A Gift

Welcome  I read your blog.  My first thoughts (trying not to make any judgements) "oh no" and my memory went back to a wonderful lady I knew who went down the alternate way.  Who knows if her outcome would have been the same if she had chosen the medical way.  Then I thought of all of my dear friends who went down the chemo way and the challenged life that they had with the same outcome.  I am trying to be honest here but not scare-mongering.  I have some similar views to yourself and always said that I would never touch chemo. (my body doesn't like drugs).  I like my "twin" Tonya have had two diagnosis of bc.  My first in 2006 with a lumpectomy, radiation and tamoxifen.  I had no node involvement and chose not to have chemo as the "add on" was not a high enough % for me as opposed to the possible side effects. I was only 50 and needed to earn a living.  Then in 2010 I was diagnosed with a secondary tumour in the same breast.  I had a lumpectomy, radiation, arimidex and "lined up" for chemo - no questions about it at all.  I wanted to do the best to rid my body of this curse.  I was terrified of putting this poison into my body.  I survived.  I do still have ongoing side effects after more than 3 years post chemo.  They are lessening all the time with exercise, good living, healthy thinking and as little stress as possible.  I love life and live the best I can and am grateful for the decisions I have made re my treatment.  Each decision has always been my best at that time.  And that is the same for yourself.  Whatever you decide is whatever is best for YOU at that point in time.  I wish you all the best with your journey.  I will look forward to future updates from you.  It is not what challenges are thrown at us it is how we deal with them and bounce back from them. XLeonie