Stage 3c and Scared
Comments
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Dutchiris...thankful you are finding your mind is a bit less focused on BC! Yes, every pain does cause the fear to trigger the worst thoughts...but I am sure it's all due to chemo. What a wonderful talent you have to do woodwork.....when treatment is behind you I am sure you'll be back to it as well as finishing painting your living! I don't remember how long I waited to drive , but I remember I drove the day my tubes came out....think it's wise to wait till you feel comfortable to drive!!
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Wow, you drove the day your tubes came out? Did you wear your shoulder strap of your seat belt? I walk with my parents 2 or 3 times each day. We get a few miles in but it hot out there.
Sharon -
Grateful you have the support of your parents...that will be a comfort through treatment and healing! Yes, the day I had my tubes out I drove...I was blessed as I didn't have any difficulty with my double MX, but I didn't have any surgery to begin reconstruction which I believe aided me in recovering faster! I am sure each day will bring more healing and new strength for you!
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Hi Sharon - yes, I too was blown away when I saw my husband's face after my surgery - I could tell his expression meant CHEMO. It wasn't until a couple of days later that we found out just how messy my path report was - 10 positive nodes with extranodal extension & dermal involvement. At least I didn't have to agonize about how aggressive my treatment should be! I leaned heavily on Ativan the entire time, which helped dull my anxiety and get me through the nights (I've decided that if I ever get to Stage IV, I will go back on Ativan permanently). Just picture Sharon waving back at you many years from now & marveling at your own strength...
hugs, Julie
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Hi ladies, I just wanted to share that I had my year checkup and my tumor markers have dropped into the normal range. So if there was anything else going on inside the arimidex that I have been taking is taking care of it. Yeah. Healing hugs to all
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Julie, thank you for your reply. It's encouraging to see you have some time in since your diagnosis. I hope things are well for you. I have an OT appointment today. I am hoping to go back to work in a little over 2 weeks. I have another follow up appointment with the surgeon on Friday and I'll know more then. I wish I had more movement without discomfort. I am not intending to do reconstruction. Im still waiting to be contacted to schedule rads. How long did it take to feel " normal" again? Anyone?
Sharon -
Great news Melanie!
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Hey dutchiris, I noticed in your previous post you mentioned GI issues. Chemo upset my GI and I've never been the same, I'm still on Prilosec and can't get off it. I also had H. pylori, they were treating me with several PPI's and nothing was working. Keep that in mind and ask about it if nothing else helps. Since I've taking care of that and take my Prilosec regular I'm managing with it. Good luck with moving on sweetie, it will get better.
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Ditto what Jenny said. I stil take it too.
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Hi Sharon/dutchiris,
Just wanted to check in to see how you are feeling?
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Thank you for thinking of me. I read alot here but don't say too much. I'm still so anxious and scared. They want me on some meds for it. I went back to work so my mind is busier. That helps. Today I had my 7th radiation treatment of 37. I just keep following the program because that's what needs to be done. I've also prayed more than a few times.
Sharon -
You are doing great Sharon. Just keep on keeping on. Take it step by and step and one day you will wake up with all this as a distant memory.
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Sharon,
As melmcbee said, you are doing a good job of getting through. You really do just have to take it one day at a time.
And what you said about just doing what you have to do and following the program is how I got through, too. I remember how my head just swirled for so long. But it does get easier. I know it doesn't feel like that right now, but it does.
And don't be afraid of accepting the anxiety meds if your doctor thinks they would help. What you are going through is very stressful and anxiety-provoking. Though I don't have personal experience with the anxiety meds, I've known of a number of women who have gone this route and found them very helpful until they felt better.
I know my hospital and cancer center also offer free services like massage, meditation instruction, yoga and acupuncture as complementary services during treatment. You may want to look into seeing whether your hospital offers any of these services to help with stress and anxiety or just general well being.
Be kind to yourself. You are going through so much. And it may not feel like it, but you are handling it well. Left-foot, right-foot, as a friend of mine always says. We are all here with you...
(And feel free to p.m. me if you ever want to "talk")
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Your doing great xx
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Sharon, I am with you on this journey. Write any time. You are doing well.
V
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Thank you all for the support. I am trying. 11of 37 radiation treatments done. I am quite tired. I lost more weight again and this was not the goal. Stress I think. Hang in there ladies!
Sharon -
Keep your eyes on the prize ladies...NED! You will get there, Sunday was my 3yr cancerversary, it will get better.
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