Ready to start Oncology Rehab

Got the call today, the St. Francis Oncology Rehab has accepted me into their program.  I go on May 5th for a 2 hour consultation with the head of the department  ( she was in charge 11 years ago when I was formerly in their program) and then an hour with whoever the trainer she assigns me too.  They are sending a package of information and forms to me.

The last month, I have been going downhill markedly, in  strength and in endurance.  For a few months, I was slowly recovering, now, for some reason, a gradulal decline, including an increase in pain, and general lack of energy.

I am hoping this will really help, as I prepare for whatever is next.

David in SC

Post Edited (Purgatory) : 4/25/2011 6:40:52 PM (GMT-6)

David - wishing you all the best -
gentle hugs,
BRONSON

Hoping the very best for you in this new program.

David you know I wish you the best!

Cajun Jeff

Thanks, my friends, one and all.

I know there's a rougher path ahead, and I don't want to enter it in a state of such weakness, depression, and apprehension. This is the same rehab that I was in for nearly a year, 11 years ago from my previous ops and original radiation. When I stopped at the time, I was in great physical shape, that I was able to walk up all ten stories to the rehab floor without using the elevator. Last week, had lunch with my ex boss, and only walked 5 blocks, slightly uphill all the way, and almost couldn't make it, had to keep taking breaks. When I headed home, the fatigue hit me so hard, I honestly didn't think I could even make the 13 mile drive back to the house. And it put me in the hole for the next 48 hours recovering from that. I have about 2-4 hours a day of usefulness (though limited) before the fatigue overtakes me. I quit the local PT, simply because they were not equipped to handle an oncology patient, with a stoma, and culmlatvie effects of 8 ops in 2 years and my most recent radiation disaster. I would leave after a one hour session, and be in pain for the next 2 days. I finally said enough was enough, and it wasn't working. I haven't been back now for nearly 3 weeks, but I can also tell how much I need the right kind of help, because I am regressing physically.

I know, that no one but myself, can help myself at this point in this warped PC journey. I still have to be my own advocate when push comes to shove.

The other big milestone, will be when I get hooked up with a higher level medical oncologist, and lay all my cards on the table.

In my own way, I am fighting hard, but the fight is slowly erroding away from my being, and I hate it. I absolutely feel like I am losing the battle right now. Trying hard to regroup, and salvage whatever is left of my natural life. As they say, I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. My life is quickly becoming a nightmare of just surviving day to day, hoping for better days.

david in sc

David:

The hardest thing is to get started at the right level and it looks like you are doing that.

This illness can be so debilitating mentally and physically.

You are doing the right thing.

Mel

David; Please know that You are in our thoughts and prayers. Each person on this forum wishes you the very best outcome as you begin your rehab.

God bless you and your family.

thanks jerry and kobota

Best of luck as you start you Oncology Rehab. I hope it helps you. It sure is a tough path you have been given in life. I admire your determination and the help you give to others here and elsewhere in your life.

Jim, I appreciate that. We been here together a long time now, and you have seen this bizzare journey of mine from the start. At some point, you would think I would cop some kind of break, or be on the right side of the percentages for once, but so far, not the case.

david

David,

Hope the new program goes well. Will you do this at St. Francis in Greenville or is there a rehab center in Easley?

Sancarlos

Hang in there David. You have gone through more that any 10 of us. You deserve a break.
JT

Thanks, John, appreciate that. You too Gold Horse