Firstly, let me acknowledge that I am not the first to be going through cancer treatment, nor will I be the last.  I am one of many, quite a few of whom will go through far worse than I.

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It may not be for everyone, but I hope to be able to write about my experience every day.  My intention is that it gives others going through a similar experience some comfort through knowledge, albeit from a patient, not a medically trained, perspective. 

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As well, it provides me with a tool to help process what is happening and to record the journey.  I feel this will be beneficial for me.

 

Cancer treatment is debilitating.  Everyone at the Sir Charles Gairdiner Hospital Cancer Centre has thankfully, been very upfront about this. I am under no illusions. I am concerned about how the treatment will affect me physically and in describing this, potentially causing more anxiety in anyone reading who is about to start treatment.  That is not my intention.  Rather, it is my view that facing up to what needs to be done is made easier by having first person knowledge, even if it is a little frightening. 

 

Research into cancer is progressing and we need to be talking about it so that everyone facing this challenge can do so with confidence and hope.  Perhaps by writing about my experience, I might give hope to those about to confront their own cancer battle.

 

Finally, this is written in my words and I am not a medical expert.  The terms and explanations I use are my interpretations of information I have gathered. If you want to know more, please contact your Doctor.