Hi Ron50 and Silly, I thank you for your comments. I met with my oncologist and he is looking into the foot pain! Thank the Lord! I really want a good quality of life but must admit I want that to be for many years. I appreciate the info on meds and I am much more critical in my acceptance of meds than I was when originally diagnosed. I sometimes wonder if I'd do chemo or radiation again or even have gone the mastectomy route instead of the lumpectomy. But I did do those things and I guess I need to keep looking forward to what's left to do instead of what I didn't do. People can't appreciate the worry and pain that we go through and it's something i don't want to bring up with them again and again. I do chat with my closest friends but they still don't get it and how could they until they are here. I didn't get this even in the beginning. Experience is a necessity for a clear perspective isn't it? Hope to you both that you become more pain free everyday! survivorsays! ... View more

I'm stuck. Should be so grateful for everything I have and that I'm still here but the chronic pain is driving me bonkers. No one seems to know why my feet hurt but they do. Makes getting up and moving around undesirable but if I just gave myself a kick in the butt it would feel so much better to just get moving. ARGH!!!! ... View more

So well said. I am a 2 year plus cancer survivor and at first i fought so hard to keep friends with those that had slipped away. I've realized that is wasted energy and there are many other wonderful people who have been brought into my life that I'd sooner spend time focusing on them and their positive energy and fellow survivorship with some. When you do what you're suppose to do instead of fighting for something or someone that doesn't fit into your life there are many rewards. Life is good, share it with those that matter! ... View more

Hi Smiler, It is a 2 way street isn't it. I have been off from work for almost 2 years now and haven't heard from anyone in the last little while. To be honest I haven't contacted too many either. I have been in such a world of care and cushy lovey love, take care, world that to be back in the harsh world of reality is at times overwhelming. I've gotta get back in the game though as watching from the sidelines only makes my family worry. My daughter also had a melt down a few weeks ago and said she felt so bad because she didn't feel she could complain about anything because of what I've been through. Oh it's so not about just me is it? Trying to get out and about a little at a time but find that tires me and I have to recoup just like I would from exercise. A little at a time. I think the trick is to turn the harsh world of reality into a cushy love world of reality. Gotta keep on trying. ... View more

The days are good and bad. Fortunately at my doctor's appointment today she totally believes in my healing being a priority over work and that this loss has definite impacts on my healing. She was so good and I am so fortunate she really put my mind at ease. ... View more

We may do this because our house was in the middle of renovations so it is an absolute nightmare and I can't do anything because I have 2 bad arms. Someone in our family will have decorations up. We'll mooch the 'spirit' off of them! Might be a good time for a wiener roast! ... View more

maddie86 This totally sucks especially when you are in your 20's. I try to believe that God has us on a 'need to know' basis and someday this will all make sense but little consolation when you are in your 20's. The partying may seem like a loss but what you are going through is a much deeper experience. So sad for you still. I know what you mean about people are making plans. At our age many of our friends are busy planning hot holidays and upgrading cars, houses, saving for their kid's education, etc. We are having to settle with what we have and just get by and our kids may have to put themselves through school as we've exhausted our savings, but I do know that in the big picture it is the little things that count. And we'll get by. Some people just don't get it and won't until life experience slaps them in the face like it did for me. Some people don't get it even after that. Compassion is never a given is it? Take care. ... View more

Perfectly put Loraleeb, I have always said that I wouldn't change a thing from my experience although I don't want to do it a second time but yet if I have to I would. My neighbour passed away last week and when she went into palliative I held her hand and spent a great deal of time with her. I didn't want her to be alone and it happened so fast for her that her family which isn't huge didn't have a lot of time to rally around her. Also there were those that chose not to go up and see her. I understand that as they were so scared. I felt like through my experience God has now armed me with resources to be there for people too and let them know they are not alone. The time I spent with her was an amazing privilege and I am deeply touched and affected by her passing. She has such strength right up until the end and was a mentor to me even in her time of pain and suffering. Many people are afraid of cancer and the effects I agree with you that if we can surround ourselves with other cancer survivors and help them through treatments etc we will create a circle of friends that has a connection deeper than any superficial 'hey there friend' connection. Unfortunately we don't have an official support group in my home town but there are a few of us survivors and sadly more and more all the time that are planning on making this a reality. Take care, Survivorsays ... View more

Annie333 Is this your farm? Do you have the retreat? I am also a breast cancer survivor with 2 teenagers. We unfortunately did a ton of renovations to our house which were in the process before I got sick so money is very tight right now and although everyone tells me I need to go away I don't know where to go. Can't afford much at all. Any recommendations? Thanks survivorsays ... View more