continued her chemotherapy regimens, interspersed with photographs to stimulate white blood cell manufacturing, primarily to stop an infection.
A bodily sturdy and assured lady, my particular good friend accomplished her chemo in June of this yr, however quickly after spent 4 days within the hospital. At that time, her oncologist, who can also be my oncologist, advised her she was not properly sufficient to have any extra chemotherapy. The subsequent day, she noticed a radiation oncologist, who advised her she wouldn’t have the ability to obtain radiation remedy both due to the massive variety of malignant nodules in her lungs, in addition to the situation of the growths in her liver.
This meant that the one most cancers therapy she was nonetheless presumably eligible for was surgical procedure. Though her liver specialist was initially reluctant, he reconsidered and determined that my good friend was, in truth, sturdy sufficient for liver surgical procedure. He would take away the 2 cancerous nodules in her liver, regardless of one being situated very near her abdomen. The surgical procedure was carried out on August 12, 2025.
Restoration and Problems
My particular good friend did properly with the surgical procedure; nevertheless, she quickly started affected by two regarding problems. She developed a rash protecting her physique and, extra worrisome, was seeing blood in her post-surgical drains. She was on the hospital emergency room lower than every week after being discharged. It was decided that an infection was the most certainly explanation for her signs, and he or she was placed on a robust antibiotic. My good friend is dwelling once more now and is being seen by a house well being care nurse twice a day.
It’s very reassuring to me to know that she’s being properly cared for. I’m hopeful and prayerful that she is going to recuperate fully from her surgical procedure.
Standing Up for a Buddy and Myself
I’ve had some weak moments, however usually I’ve bought this. I’m efficiently standing up for my particular good friend. I’m unsure whether or not it’s tougher to face up for her now, in her journey, or for myself in my very own voyage. Though the angle has been totally different, each challenges have been immense. Most cancers isn’t simple; most cancers is a formidable enemy.
This piece displays the creator’s private expertise and perspective. For medical recommendation, please seek the advice of your well being care supplier.
For extra information on most cancers updates, analysis and training, don’t neglect to subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters right here.
