Please share tips, big and small, that help you.

BCO since Dx...anti-depressants since after finishing Tx....working during Tx gave me a sense of normalcy...

Hi MissBianca, I try to walk every day.  Even during chemo when a 1/4 mile walk around the block took me a half-hour, it was worth it.  It lifted my spirits to breathe in the air and feel my muscles moving and hear birds singing and children laughing.  To feel the life all around me and in me.  I also do yoga (gentle yoga for BC survivors) which puts me in touch with my body and my breathing and feeling the earth supporting me as I give it my weight.  I know that last part sounds goofy but it's very powerful to feel that elemental support. 

Wishing you all the best in 2011, sending you some cyber {{{hugs}}}  they always help :-)

(ps I embrace the chemo curls and spike up my hair like Guy Fieri on the food network... cheers me up every time I pass a mirror, or see people's reactions to my 'do (I'm 51 and gray LOL))

Blogging.  I started a blog right after diagnosis.  I don't have any photos or my name on it so no one knows it's me.  I have told no one about my blog so they can't find it.  It is out there and I have some readers.  I write everything I feel - even the things I can't say to anyone.  It makes me feel better to just get it out.  I am early on in my situation - only diagnosed a few weeks ago.  In time, this may not cut it and I will need to find other things that make me feel better.  I know it's a long, hard road and this is the easy part - before treatment.  It does help me to get my feelings out no matter what they are. 

I am doing chemo before surgery so I worked up through this week (3/4 of the way through chemo) and it was huge for me in terms of keeping my spirits up and feeling as "normal" as one can feel being bald and going through chemo.  I am out on diability starting Monday through surgery so won't be working again until March sometime.

I go to a naturpath to help deal with chemo side effects and that makes me feel empowered vs. just surviving through treatment.

I have two new kittens (adopted them in June of this year) - they are awesome and make me laugh a lot.  They also love to snuggle when I am in bed.

I also blog and that has been hugely therapeutic for me as well.

I';ve been using Palmers cocoa butter on my mastec. scar right before bed and it has really helped.  (I also use it on my hands overnight to protect from so much winter dryness.) 

Hi Miss Bianca - glad you started this thread!  I really think exercise is the best coping mechanism.  I have to FORCE myself to do the Nordic Track every day, but once I start I zone out & usually end up doing more than 1/2 hour   Reduces stress plus one of the oncs I saw while I was choosing a practice said exercise can cut recurrence risk dramatically (like 50%) and I've read that elsewhere since.  Anything from walking to yoga to aerobics as long as you get the blood flowing for 30 minutes.

(Also, if you haven't already, get tested for your Vitamin D levels.)

I alway make time for a slice of really good pie.  The only good thing about chemo is that I eat pie and it goes right thru me..LOL..It sure is good for the mind and soul.  Really good pie.

Realizing that I would most likely be just fine, and taking that view.  That way, I was able to see myself as a healthy woman who had to get hammered, not as a "sick person".

Getting out and walking or cycling every single day.  Keeping to a routine of weights/crunches.  I am back to skiing as obvious from my picture.

My friends.

Doing as many "normal things" as I could.

Fresh flowers, scented candles, bath oils.  Tea in the afternoon with something tasty.

Getting dressed with make up every single day.

MissBiance --3 meals a day, 8 glass of water a day/ and a good nights sleep.  Nap if you feel like it.  check in here often and let us know how you are doing.  Also, British Mystery programs.  loved those.

Blessings.

Lizzie 

My husband and I adopted a NO DRAMA policy upon my diagnosis. We did not allow anyone to vampire us with their drama, negative energy or bad attitude. I worked throughout chemo, walked my dog every day, drank tons of water and rested when I needed to. I felt that walking my dog was an important "therapy" for me. Even if I didn't feel like walking, I knew he needed a walk, too. I always felt better when I got home. I did not journal per se but I did keep track of how I was feeling during chemo and rads. When I felt sad/down about the SEs, treatments, I made list of what I hated about BC from head to toe. It helped. I also made a list of blessings and things to be thankful for. Another list for the nice things people did for me...flowers, food, cards, etc. Retail therapy helps, too! Gina