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So I've been "in this" a little over 5 years. Over the years I have learned more from hearing everyone's stories than anything else. Here's what I've learned (and it's hard because most people don't offer their ages, types of BC, stages, etc. on this forum). But -- the success of all these post treatments (once the big stuff is done like surgery, chemo and radiation) might depend on age at diagnosis, type of bc and most of all general health. By "success" I mean being able to live with hormone blockers, etc. Health professionals suggest we eat a plant based diet, for example, but they don't always say why. They say to exercies -- again, they don't always say specifically what the benefits will be. All I know is that if I eat plant based, cut sugar and carbs I just generally feel better. I know if I'm tired, exercise will generally cure that. It was the same with chemo treatments. I truly believe (and again, this is from what I've observed from colleagues with bc cases) that those who resist post treatment measures -- the long term stuff, do not have the best outcomes. I'm sorry to say this but this is what keeps me taking that AI every single day and living with thinning hair, dry skin, aches and pains here and there. I own a business and have another profession I love. I guess at some point I decided to live and just deal with the discomfort around the edges. That and getting a second opinion about long term treatment when necessary.
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Thank you so much mdr3. I really appreciate your attitude about being as positive as possible re: long term treatment for best outcomes. That really spoke to me! I want to be positive, but it's more than putting up with the rough edges for me. My baseline is 24/7 pain (range 4-10), brain fog, fatigue, inability to sit, stand or walk without increased, intolerable pain (my recliner or bed are the only places i can get comfortable but i sure can't stay there all day), leg weakness, neurogenic bladder and bowel and adrenal Insufficiency, so my body doesn't make cortisol. I have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a collagen disorder, which causes widespread pain among other serious poor quality of life issues. I've been living with intractable back pain for the past 10 years from chronic spinal nerve meningitis. Coming off my bioidentical hormones will be nearly impossible, unless I want to be bedbound. Oops.. going to rephrase.. coming off hormones will probably be difficult but I'm open to exploring it. In my higher place, I will listen to my doc, do my own research and learn so much from all of you..for any ideas about how to lessen the impact of living w/o hormones, and negotiate to come up with the best plan possible. I just had lumpectomy and sentinal node removal for 2 small(1 cm) IDC tumors. It had been only 8 months since my last normal mammo. Estrogen and progesterone positive, HER2 -. Awaiting result of node pathology. Planning modified rad TX.. I'm at risk for burning complications from that due to Ehlers-Danlos. Your words help me focus on making the best of all of this. I've re-started meditation and am seriously monitoring my thoughts. Your reminder about a second opinion was also helpful. Thank you again! I wish you all the best on your journey!!