Survivorship: The Part We Don’t Talk About — But Should

melclarity​ How wonderful to hear from you, tho I am very sorry to read of your recent heart failure and cataract diagnoses  :(   That's a real bummer - and yes, you are WAY to young to have acquired those 'naturally'.  Grrrr

But I am glad that you've adapted & evolved, as we've all had to do in one way or another along the way.   I've had some major challenges in the last 4-5 years but have come out the other end, still with a zest for life & pushing the envelope .....  But you are correct - we don 't talk about 'it' with anyone - as to be totally honest, most of our family & friends (other than those here) really don't want to hear about 'it'.  I almost see the eyes 'roll up' .... So I just shut up! 

I was SO lucky that I didn't need chemo - but I have had a few friends diagnosed with early stage heart failure due to the chemo they received for their BC. And the health professionals KNOW that some WILL 'get it' with specific chemo regimes, but they don't always advise you of that possibility, which is almost medical negligence by omission!  Grrr  Same as the aches & pains from AIs .... they still pooh pooh that idea as having no substance, when we ALL know about that one!

I am one of the lucky 5 in iserbrown​'s little group & find great solace & mate-ship in nattering away offline .... We actually met up last year in Vic when I stayed at an Otis retreat there - meeting up with another BCNA member as well as 2 of my Mending Casts Fly Fishing Retreat BC buddies (from 2023) .....
If you've never heard of them, look them up here (for both men & women with ANY type of cancer.)
They have special BC only groups for women ... and I can recommend the retreats to EVERYONE - whether you have ever (or never) fished before - it doesn't matter.  The organisers & instructors are just amazing & most have had close connections with Cancer (or had it themselves) so know what we are going thru. The  Camaraderie over the 3-4 days is just amazing - and there are no costs involved - all you have to do is get the OK from your GP or Onc - and turn up.  All accommodation, meals &  fly fishing equipment is supplied - as well as basic fly fishing tuition!! You are usually pampered a bit as well in other ways too xx   Do yourself a favour - and look into it.  If you have a buddy who's had BC - see if they'd like to attend as well - tho you very quickly bond with the other women - as they all 'get it'!!

https://www.mendingcasts.org/our-programs

Funny thing - I've just spent the last 2 weeks in WA on a wonderful kayak fishing adventure off the coast of Northern WA and (other than difficulty negotiating metal steps on the pontoon and mothership) I coped remarkably well given my age (73 now - amongst a group of 9, largely in their 50s) - I was one of 2 women, the other being a youthful 50 (Oh how I WISH I was still 50!) ..... Hehe, one of the guys affectionately called me Super Nan for the whole trip!  LOL.  He was SO funny - and he kept an eye on me at the same time, even coming to my aid when my best fish got 'sharked' & I was rather shaken after the shark went under my yak, jolting it badly enough to think I was going to fall in!  I squealed like a child!! 

I had no real aches & pains whilst over there in the WA warmth ... but now that I am back on the east coast .... my hands, hips & knees are KILLING ME again - LOL, I was whinging to myself about it just this morning - specially my HANDS!   Grrrrr.  I am beginning to see the reason why people LOVE living in WA so much!  ;)     

Tri​ I am so pleased to hear of your NED xx.   WOOHOOO xx  I hope you had a quiet (or not so quiet) celebration xx

Afraser​ The mobility thing is a real pain, isn't it.  I don't like doing 'one stair at a time' these days - but often need to do it.  In my mind, I can still 'run up stairs' ... but in reality, I just can't now!   Grrr

Take care ladies ..... keep getting out there, doing the things you love doing, for as long as you can!!   😉 xx