AppleTree wrote:Yes! I am drawn like a moth to the light. I want to hear the experiences of others who have gone through it before me. The triumphs and pitfalls. Especially for me, I was diagnosed after a mere 4 months of language classes (Feb). All the forms are in a different language. The techs had to pantomime that I had to hold my breath going through a machine for clear images. I make index cards of words to tell the nurses when I see them. Normally, they just have to look at me and know what I need...but still. All through chemo and radiation I went to language class every day...but it is a slow process. So, I really count on this board to learn what to expect, what questions to write down - translated on my index cards. My surgery is in June and I am trying so hard to practice the language with relevant words so I will at least be able to communicate my basic needs post-op. So thank you to everyone for making this trip a little less scary for me!
AppleTree wrote:Nik - I am in Austria, so learning German. The city (Graz) has top of the line doctors, equipment, etc. My team of surgeons only do colon/rectal surgeries. I feel that I am in really good hands! Everyone is super nice to me. The doctors speak English. But I feel that I get condensed information. Not all the nurses speak English and most of the techs do not. When I was in the hospital for 3 days, my roommates did not speak English.
So, I feel it is important to learn as many words that I may need - even if my grammar isn't perfect, at least I will be able to communicate! Going to language school every day really helps to keep my mind off of things! As soon as I pass my language certificate class, I will start University classes to further my degree. One step at a time, I guess!
The main thing, despite language issues, is that I feel I am getting great care and that gives me alot of peace. But, yeah - everything has been overwhelming.
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