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Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): Anyone else?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Mar 24 10:10am | Replies (223)Comment receiving replies
I am much newer to the BC world than most of you so maybe I'll need to rant later. I can honestly say that I was pleased to find my cancer care center to not be a gloomy place but a place where people conversed as they usually would. The last thing I want (well, maybe not the LAST thing) is for people to look at me pityingly or to assume that my life is hell. I've suffered some and I would be surprised if there isn't more to come, but I want to learn to "suffer well", to keep the faith, to still care about how others are doing. This doesn't mean I'm not allowed depression, anxiety, or rage, but I don't want them to become my identity.
Replies to "I am much newer to the BC world than most of you so maybe I'll need..."
@mkb4435
Agree 100%! I am 5 weeks out from my BC surgery so I am new at this as well. There is so much to learn since it is crucial to be your own advocate.
I do not want defined as the poor woman with breast cancer. I do not want attention or pity. I know because I have been guilty of defining others in the past when I was terrified for them. Now it’s me in this hot seat. It’s a life wake up call!
It’s my story to tell and I chose not to share it with people outside my family… or here of course.
This journey has been exhausting. I was diagnosed in May and seems like the appointments have been non stop. I’m thankful that my cancer center and my team is wonderful.
I have my first radiation treatment today.
I am embracing this diagnosis as a blessing. BC has changed my perspective. I am humbled, I have discovered grace. I appreciate all the moments of my life good and bad. And of course we are allowed all feelings and emotions!
The hardest part for me was telling our 4 children and 4 grandchildren. I couldn’t bear to break their hearts and worry them. My family has held me up. I am truly thankful. I have to find good in this since it’s now my life.
Best wishes to you!
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This is a great attitude--thank you for the reminder. It is true in all difficult circumstances--grief, divorce, even losing a job. It has helped me to look at BC as something quite ordinary (it is!) and to remember that everyone's life is a mixture of sorrow and joy.