As a standard part of the intake at each of my monthly chemo sessions, I get asked a lot of questions about how I "feel." Understandably and justifiably personal yet very necessary topics such as urination, defecation, constitution and constipation are covered, to make sure that the Med team is always aware of my physiology and emotional state (I am literally asked each time if I feel safe at home; to which I answer Yes). As a matter of fact, though it may seem like I am hiding aches and pains and discomforts, I can honestly say that my answers don't reveal any acute or chronic issues - relative to the aforementioned, or any other side effects of the disease or the medications.
I have developed a standard-of-measure that I use when evaluating if a new ache or pain or discomfort is a long-term thing or just a passing moment. Some tummy turbulence, a twinge in my back, a headache - I give it a three-day review period to either work its way through my system, or manifest itself as something more potentially significant. Years of applying this methodology have proven to be effective for sussing out the overwhelming majority of minor things that we all live with which last a couple of days and then glide to subside. And on occasion, when things don't abate, then I do take them seriously and seek further medical intervention (ie: my previous bouts with kidney stones, or my last two successful back surgeries).
I'm not afraid of doctors nor trying to be a tough guy by seemingly ignoring/minimizing maladies that could be pointing to a larger problem or area of concern. I am now actually more in touch with my body than ever before and very in tune with changes in my condition or disruptions in my currently otherwise well-managed routine of drugs and good health. When put in perspective, and given time for most things to work themselves out, there is a lot going on medically in my (our) complex body - but most of the time it isn't bad or life-threatening. So all things considered, I really am fine. Aware enough to know when I am, and sensible enough to act when it's obvious that I am NOT fine.
It's worth noting that at the time of my cancer diagnosis I was not fine for an extended period and acted upon it. No one goes to the doctor and says their cancer hurts - you generally find out from pursuing some other tangential malady. And nothing about my particular disease or situation was caused or worsened by a delayed pursuit of the origin of my discomfort at that time.
