BC and heart disease

Evelou40
Evelou40 Member Posts: 5
edited June 2014 in ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)

I have coronary heart disease, had open heart surgery 5 yrs. ago with 5 bypasses.  So far ok.  Diagnosed with LBC last July, had right mastectomy, chemo, radiation and now armidex.  Hubby died a year ago with cancer that he didn't know he had until 3 months before he died and we had just sold our home and moved to a different state to be near daughter.  Very stressful.  I am doing ok though not a day goes by that I don't have a cry.  Am presently living in a senior apt where I am just starting to know neighbors.  It is tough not being near anyone that I've known awhile other than daughter.

Has anyone here had any of these problems and how do  you cope?  Especially with 2 major diseases.  Thanks.

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Comments

  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited April 2014

    You certainly have been through a lot! While I don't have heart disease, it runs in our family and my hubby has a couple chronic conditions. Truly sorry that you lost yours so suddenly & recently. I think it would be normal to grieve that number of losses in such a short time. If you need to cry, go ahead. Be gentle with yourself then find something distracting or come here and post again. There is another forum in the list right after "Mixed Type" and before 'Stage I' for those with comorbidities or another diagnosis that you might try also.

    A senior community would be a great place to meet others in similar circumstances. I hope you can muster the energy to try some different activities. Soon the new friends will become old ones (and not just because they are aging...)

    I participated in a 6 week on line course put out by the American Cancer Society last summer. The emphasis on exercise, healthy diet and other stuff we all should do was challenging. They used a book/manual available on their website but I borrowed a copy from my public library. The same principles can apply to many illnesses: coping strategies can be learned. Since you already proved you can deal with major cardiac surgery, I know you have the strength to get through these transitions too.

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  • Evelou40
    Evelou40 Member Posts: 5
    edited April 2014

    Thanks for your strength messages.  I do find that people in this sr. community are very sensitive to other's problems as they have been through a lot themselves and still most are upbeat and continue on as best they can.  Since I am now through with treatment other than pills, I will get around more to meet others.  It helps a lot that I have a bichon dog that I have to walk several times a day.  I do get to meet people that way and it forces me to exercise. 

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited April 2014

    It's great to have a canine companion: our 14 year old miniature poodle was my "chemo buddy" (he died just after I completed active treatment). It does help to have something outside oneself on which to focus. Hang in there! 

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