Guilt from missing events

Forums General Melanoma Community Guilt from missing events

  • Post
    PamelaA
    Participant

      I am currently getting Keytruda every 3 weeks. My family knows that I have stage 3c Cancer, they know I am now taking chemo and they know I am in a lot of pain from past surgeries but they still make me feel like I should be attending everything I am invited to, regardless of how I am feeling. Today my whole family went to a birthday party for my cousin, and I stayed home. I'm upset because I feel like am missing memories and because it gets held against me but bottom line, I don't have any energy!

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    • Replies
        arthurjedi007
        Participant

          Never feel guilty for what you can and cannot do. I apologized the other day for being such a burden as folks carried my cushions and I hobbled into the restaurant. Mom said not to apologize and it is just wonderful for me to still be here. 

          I used to avoid going to things early on. Then I realized I can either stay in my recliner and feel crummy or be with folks that care about me and feel crummy. But that was a decision I had to come to.

          As far as energy keytruda is immunotherapy and for me it actually made me feel better. You might have something else going on maybe with your diet or exercise causing the lack of energy. One thing I recently found is a drink with the brand called orgain. Tastes good. Decent amount of protein. None of the crud others put in theirs. Also the brand naked has a lot of good juices. Also walking even when you don't feel like it even just around the inside of the house can help get your system going and more energy.

          Artie

          arthurjedi007
          Participant

            Never feel guilty for what you can and cannot do. I apologized the other day for being such a burden as folks carried my cushions and I hobbled into the restaurant. Mom said not to apologize and it is just wonderful for me to still be here. 

            I used to avoid going to things early on. Then I realized I can either stay in my recliner and feel crummy or be with folks that care about me and feel crummy. But that was a decision I had to come to.

            As far as energy keytruda is immunotherapy and for me it actually made me feel better. You might have something else going on maybe with your diet or exercise causing the lack of energy. One thing I recently found is a drink with the brand called orgain. Tastes good. Decent amount of protein. None of the crud others put in theirs. Also the brand naked has a lot of good juices. Also walking even when you don't feel like it even just around the inside of the house can help get your system going and more energy.

            Artie

            arthurjedi007
            Participant

              Never feel guilty for what you can and cannot do. I apologized the other day for being such a burden as folks carried my cushions and I hobbled into the restaurant. Mom said not to apologize and it is just wonderful for me to still be here. 

              I used to avoid going to things early on. Then I realized I can either stay in my recliner and feel crummy or be with folks that care about me and feel crummy. But that was a decision I had to come to.

              As far as energy keytruda is immunotherapy and for me it actually made me feel better. You might have something else going on maybe with your diet or exercise causing the lack of energy. One thing I recently found is a drink with the brand called orgain. Tastes good. Decent amount of protein. None of the crud others put in theirs. Also the brand naked has a lot of good juices. Also walking even when you don't feel like it even just around the inside of the house can help get your system going and more energy.

              Artie

              kylez
              Participant

                It sounds like you've been able to reset your own expectations to a "new normal" level of energy. It's too bad some of those around you don't understand that you need to live at that "new normal" for awhile. You're doing the right thing IMO in not exhausting yourself. I would say try not to listen too much some individuals around you who, to varying degrees, don't understand what you're dealing with. I've had to reset to a "new normal" for similar sounding reasons. I hope this situation improves around you.

                kylez
                Participant

                  It sounds like you've been able to reset your own expectations to a "new normal" level of energy. It's too bad some of those around you don't understand that you need to live at that "new normal" for awhile. You're doing the right thing IMO in not exhausting yourself. I would say try not to listen too much some individuals around you who, to varying degrees, don't understand what you're dealing with. I've had to reset to a "new normal" for similar sounding reasons. I hope this situation improves around you.

                  kylez
                  Participant

                    It sounds like you've been able to reset your own expectations to a "new normal" level of energy. It's too bad some of those around you don't understand that you need to live at that "new normal" for awhile. You're doing the right thing IMO in not exhausting yourself. I would say try not to listen too much some individuals around you who, to varying degrees, don't understand what you're dealing with. I've had to reset to a "new normal" for similar sounding reasons. I hope this situation improves around you.

                    Patina
                    Participant

                      Here is something to think about.

                      Since both you and your family are upset/sad about your inability to attend events. Have either of you considered using Skype, or another application, that would allow you to be at your home and contact someone at a party via video?  On their end they would need iPad or similar device that could be handed off to others at the party so you can "check in" and "visit" with family members? Your family would be able to see and hear you, you could be part of the gathering and have those memories, but would not need to go there or spend the entire time at the party.

                      You could use a smart phone, iPad or similar device or a computer… I'd recommend that they have a smart phone or iPad (they need wifi access) on their end.

                      Best

                       

                       

                      Patina
                      Participant

                        Here is something to think about.

                        Since both you and your family are upset/sad about your inability to attend events. Have either of you considered using Skype, or another application, that would allow you to be at your home and contact someone at a party via video?  On their end they would need iPad or similar device that could be handed off to others at the party so you can "check in" and "visit" with family members? Your family would be able to see and hear you, you could be part of the gathering and have those memories, but would not need to go there or spend the entire time at the party.

                        You could use a smart phone, iPad or similar device or a computer… I'd recommend that they have a smart phone or iPad (they need wifi access) on their end.

