Introduction & THANKS

fondak
fondak Member Posts: 376
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Hi Everyone,

I am new at all this although I've been through a masectomy (right side) , chemo (5 months) and now in radiation.  Can you tell I don't know all the abbreviations yet? 

I had just turned 46 when I got my diagnosis.  My birthday was in was the same month my lymph nodes showed up on a stress test.  Earlier the same year I had a clean mammogram. I thank God for letting it be found when it was.  It still didn't show up on the mammogram at 5cm and 4 other places.

I have twins who will graduate high school this year and they went out of state to help out at a church plant and were gone on my birthday.  I hadn't had time alone before this in 17 years.  It was really hard realizing how little time I had left with them at home.  

Rather than going that route I began to think about things I would like to do when that time comes. I have always homeschooled them.  I was thought I will really be lost and could be if I let myself. 

So.......Of all things, I went out and bought materials to start making concrete benches and wanted to learn how to make fountains. Then, when building returns I was hoping to do concrete counters in new homes.  Strange I know but I was very excited.  Today, I learned I have lymphedema so I'm not sure how that will play out.

Anyway, I just finished day 9 of 33 rounds of radiation. I'm feeling pretty good these days.  However, my doctor was out last week and I saw another doctor.  When he asked me how I was doing I said pretty good....then, I said, great actually.  His response was....Well, you're just getting started.  Suddenly, I really missed my regular doctor. I thought ~ still think ~  it was pretty good though after coming out of chemo a couple of weeks before. 

This board has been a HUGE encouragement to me. You all just have no idea what a difference it's made or maybe many of you do.  I can never thank you ladies enough for sharing your stories!  Hopefully, someday I will get the chance to encourage someone.

Many thanks, 

Fonda

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Comments

  • Mallory107
    Mallory107 Member Posts: 223
    edited March 2012

    Hi Fonda

      I LOVE that you are doing the concrete thing!  How cool and very original.  I often think of what I will do when my kids are gone and  I hope that I can come up with something like you have.  Please don't give it up...when there is a will there is a way.  Take a partner if you have to. 

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  • faithfulheart
    faithfulheart Member Posts: 544
    edited March 2012

    yOU JUST DID ENCOURAGE SOME ONE!!!!!!!!!!!

    GOD BLESS YOU..........................................

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  • Outfield
    Outfield Member Posts: 1,109
    edited March 2012

    Fonda, I was diagnosed a little more than a year earlier than you.  Somewhat similarly, my screening mammogram completely missed what was diagnosed 8 months later as a big tumour.   I had such a hard time with chemo, then felt so crazy during radiation.  Have some complications from treatment, but I am doing well with getting on with my life.

    My partner said to me today, "There are so many good things in life when I think about it."  My kids are little, 3-1/2 and 5 now, but growing so quickly.  We are enjoying them so much, doing things as a family.  I am trying so hard to make the most of this time, whatever it is that I have here.  There are so many things to do.  Time is more precious to me now.

    I am so glad to hear of your fountains.  I am discovering that living can create living, if that makes sense.

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  • jennyboog
    jennyboog Member Posts: 1,322
    edited March 2012

    Welcome Fonda, I found a lot of comfort and strength here as well.  I've been busy with concrete too, I poured two concrete slaps in my yard a few months ago...not as creative as you :)  I've had project after project, staying busy has been very helpful.  It sounds like you're moving through tx ok and I hope you continue to do so.  I got a little burnt in the last of my rads but it was so much better than chemo.  Come here often, we're here for you. 

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  • fondak
    fondak Member Posts: 376
    edited March 2012

    Thank you all for your posts!

    Outfield,

    That is so true about so many good things in life.  Today as I was driving, I drove by all these green pastures and noticed so many things in full bloom and I just gave thanks for be allowed to see things turn green again.  Then I realized that I have seen this more than 40 times and I have never thought to be thankful for that opportunity. 

    Mallory107,

    Thanks for the encouragement.   It got me to thinking of ways I can change up mixing and pouring and out of the thoughts of not doing it!

    Jennyboog,   I just posted on your post about going back to work and praying for a good week for you this week with that.  If you poured 2 concrete slabs a few months ago you will get adjusted!

    Faithfulheart,

    Thank you so much.  I love your username.  I see you and Outfield still have young ones your watching grow.  That is such a sweet time that I really miss. 

    Good night everyone and thank you so much!

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  • SharonMH
    SharonMH Member Posts: 353
    edited March 2012

    Hi Fonda, Welcome.    I agree that this sight has been very helpful. Glad that you found something fun to do now that the children are growing up. They grow up so fast. SharonH

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