New kid on the block

[Beecharmer]

Looking forward to sharing and learning all about this breast cancer journey.

[marybv]

Hi. How are you doing? Where are you in your cancer journey?

[Clair19 in reply to marybv]

You know I don’t really know. I just try and take one day at a time. I know that’s what so many people say but true. If I sat and thought about where I’m I might go crazy because it’s so stressful. Everyone is try’s so hard to say how good I look, that I don’t look sick. Even my oncologist said yesterday you look great, not knowing it takes me forever to put makeup on, get dressed and drive there. I think most is in my head but then it’s been a long year. Chemo, target therapy and it adds up to what a way to live, at least I’m alive and here for my family. So I don’t really see it as a Journey, because I’m not sure where I’m going.💗

[marybv in reply to Clair19]

Well said! I think it is very wise that you are focusing on staying present. To quote the Broadway musical Rent, "No day but today." I also like to remind myself of a mantra that I read about in an article about Alcoholics Anonymous, "Keep your head where your feet are." You sound like you are doing very well; kudos to you for your positive attitude. Thank you for the inspiration. Take care.

[DJT1988 in reply to Clair19]

Dear Clair19, How are you ? I hope that you are feeling positively that your health is improving and you say people say how well you look. I had a huge shock myself a few days ago with a cancer diagnosis ..and am going to the return appointment on Thursday after histology reports come back but its so frightening isnt it ? My breast tumour is sizeable and Im trying to prepare myself for what is going to happen..and whether it has spread...its a nightmare .. Wishing you all the best ..Denizt

[Clair19 in reply to DJT1988]

I’m so sorry to hear that. It’s a very hard diagnosis. The old saying time heals is sorta true with mbc. Once the shock sets in you go into fight mode. You will look at it as a chronic disease and you will win. I got 17 years before it returned last summer. Please keep us posted on your appointment Thursday and I will send you positive thoughts and a prayer.💗

[Chick44nzrn in reply to Clair19]

Dear Clair Havibg changed to a local consultant I went tonight as histology tests in and I had some further biopsies and ct scan of all torso . Really nice Consultant and radiologists here at Nuffield , where in fact I worked the year after my husband died. After these more specific tests treatment will start quickly . I pray I can stay focused .

Your messages are so supportive thank you so much

Denizt

[marybv]

Hi Beecharmer. How are you doing? Where are you in your cancer journey?

[Susan1953]

Welcome Beecharmer! This is a great site to answer alot of the questions you have about your diagnosis and side effects of treatment.

[urthmothr]

Welcome aboard!

[RobertaG1961]

Looking good is a double edged sword. It is also a disconnect with how you are feeling and what you are experiencing. I remember going through decisions about surgery and everyone focusing on my appearance. My brain was going in different directions and at the time I wasn't sure what the prognosis was. But a number of people were focused on how I would look. It made me feel isolated and out of touch. Luckily there were people with whom I could talk about my fears and concerns openly.

I attended a great group at SHARE. People were surprised about the amount of laughter that went on. I could talk to them in shorthand and they understood exactly what I was talking about. We helped each other and I will be forever grateful to them and our facilitators.

It wasn't until years later that I used a lot of it in a comedy routine because it really was absurd. My favorite question in dealing with the question of whether i wanted a lift on the other side (I had a mastectomy) was, "Do you want one facing North and one facing South. (Who knew they could not make a sagging implant?)

There is no doubt this is a strange and scary time. I can assure you that it does get more manageable the further out you go. If you can find someone to talk to who has been there, you might find it helpful.

[Clair19 in reply to RobertaG1961]

I noticed you said you did comedy routines, are you a comedian? If so I guess laughter is the best medicine. I hope you remain well.