The Colon Club

I have never been classified as well to do, or endowed with an unlimited budget. Many of us find it hard to make ends meet during our struggle through this disease. Sometimes little things we do for ourselves, can give a much better outlook
on the path yet travelled. I haven't even been to Galveston, less than 60 miles away, since I got out of surgery. Efforts to preserve a genuine comfortable environment, for my wife, have been utmost on my mind, should I pass .
Wages and salaries differ all around our nation, and what is one man's cactus, is cherished ,just as much as someone's orchard. Cancer doesn't have favorites, everyone has their experience.
Bro Nut ,JIC,
Michael

Cactus jealousy?

peanut_8 wrote:Cactus jealousy?

Just tired, of thinking about all that goes with the daily life of a cancer patient. There really is no solace in daily activity, as the cloud over your head travels into every decision you make.
No my dear Peanut,
I'm just exhausted.
Bro Nut

I'm sorry to hear that.

I think I no exactly how you feel Michael. It seems the negative days are overtaking the positive days. Even if we have our disease under control there are so many things that have to be taken care of. With my husband n I both having cancer I'm trying to get things in order.i can just see him going nuts looking for things if I'm gone first. Being that our children are grown it does take the pressure off a little. When I just sit around I think the world is passing me by. That I should always be doing something or I'm wasting a good day. But I'm just worn out by everything. Have a nice weekend.
Jackie

Jackie, you've stated it perfectly. If I give in to my fatigue and watch tv, I feel I've wasted precious time. But I'm just too tired a lot to do something productive or meaningful.

Thinking of you, hope your day get better.

Lee

Define doing something meaningful. I think the same way but I end up looking forward to the couch and blanket at the end of the day.

Wow, and I thought it was just me. I'm tired too trying to figure out how to negotiate my new life. The couch has become my new friend but I would like one that talks

Love you hon I have never had much money especially since I can't work, my parents never had much either. Somehow we manage but it's not easy. I have not Pais any medical since last year. Hoping I will be able to get ssdi and be able to get things paid. Until then, just scraping by it's still not enough right now

Sadly, sometimes I think it would be better without me here to save money, but don't worry, I'm not going anywhere.

Yes, Michael, it's a big load for one to carry around on one's back. I've often wondered if in the overall scheme of things, we're all just a bunch of bugs.




We were fortunate to have good insurance & coughed up the hefty premiums. Working the daily grind + overtime to tread water, put a little away, gets old pretty quickly. Applaud you for your concerns regarding the welfare of your wife in the forefront of your thoughts. I've often had fun entertaining the thought: if you don't have $10.00, spend $20! However I didn't live by that motto, sometimes you'd like to. Wonder what's worse for the patient should it come to that: not leaving enough behind or leaving too much to spend. Give yourself a crumb. Take that drive to Galveston, my brother.

BS

I agree with bs.

My husband is always worried about expenses and bills. Always has been really, but now I kind of hide the debt. We don't splurge and waste money, but I insist on inexpensive trips, weekends away, fun days. Screw the housework, yard work and bills..I believe in making memories and having fun. I think it's important. You don't have to spend a lot to have fun. Many (responsible) people don't understand , but I had a conversation with a lady that got it. Her teenage son died of cancer. He fought for 8 years. She was a single mom of two. She opened an "emergency" credit card. Those emergencies involved taking him and his friends to concerts, to a favorite restaurant, etc. She's still paying it off without regret.

Go live!

momof3 wrote:I agree with bs.

My husband is always worried about expenses and bills. Always has been really, but now I kind of hide the debt. We don't splurge and waste money, but I insist on inexpensive trips, weekends away, fun days. Screw the housework, yard work and bills..I believe in making memories and having fun. I think it's important. You don't have to spend a lot to have fun. Many (responsible) people don't understand , but I had a conversation with a lady that got it. Her teenage son died of cancer. He fought for 8 years. She was a single mom of two. She opened an "emergency" credit card. Those emergencies involved taking him and his friends to concerts, to a favorite restaurant, etc. She's still paying it off without regret.

Go live!

This is so on point! I totally agree with you....I have never been attached to money but it is a necessary evil. I have a huge deductible and with two surgeries in the last quarter of 2014 and then treatment in 2015, we had to meet two deductibles back to back. I called all my providers and set up payment plans and do my best to lives within our means, but I won't give up on taking my kids to concerts, doing inexpensive outings and living life. We also do a lot of free stuff - "family hikes", barbecue with friends at homes, etc., but I refuse to let cancer take down my whole family It can fight with me, but not them.

We have wanted to spend the month of July in San Diego for several years now but could never afford it. Now that I have HIPEC surgery July 10th in San Diego, my family will get their wish! I guess I need to take a positive spin on that one - I may be in the hospital but my kids will also get to enjoy the beach with their dad while I recuperate.

Yes,...I TOTALLY understand about teeny, tiny, microscopic budgets!!!! Being retired on a super-tiny little "fixed" income, I too am very aquainted with sqeezing the holy daylights out of a penny. I don't even own a car. That may well work in my favor in a sense,...as I get out and do a LOT of walking (keeps the body trim and toned). Free exercise.

I think about how folks spend a lot of money to exercise at gyms,.....when I can just kick the door open, and take off.

It gets hard at times, though. I'm still on old slow dialup with several older computers (that I've put together from Ebay parts). I've been wanting to enter the 21st century, and get high speed internet,...but the budget won't alllow it. But I keep dreaming.

Then I get worried about not having "final plans" in order, if I should (heaven forbid) ever get out of NED. I don't want my daughter having to do any financial worries at the last minute. So that's my mental struggle right now. I want to enjoy having some things like the high speed internet,....but the teeny-tiny little budget may only stretch to providing for the final plans.

I used to live in South East Texas btw. Corpus Christi was my home town. Go to Galveston if you can.

Rwightman - good luck with the surgery,hope it means a cure for you and i hope you get some time to enjoy the beach too!

Become friendly with the social workers at your facility. Ours has been a godsend. There are agencies out there that want to help. It makes people feel good to help. Our social worker signed us up with an organization that contacts sports teams, concert halls, zoos, etc to ask for tickets for patients and their families. We have been able to see 3 or 4 different shows, a trip to the zoo, a minor league baseball game and a children's museum.