I had cancer.....
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Midwest USA
Posts: 46
I had cancer.....
I have been a lurker for a long time and haven't posted my story. Basically had cancer (four surgeries, 4 months chemo, 30 rounds radiation). Turned to alcohol afterwards because that was the only way I could get the cancer out of my mind. Of course, I was a heavy drinker before cancer but turned out of control with drinking afterwards. Having all the same problems as others - family, law, job. Anyway, made it to day 2.
I am home alone all day and of course I want to drink, ughhhh this is so hard. I know I just can't keep doing this or my family is going to find out. Not going to just babbling, thanks for listening.
I am home alone all day and of course I want to drink, ughhhh this is so hard. I know I just can't keep doing this or my family is going to find out. Not going to just babbling, thanks for listening.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 2,872
Hello and welcome to posting. I'm glad you did.
I'm sorry about the cancer and I hope you overcome it.
As you know, drinking won't help anything.
My medical conditions are all physical, and they are severe. But I don't drink over them.
I'm home alone all day, too. I try to keep myself occupied with hobbies and exercise and the dreaded television ; )
At the end of my drinking everyone knew I was a drunk. Sad thing was, as much as I tried to hide it, it was obvious from my unpredictable behavior.
It took a nasty bottoming out for me to finally quit.
You can do it. I'm sorry about your illness, that must be rough. Best of health and sobriety to you. And congratulations on day two. Please keep reading and posting.
I'm sorry about the cancer and I hope you overcome it.
As you know, drinking won't help anything.
My medical conditions are all physical, and they are severe. But I don't drink over them.
I'm home alone all day, too. I try to keep myself occupied with hobbies and exercise and the dreaded television ; )
At the end of my drinking everyone knew I was a drunk. Sad thing was, as much as I tried to hide it, it was obvious from my unpredictable behavior.
It took a nasty bottoming out for me to finally quit.
You can do it. I'm sorry about your illness, that must be rough. Best of health and sobriety to you. And congratulations on day two. Please keep reading and posting.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 341
Congratulations on day 2 and I'm sorry about your illness, that's rough. Cancer is one of my biggest fears, I lost both my parents to it way too soon.
Being alone was a huge trigger for me also, I totally understand, I spend so much time alone also. I've started getting back to interests I had before alcohol took over my life so that has helped and keeps my mind occupied.
Stick around here, tons of support, and others that understand. The first days are probably the hardest, but you can do it.
Being alone was a huge trigger for me also, I totally understand, I spend so much time alone also. I've started getting back to interests I had before alcohol took over my life so that has helped and keeps my mind occupied.
Stick around here, tons of support, and others that understand. The first days are probably the hardest, but you can do it.
Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: liverpool, england
Posts: 1,708
Originally Posted by Livingbetter 
I have been a lurker for a long time and haven't posted my story. Basically had cancer (four surgeries, 4 months chemo, 30 rounds radiation). Turned to alcohol afterwards because that was the only way I could get the cancer out of my mind. Of course, I was a heavy drinker before cancer but turned out of control with drinking afterwards. Having all the same problems as others - family, law, job. Anyway, made it to day 2.
I am home alone all day and of course I want to drink, ughhhh this is so hard. I know I just can't keep doing this or my family is going to find out. Not going to just babbling, thanks for listening.
I am home alone all day and of course I want to drink, ughhhh this is so hard. I know I just can't keep doing this or my family is going to find out. Not going to just babbling, thanks for listening.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 3,550
Drinking to get over cancer anxieties just makes the whole situation worse. It's like a person who climbs a tree to get away from a lion cutting off the branch on which he or she is sitting.Makes no sense to say in effect "Now that I've recovered from cancer, I've started another way to kill myself. Some say that dying of liver failure is even worse than cancer. Rather then staying home alone, would it not make sense to go out and seek the company of other folks in recovery? And of course stay on this SR website. As you probably know there are also cancer recovery websites.
W.
W.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Midwest USA
Posts: 46
Thanks for all the kind words! I'm done with treatment and in remission. It was stupid to start drinking heavy bc of post traumatic stress. I did see a counselor for a while and done with that now. I am utterly thankful to be alive. Alcohol is just a beast-it is always whispering to me to come have some. Of course, I didn't think it would get so out of control but as we know it is progressive. Anyway, I made it through the day (with a ton of nausea). Day 3 here I come....
Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: East Coast USA
Posts: 120,850
Hope Day 3 is better for you, Livingbetter.
Cancer is a huge shock to our systems and the shock is not only physical; the emotional and psychological effects are just as traumatic; glad you sought counseling.
Lean on us. The great thing about SR is its 24/7 and full of great people.
Cancer is a huge shock to our systems and the shock is not only physical; the emotional and psychological effects are just as traumatic; glad you sought counseling.
Lean on us. The great thing about SR is its 24/7 and full of great people.
Sober since 10th April 2012
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 6,047
Originally Posted by Livingbetter
Anyway, I made it through the day (with a ton of nausea). Day 3 here I come....
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,351
Hi and welcome to SR LivingBetter
Just as you've come through dealing with cancer, I reckon you'll come through this too
There are more effective, positive ways to deal with anxiety and fear...have you considered having a chat with your Dr at all?
D
Just as you've come through dealing with cancer, I reckon you'll come through this too
There are more effective, positive ways to deal with anxiety and fear...have you considered having a chat with your Dr at all?
D
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,460
I'm sorry you've had such a struggle with cancer and it's good to hear that you are in remission now.
You are not alone with trying to stop drinking. We're here for you and there's always someone around here anytime of the day or night.
You are not alone with trying to stop drinking. We're here for you and there's always someone around here anytime of the day or night.
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