first surgeon appointment tomorrow

toria1212

cm2020,

My next step? The nurse navigator is supposed to reach out to me regarding appointments with the medical oncologist(MO?) and the pathology oncologist. With my surgery several weeks ago, I am working on 1. eating healthier(I'm a sugarholic with is NOT GOOD for a myriad of reasons, not just BC) I love salades but this virus is making shopping a bit different. You buy what you find(and what the kids will eat! lol) 2. water, water, water. I am not a huge water drinker as I have had a weak bladder most of my life. It is actually painful for me when I have to pee(I teach part-time and also work at a school, so I am at home now working on water ALL DAY LONG). 3. NO alcohol, none, no wine for dinner, nothing. 4. Sleeping in-I've never been a big sleeper but trying to 'rest' as it's available. 5. Exercise is iffy as I originally had an April 6th appointment for a hip issue from tennis which has more or less sidelined me for 2+ years. Prior, I was quite fit and it still stings, what I've lost not playing. 6. I pray lots now-in the shower, if I wake up in the middle of the night, watching daily Mass on tv, too. 7. Trying not to consume my mind with BC info-it scares and overwhelms me, sucks me into a place of wearing blinders-it's all I see, if that makes sense. 8. Just being positive, hopeful and grateful for a hopeful good outcome and surgery.

My divorce was three years of torture-my x of 30 years plus, he was a narcissist. He tried to destroy me. Faith and sheer tenacity and love for my children got me through. I imagine the same will propel me through this situation, too.

It's great relief to like your doc, have a surgery date, a plan(ish) if you will, but knowing that surgery itself can upend everything is still frightening and causes me to hold my breath. But each day is a gift, and we must persevere in seeing the grace in all of it. You and I have the double whammy of THIS, and the COVID19-the other side will be a huge rainbow's pot of gold. But you are strong and precious, and you and I will get through this! Suddenly, we are connected to so many others who are on, or who have traveled this path. It's quite amazing. (((hugs))) from sunny Michy

cm2020

toria1212 You have been through so much. I'm glad you are doing better (you know, outside of the whole cancer diagnosis and hip problem). I really like your list of how you are caring for yourself. I have a huge sugar problem too and must get it under control. I need to start practicing a whole lot more self care (actually any self care). I am going to look around the forums and see if I can find a good thread for both ideas and inspiration.

Thank you for the sweet words. We are strong, we are important, and we will survive this. You are so right, we are connected to so many who have helped pave the path for us, are cheering us on, and also here to hold our hands as we make our way down this path. Hugs to you too!

toria1212

cm2020,

Self care is sooo tough, if you are a giver, a pleaser, and a caregiver(to anyone, not just kids). But at this time, we MUST make ourselves a priority. My divorce helped me to give myself the TIME to cultivate my tennis skills and network. For five years, I played a TON. I loved it with all of my soul. And I'm pretty good *wink*, and I have some really cute tennis outfits, too lol. Whatever leads you to wellness, I am certain nutrition is a component and of course midlife presents the ever challenging weight issues. I never thought I'd be that gal whose panties would roll down over my gut...Just 4 years ago(remember I'm divorced, have a younger beau, and was quite fit) I was wearing thongs and lacy bras. Now, I'm in granny panties and well, you get the picture...

cm2020

toria....You are so right. I need to spend some time coming up with ways to practice self care and to take care of myself. Thank you for the reminder. Keep taking good care of yourself.