Hello to Everyone

pupfoster1

Hello to Everyone

pupfoster1

Hi Girls (and guys if you're here)!

Just wanted to thank you all again for always being here when I've needed you. I feel so fortunate to have found this group of amazing people.

On that note I see unfortunately, there are a number of new and newish ladies here. I am SO sorry we have to connect this way, but want to reassure you THIS is the place to be----for questions, answers, to cry, to vent, to share bad and GOOD news, EVERYTHING! One thing I've found after a bit is that no question is ever considered dumb or stupid here. I've had some very "interesting" conversations about a wide range of topics and always felt comfortable about posting here.

So, I'll repeat to some of you new folks what I think about learning you have breast cancer. It's like being FORCED to learn a language, one you NEVER wanted to learn, and WITHOUT a teacher! That's what I love about this site. You can search on your own, or ask questions. It REALLY helped me understand what was going on, and to me, it was HUGE that I felt like I was finally in control of something.

Wishing everyone the best and hope you all here in the States have a great Labor Day weekend.

Love,

Sharon

sbelizabeth

Amen to all of that, Sharon! When I was first diagnosed I was so anxious it was hard to even look at people's signature lines. Gradually things improved and I climbed down from the crazy tree (to borrow a phrase!), and learned all I could about the enemy, from people who had real experience and were willing to share.

live_deliciously

thanks ladies for coming back and talking/sharing with us newbies. I'm finally through all structured treatments and just started tomoxifen 2 weeks ago. It's so hopefully to see your post. Is there any words of wisdom or things you think helped you where you are today after being diagnosed. We hear so many things that make us (or at least me) feel like we need to change things thru diet, Exercise, alcohol intake, etc or we risk reoccurrence. I went to my general Dr yesterday for some over 50 check ups and he said even dogs get cancer? You think they drink alcohol? That kinda helped my perspective a lot. But I still love to hear from you veterans so to speak as its very encouraging. A big thank you

sbelizabeth

Livedeliciously, CONGRATULATIONS on being on the other side of that great big speed bump!

I don't think there's any "best way" of moving forward after this experience, except to live my life every day and try to not let the past hang over me like a wraith. I try to eat healthy but I ate the same way before being diagnosed; I eat a lot of fruit and veggies but I sometimes eat Popeyes chicken tenders (not frequently, it creates chicken tender-shaped lumps on my butt). Living in California around a crowd of wine snobs I very much enjoy an occasional glass of cabernet. I exercise a lot because I've always enjoyed it, not to prevent cancer recurrence.

Many, many people are diagnosed with cancer. Sometimes we can point at a genetic thing; most of the time we can't. My son, who studied breast cancer in his final year of medical school, said, "Mom, there is no smoking gun." Yes, research has identified statistical risk factors, but nothing--NO ONE THING--is "the cause of breast cancer." Which is why, when something makes the Facebook rounds claiming red meat, or cheetos, or alcohol, or hormones, or _____ (insert something) causes cancer, it makes me steam. Let's blame the victim!

Living my life means enjoying my life, and if I wind up dancing this breast cancer fandango again (God forbid...) I will not allow myself to do the "if only" crazies. "If only I hadn't eaten steak." "If only I had never touched a glass of wine again." "If only I hadn't worn deodorant." Well, actually, I did give up deodorant for a little while, thinking I no longer needed it because rads had cooked one underarm and the other one was pretty old, but when I smelled something on an airplane and initially blamed my seatmate but discovered it was ME, I changed my tune, but that's another story.

I don't know where you are spiritually, but for me, I will try to live a life of balance and reason, and leave my life in God's hands.

And don't stand in front of the microwave! It causes cancer! LOL...

live_deliciously

thank you for sharing your pink ribbon and wheels story. I cried a lot. Can totally relate.

sbelizabeth

Aw, thanks for reading! Blessings, friend.

JenPam

Love this thread...I needed the encouragement and laughter today!