1. < Cancer: Managing Symptoms

We all have waiting times

Posted by Nancy, Alumna Mentor @1nan, Apr 5, 2021

Even connect mentors have times that are experienced by all those who come to Connect. We have some form of test for our various conditions and then we have to wait for the results. I have been so impressed by many of you who have experienced extreme anxiety over those tests yet have overcome that anxiety and learned to get through the process and stay in charge of your responses. I have been doing this test and waiting since 2002 and next week have a three month lab check. I am so grateful I don’t have anxiety with the wait, but I do have curiosity and even project what I will do if I don’t like the outcome. I have admired @loula, @suz22, and @evamarie0077, and many others for how they have taken charge of life, getting past so many negative aspects of times of waiting. I wonder if you ladies and others would share with other Connect members how you got past letting fear rule your life, or perhaps share what has helped you the most. Those experiences might very well help others. Thank you. Peace, Nancy

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Apr 9, 2021
In reply to @gingerw "@1nan In 12-step groups, FEAR is "False Evidence Appearing Real". So, you're right in that I..." + (show)
@gingerw

@1nan In 12-step groups, FEAR is "False Evidence Appearing Real". So, you're right in that I really look into what is causing my fear, to figure out what is true, what is false. As you, Teresa, and Merry and others know, understanding your body, learning the health issues you face [be they physical, emotional, or mental], and how everything interacts, assists in making decisions, and removing a lot of the fears. I am someone who first looks at things in a logical sense, with few emotions, which for me, helps the "realness". I make the effort to not be afraid, sometimes quite a herculean effort, so decisions can be made with a clear head. I look at all the facts, understand what may be in the near or far future, and remind myself about being flexible.

Ten, five, even two years ago would I have ever guessed to be where I am today? Nope! But "it is what it is" and the best way to honor myself and my Spirit, is to address it all head-on and in my warrior pose. My disorders are not who I am.
Ginger

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@gingerw I love what you said, "address it all head-on and in my warrior pose." I've always benefited from word pictures and the words, "warrior pose" create a great word picture for me. Thanks for that!

REPLY
Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Apr 10, 2021

I had breast cancer treatments 29 years ago- a long time ago. Everything has been fine, but I still get a chill when it's time for the annual mammogram. I used to be "hysterical" around the time of year when I was diagnosed, not now. I know that if something new is found it's not the initial cancer, but a new one that can be treated. I also have the motto "it is what it is and I'll deal with it".

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1 reply
buckslayer | @buckslayer | Jun 21, 2022
In reply to @astaingegerdm "I had breast cancer treatments 29 years ago- a long time ago. Everything has been fine,..." + (show)
@astaingegerdm

I had breast cancer treatments 29 years ago- a long time ago. Everything has been fine, but I still get a chill when it's time for the annual mammogram. I used to be "hysterical" around the time of year when I was diagnosed, not now. I know that if something new is found it's not the initial cancer, but a new one that can be treated. I also have the motto "it is what it is and I'll deal with it".

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I just tell myself that the only thing stronger than fear is hope. Embracing hope beats living in fear every day. If nothing else it's an east mantra to repeat to myself often.

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1 reply
pjsfla | @pjsfla | Jun 22, 2022

Hello All , I have had cancer twice, 1st time in 2015 , no surgery ever before masec , ok? The best help I can give myself to get thru the tests, results appts , or procedures , is to learn learn learn . Tho I have met a few drs who say " You ask too many questions" or , "just leave that to me " I replace them as soon as possible . Its almost like I'm going to Med School , and want to get to the best ones , to also get the most out of all that time shared ... Some drs are EXCELLENT teachers ! I admire them the most and truly respect the ones who include their patients in the conversation .

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pjsfla | @pjsfla | Jun 22, 2022
In reply to @buckslayer "I just tell myself that the only thing stronger than fear is hope. Embracing hope beats..." + (show)
@buckslayer

I just tell myself that the only thing stronger than fear is hope. Embracing hope beats living in fear every day. If nothing else it's an east mantra to repeat to myself often.

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Buckslayer , You are so right ! I get down , but I cannot stay there , it's an awful way to be , such a darkness . I also tell the cancer " Get out of my body . This isnt where you belong . "

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