Staying positive: How do you do it?

I’ll give you one more helpful trick I recently learned along the same lines but for insomnia. I’ve had insomnia my entire life with a very busy mind that won’t shut off at night. The thought loop starts the minute I climb into bed. Sound like you? All the standard tips of a quiet, dark room are a disaster for me. I need something mild to distract my mind. A DVR Hallmark movie I’ve seen so many times it’s now boring or a quiet monologue podcast are good choices. Nothing that’s too interesting or thought provoking. I use the sleep timer. But now I’ve added the happy thoughts. Have 3 things in mind that make you really happy and relaxed to visualize. I take a couple slow deep breaths that make me yawn. Next I start in on my happy thoughts visualizing each one for a couple minutes then move onto the next. I instantly feel a smile come across my face from these favorite memories. By the third, I’m often asleep. If I lose my focus due to “the thought loop” interrupting, I just start again. My three things: I picture interactive memories with my favorite dogs from the past, riding my childhood horse and reliving all the happy activities at my childhood summer camp. Think of specific simple, happy things with no controversy. Best to pick images with no dialogue involved. It has worked more often than not even when my insomnia is due to physical discomfort. It’s like going to sleep to home movies. Hope this helps someone else. Give it a try. 🥰

All I can say is Wow! I feel the same way about a dark, quiet room. That never works for me. Watching something soothing and set a sleep timer is a great idea. I will now add three happy memories to it. 🙏

Thanks. My Sentinel Node Biopsy is now set for Oct 17 (unless someone cancels she might be able to get me in sooner). Sorry to hear about your aches & pains. I don’t have any of that so hopefully I don’t get any. Take care.

Just saw your response. I never had an MRI - they never suggested it. I do have some history in my family of cancer - an aunt and cousin both had breast cancer (different sides of the family) and other types of cancers. I had genetic testing done on 9/12 and I have a video visit with the Genetic Oncologist on 10/15 to go over the results, then my Sentinel Node Biopsy is on 10/17. I just had my Pre-Op with my doctor today, then spoke with the Oncologist's nurse. I will always wonder if it spread if I don't have the surgery. My mother went with me the last visit with the Surgeon which is nice. I have been having one of my sisters or my mom with me during these visits so they can hear things I may have missed and talk about it. Today I just went by myself for the Pre-op.

For my 9/12 visit I saw 3 doctors - Genetic Oncologist, Radiation Oncologist, and the Oncologist I will see every 6 months - or at least in 5-6 months from now. Sounds like a week after surgery I will see the surgeon to see how I am doing (and can speak w/ the department that handles OT in case I need any exercises if I think I need to). Everyone is very nice and they say to call any time I have a question.

I had a mastectomy 32 years ago plus chemo for 6 months. It felt like my world was turned upside down.
I had 3 young children then and wanted to stay positive for them.
I also decided to work 2 weeks and 2 weeks off when I had chemo. Probably stupid decision, but tried to remain normal.
However, for 25 years I had a mini nervous breakdown when I had a mammogram. Nowadays I’m pushing away the anxiety.
I figure that if something new comes up I’ll just deal with it. I’m 80 now.
However, last year I was diagnosed with stage 1 adenocarcinoma of lung. Had radiation, so far so good. Definitely subconscious anxiety.

I learned that a good cry actually LOWERS cortisol! I agree with may of the other posts, it is normal to grieve, just don’t stay in that place for too long. Walking has helped me and certainly getting perspective of those who are going or went through this. I’m just about to start treatment in a few weeks. I’m trying to find another word for “journey” cause don’t really like it. Maybe embarking on a hard long hike up a mountain pass…

@annette3

Thanks for update, sounds like you are getting excellent care. Lot of tests to make sure the providers come up with correct treatment plan. The results of Sentinel Node Biopsy and genetic testing will give you better idea of what next step is and chance of reoccurrence.

Please keep us updated.

My Genetic oncologist said there is no genetic reasons to believe I would get any of 34 other cancers they tested for. Sounds like it is positive news to have Negative results! Then when they did my Sentinel node biopsy yesterday there was no cancer that had spread to the lymph nodes. That was amazing. Things are looking up!

Hi
As I wait for my appointment this Monday with my surgeon and oncologist it's my one year check up. I am finding myself being very fearful and worried. I am still struggling with radiation fatigue And having to stop h r t I am having horrible menopause symptoms. Feeling generally unwell , and then my mind just takes off. I think I was better three months ago than I am now. I have a very good counselor and maybe that would help you. No one knows what it's like until you go through it. It seems to be a daily process to try to feel more upbeat. As other posts have said, it happened so fast.And now you're left dealing with wow did that happen to me. Know your not alone .

@sue417 @mjmac

Sue417 - prayers that you’ll receive good news Monday. I also have an appointment Monday for my 6 month check. Hoping they’ll release my CT reports before then so I can be prepared with any questions. Like both you and mjmac have said, when you have cancer it’s easy to think every new or random pain is cancer related even though it usually isn’t. Mjmac you’re getting close to your tumor report as well. Prayers that we all receive good news! Do something you love this weekend. If you don’t have the energy to leave the house, maybe invite a couple friends over to play cards or some other game and laugh a little. Blessings to all. ❤️