The 4th & 5th cancer diagnosis?

Välkommen @saltis. I can only begin to imaging how tough this must be. I would like to introduce you to other members here on Connect who know what it is like to stare cancer in the face more than once. Please meet @hopeful33250 and @martid.

We look forward to getting to know about you Saltis.

Saltis: Colleen Young asked me to send you a reply. I too have Stage IV breast cancer. Somebody who obviously was unfamiliar with the "rating" system for cancer asked me if there were any higher numbers, i.e. Stage V, etc - ha, ha. Anyway, the number of survivors for my cancer (metastatic) is 20% after 5 years. This is a statistic which I think (and my oncologist agrees) are somewhat out of date based on the new meds and procedures that are being developed right now. Based on the new medications and procedures, we need to keep our spirits up. You never know what "cure" is right around the corner and can be very beneficial for you. At least you can identify the enemy and do battle. I hope this post is helpful for you and will give encouragement.

Thank you. Looking forward to hear from other members and finding a way to win these battles, too.

Hello @saltis. Nice to make your electronic acquaintance here. I am Scott and I wanted to wish you well today and each day as you continue your journey. While I have not had cancer, my wife fought it for 14 years (her 'prognosis' was for a maximum of 7).

She often felt overwhelmed and frustrated by what she described as a day to day roller coaster ride. One technique she used was to spend just a few moments in the morning over our shared cup of coffee to pick one item for the day. Just one. This was her focal point for the day and her goal. If it got done it was a source of comfort. If it didn't it was simply held for tomorrow with no regrets.

Not sure this will help, but it is simply what she did to help herself during her challenging times. She also adopted the AA mantra of 'one day at a time', which helped both she and I to focus on the day at hand and calm some of the feelings of being overwhelmed and (at times) depressed.

Peace and strength

Hi @IndianaScott,<br>Thank you for sharing your & your wife's experience. I do try to<br>concentrate on the Now Time and one day. But unfortunately I have many<br>responsibilities and have to work, pay bills and for the last year we have<br>adopted a refugee son who is the source of many joys in our family. I have<br>a fantastisc and rich Cultural & social life and have never let my cancer,<br>during these past 21 years, stop my activities. Probably not being able to<br>plan ahead Or reserve tickets for the 2017 Cultural events is quite<br>frustrating but having three cancers is quite tiring and effects my energy,<br>you know. How did your wife do to regain energy and enjoy life?<br>Thank you for writing to me,<br>Saltis

@saltis My name is Teresa. I'm so sorry to hear of your cancer diagnosis, but I would like to welcome you to Mayo Connect. You will find at Mayo Connect a caring community who will share with you in your fears and disappointments. I connected with Mayo Connect this spring after my 3rd recurrence of a rare type of malignancy, neuroendocrine tumor (also called carcinoids). I was very disheartened as well. However, I faced it "head-on" and went through the treatment and I'm getting back on track again. It sounds like you have an active life and you are engaged in many activities. That is wonderful! How rewarding it must be to be hosting a refugee. As you face this new treatment take it slow. I've personally found that healing takes place best when I'm not trying to accomplish everything that I use to do. I scale back my activities so that my body can catch up with the treatment and that helps. I hope that you are adjusting to your new location in Stockholm and that you are settled now. Best wishes, and please keep in touch. We look forward to getting to know you.

Hello @saltis! I hope you are having a pleasant morning. Thanks for the response. Cancer was quite isolating for my wife, which is one of the aspects of Connect I like so much.

My wife's approach was to match her daily goal with her daily level of energy. She had been a Type-A woman, who along with raising our family ran her own business with five locations, so that was quite a change of pace for her. She, too, found long-range planning a challenge. But in some cases it gave her a goal to shoot for or something to look forward to. I have to admit it did not include having to buy tickets, except when she decided our whole family needed to get it together so we could all attend the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade this coming Thanksgiving, which was her favorite and the one holiday she looked forward to. Unfortunately I have had to unwind a lot of arrangements she made, but it gave her joy so we did it.

On a daily basis we worked together to try and identify what 'long term' meant that day and acted accordingly. Not a pleasant or fun aspect to her illness, but it helped her feel fulfilled and not constantly frustrated.

Peace and strength,

Hi @IndianaScott,<br>Thank you very much for sharing your experience. It has been a nice day,<br>tiring but mostly happy to enjoy these late Summer days and the beautiful<br>nature surrounding us.<br>Friends calling via different technical gadgets, from all over the world,<br>sharing their love and affection. I am mostly overwhelmed by this much<br>friendship and love. This afternoon I sat while drinking my coffee and<br>enjoyed a great book. You know, life is good and I made plans together with<br>a friend whom we have not met in almost 35 years over Skype, to meet in USA<br>for holidays. I wish I would be able to meet all other beloved ones who<br>live in USA, too. You see, I plan too.<br>Thanks again for your kind words and have a nice day.