                        Best

                         

                         

                        Patina
                        Participant

                          Here is something to think about.

                          Since both you and your family are upset/sad about your inability to attend events. Have either of you considered using Skype, or another application, that would allow you to be at your home and contact someone at a party via video?  On their end they would need iPad or similar device that could be handed off to others at the party so you can "check in" and "visit" with family members? Your family would be able to see and hear you, you could be part of the gathering and have those memories, but would not need to go there or spend the entire time at the party.

                          You could use a smart phone, iPad or similar device or a computer… I'd recommend that they have a smart phone or iPad (they need wifi access) on their end.

                          Best

                           

                           

                          Scooby123
                          Participant

                            Hi,,

                            Try not to feel guilty in not able to attend family events. I did not want to go any were when on treatment at first due to feeling rough. Worrying if I go out might need toilet due to GI issues,it is very hard for others who are not in your situation to fully understand how you feel. I understand they want you there present but you have to do what is best for you at present. A thought if a family event just go for a short while then go home. I have a large family so lots of things going off all the time but I go if ok or for a bit but do not feel guilty if cannot go my family very understanding. 

                            Do what is best for you, take care 

                            scooby

                            Scooby123
                            Participant

                              Hi,,

                              Try not to feel guilty in not able to attend family events. I did not want to go any were when on treatment at first due to feeling rough. Worrying if I go out might need toilet due to GI issues,it is very hard for others who are not in your situation to fully understand how you feel. I understand they want you there present but you have to do what is best for you at present. A thought if a family event just go for a short while then go home. I have a large family so lots of things going off all the time but I go if ok or for a bit but do not feel guilty if cannot go my family very understanding. 

                              Do what is best for you, take care 

                              scooby

                              Scooby123
                              Participant

                                Hi,,

                                Try not to feel guilty in not able to attend family events. I did not want to go any were when on treatment at first due to feeling rough. Worrying if I go out might need toilet due to GI issues,it is very hard for others who are not in your situation to fully understand how you feel. I understand they want you there present but you have to do what is best for you at present. A thought if a family event just go for a short while then go home. I have a large family so lots of things going off all the time but I go if ok or for a bit but do not feel guilty if cannot go my family very understanding. 

                                Do what is best for you, take care 

                                scooby

                                lmhl
                                Participant

                                  Speaking as a family member, I would recommend sitting down with your family members and making sure they really understand how you are feeling. I think it is often assumed.  Looking back I wished we discussed things like this more often.  A social worker in your oncology program can also help with explaining to family how you might be feeling when going through surgery and treatments and how they can better support you.  Just a thought…

                                   

                                  lmhl
                                  Participant

                                    Speaking as a family member, I would recommend sitting down with your family members and making sure they really understand how you are feeling. I think it is often assumed.  Looking back I wished we discussed things like this more often.  A social worker in your oncology program can also help with explaining to family how you might be feeling when going through surgery and treatments and how they can better support you.  Just a thought…

                                     

                                    lmhl
                                    Participant

                                      Speaking as a family member, I would recommend sitting down with your family members and making sure they really understand how you are feeling. I think it is often assumed.  Looking back I wished we discussed things like this more often.  A social worker in your oncology program can also help with explaining to family how you might be feeling when going through surgery and treatments and how they can better support you.  Just a thought…

                                       

                                      DZnDef
                                      Participant

                                        PamelaA, You need to give up on the guilt.  No one can make you feel guilty except you.  Your family is sad to be missing you and they clearly don't understand what you are going through.  Keep that perspective – they don't understand – that's not your fault.  You need to do what you need to do to recover and get healthy.  That is nothing to feel guilty about.  We cannot control how others feel about our situation so let it go.  You deserve to take care of yourself right now.  Give yourself permission to do so – guilt-free.

                                        DZnDef
                                        Participant

                                          PamelaA, You need to give up on the guilt.  No one can make you feel guilty except you.  Your family is sad to be missing you and they clearly don't understand what you are going through.  Keep that perspective – they don't understand – that's not your fault.  You need to do what you need to do to recover and get healthy.  That is nothing to feel guilty about.  We cannot control how others feel about our situation so let it go.  You deserve to take care of yourself right now.  Give yourself permission to do so – guilt-free.

                                            PamelaA
                                            Participant

                                              Thank you everyone for the good ideas!  My side effects from the Chemo are getting worse so hopefully when I see my doctor on Tuesday I will get some real help with how I've been feeling!

                                              PamelaA
                                              Participant

                                                Thank you everyone for the good ideas!  My side effects from the Chemo are getting worse so hopefully when I see my doctor on Tuesday I will get some real help with how I've been feeling!

                                                PamelaA
                                                Participant

                                                  Thank you everyone for the good ideas!  My side effects from the Chemo are getting worse so hopefully when I see my doctor on Tuesday I will get some real help with how I've been feeling!

                                                DZnDef
                                                Participant

                                                  PamelaA, You need to give up on the guilt.  No one can make you feel guilty except you.  Your family is sad to be missing you and they clearly don't understand what you are going through.  Keep that perspective – they don't understand – that's not your fault.  You need to do what you need to do to recover and get healthy.  That is nothing to feel guilty about.  We cannot control how others feel about our situation so let it go.  You deserve to take care of yourself right now.  Give yourself permission to do so – guilt-free.

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