Finished chemo, now what?

LisaY

At the moment, I'm just coming off 6 months of Taxol with a very good response. Still awaiting CT, but according to my lastest MRIs of breast, axilla and liver, I may be NED. I'm wondering what can I do to stay in good shape and, hopefully, delay progression. Six months into this journey and still overwhelmed by all of the information.

My oncologist mentioned Foundation One testing as something that could potentially yield useful information for me. Since my resources are not unlimited, I'm wondering whether anyone on this forum can let me know if they have gone this route and felt that it was worthwhile.

I'm going to try to make an appointment with a naturopathic oncologist to try to sort through the supplement and diet questions.

Also, I've cut way back at work for the past 6 months and now need to decide how much I can work in the next 6 months or so, so I'm curious to know how others have made this decision. On the one hand, I'm fortunate to have work that I love. I likely have the option of going part-time. But I'm also pulled towards wanting to make the most of time with my kids, who are 10 and 7. It would be helpful to know how others have made the decision about working with MBC.

Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts!

DivineMrsM

Lisa, regarding work, if you like what you are doing, and feel physically able to continue, then do so. I worked for about five years after diagnosis. It helped me feel like life still moved forward and at times it was a welcome distraction from other things. And listen to your gut, your own intuition to decide what is best for you. No right or wrong approach. If you think keeping work cut back benefits you, and you can work less, then do that.

Congrats getting thru the taxol.

LisaY

Thank you, DivineMrsM, for sharing your experience. I'm having a hard time listening to my gut these days, but it is essential. It does help to know what has worked for others.

DivineMrsM

I feel like I have honed my intuition more in the past few years. I learned how to allow my own opinion to matter just as much as the opinions of others. It has been a process. I had to learn to stick up for my ideas and give importance to my thoughts. Reading some good self help books has helped, too. One that comes to mind is "Presence" by Amy Cuddy.

As you have young children, you may feel that your focus has been more on them than you, so you think you do not have an intuition worth listening to. But it is there. Its just that while raising children, we are putting their needs first. You can bring some focus back to yourself, it is okay.

Seeing a naturopathic oncologist will benefit you. Other things I have done is declutter my house, simplify things, and really listen to what I want to do. For example, I always made vacation plans for the family and what they wanted, and now I think, what do I want to do? Where do I want to go? And I fill more of my wants rather than only taking care of others. I stopped doing things out of obligation and I say no to stuff that sounds dull or boring rather than thinking, oh I have to do this or I will hurt so and so's feelings. I stopped volunteering all my free time. I did enough volunteering. I look for every opportunity to make things easier and more fun for myself. Sometimes I do have to knuckle down and get stuff done. Dh and I sold a rental property last year; we spent a whole month getting it ready for sale and I hated doing all the work but in the end we unloaded the headache so the effort was well worth it.

Definitely plan fun stuff with your kids. As you move forward, you will see more clearly if you want to continue with your work outside the home, but I do not think you need to make abrupt changes. A decision can be made gradually. And especially if you have the opportunity for part time work, you may find it a nice balance to home life. I also like to keep a journal from time to time, write about three pages of any thoughts every day or a few times a week, it helps clear the mind and organize our thoughts. No one ever needs to read these words, so write your feelings. Best wishes to you.

LisaY

DivineMrsM, your advice is at least as valuable as the hour of psychotherapy that I had this morning. Thank you!!!

My MRI results were good, so I'm feeling energized to plan a vacation with the kids - maybe Paris? Also feeling the urge to declutter and redo some of our kitchen. No more putting off the things that matter!