Wanting to learn more

jessie02

Wanting to learn more

jessie02

Hi. I am relatively new to this site and dont really have any experience as a blogger in general. I am hear to learn more about breast cancer and the community since I have many members of my family and friends who have been diagnosed. It scares me sometimes since it has been passed down in my family. After my aunt was diagnosed, her life changed drastically. She needed both of her breasts removed and underwent chemo followed by radiation. She lost all of her hair and stayed in her house for a year. Seeing such a vibrant person stripped of her womanhood was difficult and inspired me to learn more. Luckily, she is doing much better these days and has received a second chance. Hope to learn more!!

-Jessie

shorfi

Not to sound harsh...just because she had a bilateral mastectomy does not mean she was "stripped of her womanhood". I was vibrant but became severely depressed upon hearing about my diagnosis. That is normal and I didn't want to be around people either. My friends and family "made" me get up and go out. During that time I, along with my co-workers were laid off from work because our boss left to practice at another institution. This is after 32 years of service. But thankfully, I am gainfully employed again, by the same institution and doing much better 3 years later.

Your aunt's breasts don't define her...she is still a woman...and I am and glad to hear that she is doing much better.

Shirlann

Hi Jessie, this whole trip is no fun, but believe me, there are thousands of women out here who have been through treatment and are fine now.  I am 9 years post treatment and just got back from a cruise, and 2 years ago went on a very vigorous African Safari.

If the people involved are the delicate types, nervous or depressive, they have anti-depressive drugs that are miracles, they help immensely  to get through this sometimes rather long journey.  No need to go into a permanent slump.  Many, many of our women work through the whole thing, chemo included.

So remember, this is the 21st Century, all of us will live longer and cancer is just a part of life.  A nasty part, but just a bump in the road for many.

I would get Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book.  It is informative and has a lot of useful information, hopefully, you can help someone who is totally at sea with this diagnosis.

You need courage for this journey, if you don't have it, the chemists do, so our motto is, whatever works for you!

Gentle hugs, Shirlann 

msannie57

Hi Jessie, Another thing to know is that breast cancer is not passed down.  You should know about it since you are a woman, but you don't inherit it.  On this website there is some good information about screening and about risk of genetic defects that can lead to breast cancer.  Check that out and educate yourself.  There are some steps that you can take to lower your risk, no matter your age. 

jessie02

Everyones information is very informative and helpful for me. I just want to learn as much as I can about the breast cancer community so I can use my knowledge to help others, especially those close to me. I have always heard positive things about these blogs and I want to pass them on to those who need a helping hand so that they can relate to others like yourselves. It is wonderful to see such positive attitudes and motivation on this website and I feel I can learn a lot from all of you. I havent felt as accepted on other blogs that I have tried to join since I am not the one with the diagnosis, but I feel more welcome here and better able to learn and helth others. If there is any advice you can give me or suggestions on how to help those in my family, that would be greatly appreciated. Hugs

jessie02

Hey again. Just wondering if you could inform me a little bit about your experiences with breast cancer. My best friends mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and it is stage II. I dont know much about what happens in this stage aside from what my friend informed me. I referred her and her mother to this website so that they have others in a similar situation who are willing to offer a helping hand. If you could offer any advice, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!