Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Im so sorry that you are facing further treatment for MC. It certainly sounds like you have had your share of ups and downs. Im very sorry you are struggling with this mentally. We are always here to listen. We understand what you are facing, we have been thru similar things ourselves. Im glad you are seeing a therapist. Its very common for OC patients (and even many caregivers too) to have a need for a therapist, maybe even anxiety meds. Its a traumatic experience being diagnosed with a serious illness. That event is something not one of us will ever forget.
I understand exactly how you feel. After 3 rounds of OC, Im now disfigured and using a feeding tube for life. I have quite a few really bad days where Im so sick I can barely walk or talk. This usually ends with a trip to the ER. Being disfigured in a society where everyone focuses on appearances, being a woman who is missing half her lower jaw sticks out like a sore thumb. Ive handled this very well and after 6 years I have a productive, happy life.
If I can overcome my obstacles, I have faith you can get past this too. Try your very best to focus only on things within your control and avoid the "what if's" like the plague. Staying very busy will help keep your mind tied up which keeps you from worrying too much. Nobody needs any extra anxiety, especially when facing an upcoming major surgery.
Hang in there!!! We are all in this together. You can lean on us to help get you thru what you are facing.
PS... Ive sent you directions on how to add your signature. Click in the tiny flashing envelope next to the My Stuff tab which is near the middle of the top of the page. ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive |