Fear of what comes next

Hi HannahEm:  I too worry about that and coincidentally decided to do some research this morning.  Our situations are different though as you are BRCA positive.  My research stated that there was only a 5% chance of another cancer in the other breast.  I liked that result so did not look any further   Hope others with more knowledge chime in here.  I would assume that there are many factors that contribute to our risk of another cancer in the other breast.  I love having one breast and just could not have a mx while it was still healthy.  But I certainly can understand why many do.  It seems on bc.org that many women opt for double mxs yet my "research" also indicated that the vast majority of women do not???  I think that it is a very personal decision based upon many factors including your risk factors and what degree of risk you can cope with.  Discuss your own personal risk factor with your MO and that will help with your decision and peace of mind.

Many of us have struggled when treatment ends.  There is an adjustment period and then it gets better again as a new normal sets in.  What has really helped for me is the lifestyle changes that I have implemented.  Once you feel better and stronger and can exercise, etc. you feel as though you are "treating" yourself.  But this time with positive and healthy treatments rather than with radiation or chemotherapy.  Research does show that diet and exercise have a significant impact on our well-being, including reducing chances of a recurrence, new cancer or death.  I personally have not felt this good in 15 years.  It really helps me feel confident about my future.

I hope this helps, but it is a process and you need to allow yourself to go through all the steps.  You will work through it and decide what is best for you.  Embrace the women on these boards as their experiences and knowledge definitely helped me, but we must make the best decision for us.  Take care!  

Yes, we worry about it. I cry at night a lot in fear of it, or just the isolation and abandonment of it.  But in the morning, we must get up and live the day as if it is not the last, but only the first in many more to come.

One day at a time. And before we know it, there a lot of those days.

Faith.