Appreciating Life with Lung Cancer

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Sometimes I feel so lucky and thankful for what I have and the status of my health. It seems that there is always someone that is going through the same thing or maybe even worse.

Last week my good friend Tammy from Seattle found her boyfriend (who she lives with) laying in bed with a blue face from lack of oxygen and foaming at the mouth. She called 911 and they had her administer CPR. The medical team rushed to the scene and by the time Matt and Tammy got to the hospital Matt had already had a seizure and a stroke. It wasn’t until yesterday that Matt was finally moved out of ICU to a regular hospital room. He now has all of the tubes removed and is allowed to eat regular food items. The doctor says he may suffer from some brain damage, although they are not sure the extent yet. I have had Matt and Tammy on my mind constantly since the start of the incident. I keep wondering why these horrible things keep happening to young adults like myself…especially when they happen out of the blue. Tammy is returning to Phoenix with her son, Colby on November 10. I am so excited to see her. I am hoping that an escape to AZ will help relax her before she has to go back home and be a caregiver to Matt. I am really hoping that I am not sick while she is here so she doesn’t have to act as a caregiver to me as well.

I finally start physical therapy and occupational therapy next week. I will be attending three days per week for a month (maybe longer for physical therapy). I am hoping that this will help my endurance and aid in making me stronger. Ideally I would love to be able to go back to doing Pilates on the reformer or power yoga. I know that something like this won’t happen for a long time though because of the mets in my vertebrae. I did reinstate my membership to the Village on Camelback so at least I can go and sit on the recumbant bike and get some sort of cardio in. I feel like I have lost all muscle and my body has totally changed. My hair is still falling out, especially when I take a shower and brush it. I pull my hair back in a ponytail so it’s not as noticeable, but realistically I am going to have to shave it next week or the following.

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Pat Elliott Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger

Hi Melissa - I'm so sorry to hear about the experience your friend Tammy had, and the health situation facing her boyfriend Matt. Tammy's fortunate to have a friend like you to help her deal with the circumstances that have suddenly come into her life. I'm sure it hasn't been easy.
I agree with you that no matter how bad our own situation there seems to always be someone else we know who's in a more difficult situation. It's hard sometimes to accept what happens and our hearts go out to them. But we wouldn't be human if we weren't touched by others.
I'm glad you're starting PT and OT soon, and look forward to hearing about your progress. It will be good to be taking on some new activities.
I'm not happy to learn about your hair falling out, but appreciate that you seem to accept the need to shave it with grace and determination.
Talk with you soon, take good care.
Pat

November 2, 2009 - 5:19pm

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Melissa Waller View Profile Send Message

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.