My new everyday life

For a while, things seemed uncertain, dark and heavy for us, especially for my husband. It was probably easier for me, as the patient. This changed as time passed and we saw that I was coping with my treatment and our new lifestyle. I am so happy to see that he has completed the part-time executive masters degree that he signed up for just before my diagnosis. It is a wonderful journey that we are together on. 

One time, in a conversation, my son noticed my hesitance to make plans for the future and suggested that I find someone to talk to about this. I realised that I could do with help, and through my employer I got in contact with a psychologist. These sessions were extremely good for me. Now, I dare to plan what we are going to do in a few months or even next year, even though life is uncertain. No one knows what the future holds anyway.

We have always tried to have dinner together as a family on Sundays. Now our sons have partners, who often join us for a Sunday walk or a meal. I look forward to the precious moments we spend together. 

For years we have had a shared family calendar online that the four of us can update. I register all the appointments I have with the hospital here. On days when I have an appointment with my doctor, there is usually a message from my sons and that feels really good. They know when I have treatments or a check-up and sometimes, if the calendars align, we can meet for a snack or lunch after the appointment. 

I have chosen to give my husband and sons access to my medical records using the citizen health portal (Helsenorge), so they can read what the medical journal, if they wish to.

Work has been important to me

I work in Paytech, focusing on data analysis and insights based on the digital services provided to our customers allowing me to combine work from home and the office. Since my diagnosis, I’ve worked reduced hours or full time based on my health situation. For me, it’s been important to have my job even for a few hours a day.

At the time of my diagnosis, my manager had just returned to work after cancer treatment; he understood my situation. He shared some of his experiences and reminded me of the importance of daily exercise and walks. It’s really good that he suggested this, because I had not thought of it and may not have prioritized this at the start.  

My diet and new routines

I contacted various patient support groups and read up on recommended diets for cancer patients. I have chosen to avoid alcohol, carbohydrates from white sugar, wheat flour products, red meats and preserved meats, while eating more fish, chicken, cheese, eggs, millets and vegetables than earlier. The new diet works fine for me. 

After my radiation treatment, I lost weight quite fast. Even though I still ate as much as earlier, I was unable to maintain my weight. A nutritionist then advised me on how to use nutritional drinks and plan my meals to get the extra calories, to ensure my weight stabilised.

I decided to use a small notebook that I carry with me at all times. Here I note down questions or topics related to my treatment that I can ask my doctor at the next appointment. Working with data most of my professional life led me to start a private log over what I do, where I go, what I eat and how I feel. I now have a large spreadsheet with daily entries of activities, side-effects, treatments, meals, etc.  

Part 3 : https://francesdsilva.com/2024/08/18/my-story-continues-focusing-on-what-makes-me-feel-good/