Hi, my name is FunWithChemo!

FunWithChemo

I am a 4-time cancer survivor living in the San Francisco Bay Area with my wife/partner of 30+ years. I have had 3 series of chemo, radiation treatments for 2 separate cancers and I have had multiple surgeries. I am scheduled to have a Spinal Cord Stimulator installed on Wednesday this week (Feb 16th, 2022). I have chronic pain from Peripheral Neuropathy from my most recent chemo 3 years ago. I entered chemo with mild diabetic neuropathy and left with chronic painful Peripheral Neuropathy. My hair has not grown back from chemo so I wear a bandana or a wig when out in public. I look forward to meeting many of you.

Libby_Alumni

Good morning @FunWithChemo,

Welcome to the online community, it's great to have you here with us today!

Thank you for sharing a little bit about yourself, it's great to understand your experiences a bit better. It sounds as if you've been through a lot, but you seem like an incredibly resilient individual and one that doesn't give up! I want to wish you a big good luck for your operation on Wednesday - please let us know how you get on with things.

If there's anything else that you would like to know or have any further questions, then please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. The online community is a great space for networking and meeting new people. Our coffee lounge is a wonderful place to start to share some fun conversations with others and to play games. 

We hope you enjoy the community and we look forward to speaking to you soon.

Libby

SueHeath

Hi @FunWithChemo Welcome to the club, I'm loving the tag name, so apt with what you've told us.
Good to hear you are a fighter, I to hope your procedure goes well on Wednesday, hope you get chance to have a good look around this fantastic forum - look forward to seeing you about.

FunWithChemo

Thanks, BeKindAlways - great name by the way. I appreciate your kind comments. I guess calling me a "tough cookie" is a good way to put it. I was also in the hospital for a week in a diabetic coma which altered my personality... I became very quiet when earlier I was always the "life of the party". I have recovered somewhat but I am still quieter than previously...  I knew yaw'll are based in Great Britain but I figured with the internet, it did not really matter... It is good you were there for your friend. I am sure she really appreciates it. Thanks for the nice welcome...

FunWithChemo

You did not disturb my sleep. My computer is in my home office behind a closed door. I wish magic wands were out there and easy to come by. The world would be a better place. My procedure is tomorrow and I am very nervous. I must go in for a Covid test today in anticipation of my Spinal Cord
Stimulation procedure. You stay safe as well.

Danielle_2022

Hi @FunWithChemo,
I took a few days away from the community, so am only just seeing this post, but I know that you will have had surgery by now and wanted to say that I'm hoping for the very best outcome. You sound like a wonderful person and I can't wait to hear more about you, whenever you feel up to it

FunWithChemo

My doctor's office postponed the procedure until Friday 2/18/2022 so I must wait. I was very nervous but now it seems kind of anticlamatic. They called in antibiotics and pain meds as even the one-week test hurt... Thanks for your kind words. I will check back on Sunday or Monday. Kind Regards

Danielle_2022

Hiya @FunWithChemo,
I'm so sorry that it was delayed. So many more unnecessary nerves! I'm glad that you have access to all of the right pain medication and things, though, hopefully that's the first step in the right direction! I'm thinking about you and hoping that it's not too rough. Take whatever time you need -- we'll welcome you with open arms when you get back

Tori_Scope

Best wishes for your procedure today @FunWithChemo

FunWithChemo

Hi, BeKindAlways... The procedure was Friday. I was pretty sore for the first 48 hours or so. I have not taken any pain meds for the past 24+ hours so am doing much better. He put it in just above my waist on my back. Right where he put the device in is sore but I am moving around pretty well. The device will be turned on when I see my doc later in the week. I am ready for it to start working to relieve the pain.... Thanks for your kind thoughts and wishes...

Danielle_2022

Hiya @FunWithChemo,
I'm so pleased to hear that everything went smoothly and I hope that things improve again later this week. Please keep us updated with that -- I have been thinking about you! Do you have a favourite tv show or something for distraction in the meantime?