I quit. I just can't do it anymore.

You can do it - think of it as doing it for your family. Yes, chemo is hard. In the middle of it I thought I couldn't do it any longer. But I had to, so I did. And yes, a year of my life was lost to treatments, but not every day of that year. There were good days. But I believe giving up that year has added many more years to my life. Please keep coming to the boards and talking to people when you feel this way - most of us have been there and understand. It does end, and it does get better.

You can do this.

I felt like you briefly, 2 years ago. Then I sucked up my courage and gave the cancer the biggest blast I could.

This year my DD graduated from High School and I plan to see the others do it too.

I am back to work, flat out, enjoying life and my family. I still think about Cancer a lot( every few hours) but as long as NED stays with me I remain hopeful and am living as before.

Fists up!

I hear ya', GMG. I'm 39 with 2 kids. I was OK until this weekend--my mom is on a new chemo that's making her very weak and sick, I start chemo in a week, and my kids go back to school tomorrow. I don't think I can do it. I was OK with the surgery and tests during the summer, but with school starting...I feel like I'm in some sort of parallel universe and can't join in with the regular people anymore. I don't like being a resident of Cancerville. Was always on the outskirts with taking care of my Stage IV mom, but now it's completely overwhelming.

So...like you said...with a good night's sleep, we will carry on tomorrow. Because we have to. Oh--and we're planning on going to Disneyland in September, too--maybe we can wave at eachother from the Teacup ride.

I agree - that first chemo was SCARY!

You can do it, GMG. I am 39 with 2 kids. I am halfway through chemo now and it surely wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. This summer felt like it was forever, but now that it's over, it seems like it was just yesterday.

You will get through it - take it a day at a time. Best of luck adn let us know how you are!

I hear you loud and clear. One idea is to find out what your pathology report, stage, grade, margins and what the chemo suggestions will be. Then you can make your decisions based on a good talk with your surgeon.
Take lots of notes, take someone with you if you can.
It's a long road I know. I am still on it. I wish you all the best with this journey.

GMG...please call me...i'll come hold your hand...honest...just ask the circle girls....I am here for you....
Mary Beth

GMG,
I think you want Dr. Levine to be concerned about everything. It's hard - but I think in the long run, it's best to GET ALL THE FACTS and then you can slowly digest them and deal with it right? If there is a node that looks suspicious, they'll treat it. Chemo, radiation. Believe me, every chemo session i said to my hubby "i'm done- i'm not going back!" but i did make it through each one. NOBODY wants chemo, but the port is going to make your life easier, the drugs to treat the side effects are going to make the chemo manageable, any meds for anxiety will help you during this difficult time, and most of all, all the women on this website are here for you too! Believe me, i don't mean to make it sound like it's easy or cut and dry because if i had to classify my own response to this whole experience i'd have to say i've been VERY anxious and nervous and at times downright depressed and negative about the situation. See, it's not easy for anyone, somehow though we have to get through this. You will get through this....it's just a difficult time, accept each day for what it is and don't fight it. If you feel like crying, cry- if you feel like laughing, laugh...treat yourself kindly... keep us posted on your results, and I'll Pray that this is just a false alarm for you.
LittleFlower