Trying to get better! Quality of Life

[angeldancer]

I never thought that my fifties would bring fighting to live but i guess this is the road that I am on right now.  I want to take a road trip.  Don't think its feasible with all the treatments.  My peripheral neuropathy is ten times worst now.  It just hurt when I wake up with the burning sensation in my hands and feet.  I feel like I am walking on hot coals with porcupine quills sticking me.  I can't think about drinking a cool drink or holding a cool drink to pass on to anyone else.  The oncologist wants to take me off my chemo regimen because of the neuropathy.  I feel like I am cured from cancer and all these treatments are just killing my body. 

But on a positive note.  Through the pain I have decided to push through it.  I am not living a productive life.  My quality of life was no quality so I decided to take my pain stricken self to the gym and use a flotation device to swim.  I went to the summer series outdoor movie.  I sat and watch fireworks at the back bay in Newport Beach (live close enough to get there in 15 minutes).  Ok, yes I had to deal with the horrible pain for getting out but the fireworks were absolutely beautiful.

I had to continue on because something happen to my other rest of my posting??

Please help me with this crazy thought of going to Bryce Canyon Utah from Orange County California.  It is 8 hours away.  Vegas is 4 and I guess another 4 hours to the canyon.

My new symptom of having to sleep throughout the day is maddening.  I was driving home and literally had to get off the road to sleep in the car.  If I hadn't I would have fallen asleep and crashed.  Thank God I realized that I couldn't hold my eyes open much longer.  My hands and feet like they have porcupine quills attacking them all day.  My feet feel like I am walking on hot coals.  MY neuropathy is ten times worst sense the chemo. 

Many of you have taken a road trip with your many symptoms.  I need to do something to help my mind, my peace, my tranquility.  I love mountains and oceans and for the past ten years, I lived under my umbrella of illness.  Thanks for all your help.

BTW?.Saddleback church has been so helpful.  What an awesome minister to set up programs of volunteers to reach out to the people.  They have doctors that attend the church and give back once a week to volunteer and help people needing medical attention.  And they have a variety of specialties like neurologist and stuff.  I will be going.

[KRNLMBCH]

I so admire your strength.  I too am in my 50's and NEVER ever imagined I would be living most of my life in bed.  I have not had to deal with half of what you have, and this whole ordeal only began over a year ago.  I feel like I'm getting worse everyday rather than better but?like I said, I'm not dealing with as much as you.  I too am dying to take a road trip?I always loved just being on the road. Loved the excitement of seeing and learning about new places, things, etc.  I couldn't even consider it at this point. 
I just spent the last 2 hours crying uncontrollably, looking outside at a beautiful summer day, from my bed, alone, isolated, in pain?like you said, the worst part of this whole ordeal is the LOSS of ANY quality in life.
I really wanted to just reply to tell you I wish I could be like you?.I tend to feel sorry for myself rather than "fight back", push through?.and demand some quality.  I don't know how you do it, but I think you must be a pretty amazing woman!

[angeldancer]

I messed up my posting.  Feel absolutely horrible about it.  Please never give up KRNLBBCH.  Never ever.  It sucks but we got to hang in there.  Persevere.  Hold your head up and cry when you have to. I just spent 3 days in bed after chemo crying because of the horrible side effects.  But got back up and went to the outdoor movie.  Keep pushing.

Peace and blessings to you,
Angeldancer

[ohiolady]

Angeldancer,

My heart breaks for you.  How much longer will you have chemo treatment?  You just have way too much to deal with and I am glad you have found some help from your church.  I am hoping you will have many more opportunities to escape the realities of dealing with so much pain.

Hugs,

Anna

[LucyD]

AngelDancer, so good to hear from you. I, too, admire your strength. Yes, when will you be able to finish chemotherapy?
Hope you will get help from the church. Is there someone who could do the road trip with you and do most of the driving?

KRNLMBCH, I hope you feel better, too.

Sending gentle hugs to both of you.

[Jasper]

It is good to hear from you.

I know you are struggling with many medical issues as well as pain,  and I am glad that you are finding some joy in life and some help from good people. I hope your chemo will be over soon and I hope it is doing its job of ridding you of cancer.

You have a great deal of strength and I do admire you.

I hope you can take your trip to Bryce. Bryce is truly beautiful. As someone suggested, perhaps someone will go with you.

Wishing you the best.

[irish]

angeldancer, I think you should go, but it would be very nice if you could find someone to go with you. Maybe there is someone at the church who is willing to go. Maybe someone your age, or maybe a young gal who likes some adventure. Could help you with the driving, see the sights and help with the expense, maybe. Good luck. Go for it. Set an alarm clock so that you remember to stop and nap every so often. You can set the alarm clock to wake yourself up so that you can drive again also. Irish

[machenza]

Dear Angeldancer,

You are a brave lady. I think the trip will be a good idea. I hope that you can take more than one stops along the road, and rest as needed. In my opinion anything that can keep our spirit high is going to be helpful. Positive emotions can do so much in terms of healing.

P.S. I hope that chemo will be over soon.

Many hugs
Nellie

[susanep]

I hope you get to take your trip, and can find someone to go with you. Just take the time outs for rest as others have suggested. I do hope and pray your treatments are over soon, and that you will feel better. You are a fighter against these things that are intruding in your precious life.

My mother had the severe burning in her feet and legs. She said, no one else would know how it felt unless they had it.

Praying for you.
susanep

[Joe S.]

My first suggestion is if possible, find someone to go with you and help with the drive. I do as much driving as I can but I still end up taking a nap or two. Shorter drive times are better than long drive times. I planned this trip with 6 hour drives. Mos have been 8 to 12 hours as things have beeb added.

I have found that avtivated " charcoal-apple cider vinigar" foot patches over night, and R-Lipoic acid help reduce neuropathy for me. Before taking any medication or supplement to check for interactions, counter indications, and side effects.

We are at war with this disease and any reasonable weapon should be used!

[angeldancer]

Thank you everyone for your responses.  I haven't been on again for a moment but you know why.  Some difficulties you just have to fight through.  I will try to find some one to go on the trip.  I will do this immediately and Joe I will find those patches they sound like what I desperately need.

Once again thanks everyone.  Praying for us us.

Angeldancer