Noticing Just How Common BC Is

This is true april485, we'll never be the same. But you have to have the attitude that you're going to be better than before. I've been through traumatic events before in my life and while none involved physical change in my body, the mental to me was just as bad or worse. I've learned to rise above and build up from there, and in the process, I've managed to become someone who has actually helped people rise above from similar difficulties. While I sure wouldn't have wished this upon myself, any bad things that have happened, I am glad though that I've been able to help people rise and go forth with hope and possibilities and not be stuck with I have this illness/disease and remain there. I'm not saying I won't have my moments of crying or whatnot, but if you can go in with a positive attitude, even while being alone in real life, it makes a huge difference not only in getting through mentally but physically as well. That is my hope for us all as I for one don't think there will be a cure in my lifetime. I hope there will be so I can see it, but at almost 51, it seems like there is such a long way to go for a cure. Now for less drastic and caustic treatments, maybe, but it seems so far nothing comes close to erradicating it like chemo/rads unfortunately.

Thanks everyone! In the grand scope of things, there are some that have it worse than you no matter how bad you think what you're going through is. Not to minimize anyone's experience, but I am very thankful that I won't be going into debt with this and have support here/online if I should start to falter.

I went to a group meeting last night. It was pretty good. I was the only one there yet to have surgery. So I listened up to the 2 that had bilat mxs and reconstruction. Both said your breast areas are not what hurts but your abdomen when they take the fat from there. It's a large incision from one side to the other. They were bent over and couldn't stand straight for 3-4 weeks. It was 6 weeks I think before they fully healed. And I learned with that surgery, I won't be starting chemo right away. Healing is first so I'll have a few weeks. So I decided I"m not going to shave my head before surgery. Heck maybe I won't need chemo as one gal didn't. So glad to learned that because as bad as it sounds, out of all of this, I was not looking forward to sporting the bald look even with the berrets I have my eye on getting. I'm not much of a group person and benefit better with 1:1 so I'll see what the topic is since they send emails a few days before and decide if it's something that would benefit me. I'm looking for info rather than support and I gleamed what I needed from these nice folks last night so not sure if/when I'll go back. Plus I'll be pretty busy coming up. They have these meetings the first Thurs of every month at the hospital. I found out that you'll get some free massages and hospital staff will teach you some yoga techniques that helps. That's pretty cool! I love Washington Hospital here in Fremont, CA. Such a comprehensive thorough cancer program with a fabulous caring staff! I am blessed!

That and it seems a lot of younger folks are getting it too than they did in the past.