Month: July 2023

And Just Like That, It Was Gone.

I was born with a disability that progressed as I grew and aged. My loss of mobility was much greater than was ever expected. Nineteen surgical reconstructions helped slow it down a bit, but nothing could stop the eventual loss of my mobility.

I had a career I loved. My disability’s progression ended my ability to do that job (even with accommodations, which were not an available option back when this happened.) I had a master’s degree in my field, 12 years of successful experience, and had worked my way from an entry-level position to a top management position in a relatively short time.

And just like that, it was gone. I couldn’t physically do it anymore.

Losing your mobility is difficult. Losing your job at the same time (which also meant losing my health insurance, at a time when a disabled person couldn’t get health insurance outside of a workplace) was devastating.

That was over 25 years ago. I took some classes, got certified in another field that I could physically do, and began a new career. Again, it was a job I loved. And then, after 20 years in my new career, once again, a physical issue made me unable to continue at that job, or any job.

Inflammatory arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis left me almost bedridden and in so much pain. Just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, I was diagnosed with invasive cancer.

Throughout all of this, adaptability was my best ally. A bit lost without the ability to work anymore, I took the chance to write and publish a book, which had been a dream of mine since I was a teen.

When your circumstances alter your life, you really only have two options — let it destroy you or embrace adaptability.

Products That Make Life Easier When You are Battling Cervical Cancer or Cancers in the Abdominal or Pelvic Area.

Sometimes, the treatment for cancer can cause short-term and long-term issues that you never expected. Here are some items that can help a person through cancer surgery, radiation, chemo, or brachytherapy.

There are also many items that can help friends and family of cancer patients to both help them through the process, and to let them know that they are loved and cared for.

If you aren’t afraid of being sassy, this bracelet has a hidden message that clearly states our feelings about having cancer.

And unless you tell them, no one will know what the Morse code message says.

This comfy blanket provides words of support every time you use it. This is a great gift for someone going through chemo. The warmth of your love (and the blanket) can surround them as they are receiving their infusion or can be used at home as a reminder of the cancer patient’s strength and adaptability.

These soft skullies are casual and comfortable. They protect newly bald heads from sun exposure, and are a great way to cover thinning hair caused by many types of chemo. They are great for around the house or at the cancer center.

These may be called Preggie Pops, but they are also great for the nausea caused by chemo and radiation.

Unfortunately, after abdominal or pelvic radiation, you often end up with radiation burns. Bio Oil helps heal and lighten those burns, and often even helps the discoloration to fade away.

Desitin, with the purple label, can be so helpful with the irritation and skin breakage that can happen during and after radiation. It contains zinc-oxide (so you have to wash it completely off prior to any radiation treatments) but it can help skin in intimate places stay dry so it can heal. (It is always best to wear exam gloves to apply it because it can be hard to rinse off bare hands.)

As you are recovering from abdominal surgery, these panties can provide the support you need during the healing process. They are supportive, comfortable, and the fabric breathes well. The higher waist helps prevent having underwear elastic directly pressing on the radical hysterectomy incisions. These are certainly more comfortable than the abdominal binder you may be given at the hospital. (And they just happen to be pretty.)

This delicate soap for intimate areas can be helpful on radiation damaged or sensitive skin. (Do not use this internally!) I found it to be so much better than regulary shower soap. While it is made for women, it can also be helpful for men who are having radiation on their prostates.

These exam gloves are wonderful for applying creams, oils, or other things to intimate areas. They keep your hands (and products) clean, and protect your hands in the process.

While you shouldn’t use this during radiation treatments, afterwards, if you end up with hemorrhoids, anal sores, or anal fissures from radiation, Calmoseptine is the best. It deadens the pains and helps sores and fissures heal by protecting the skin from moisture. It can sting a bit the first time you use it, but after that, you will wonder how you ever lived without it.

If you end up with neuropathy, or have pelvic lymph nodes removed, which can lead to lymphedema, then you need soft, non-binding socks. These are so comfortable, and have no binding elastic to cause lymphedemic swelling.

If you end up in the hospital for a radical hysterectomy or prostate surgery, this cord extension is so helpful. The plugs in hospital rooms are never near the bed, and if you forget the plug box for your phone charger, you won’t be able to charge your phone. This extension has both regular plugs and charger plugs. The metal coil makes it sturdy and safe, and oh so easy to wipe off with disinfectant when you leave.

Recovering from surgery, or from chemo and radiation can cause stomach pain, reflux, and positioning issues when you are trying to sleep. This wedge can help with all of those issues. The cover can be zipped off for easy washing.

These compact emesis bags were the most essential thing I needed (and used) during radiation and chemo! I always kept one in my bag, in my car, and much of the time, in my hand!

I can’t tell you how many times this kept me from throwing up in an Uber or friend’s car while traveling to or from the cancer center, or what a relief it was to have one of these on my bedside table for those times you need one and there is no time to get up and run to the bathroom! Trust me, these are essential while going through chemo and radiation.