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How do you go back to normal?
I have had a whirlwhind of a journey over the past 6weeks. Found a lump, did all the testing, had stage 2 IDC, HR+, left breast removed, direct to implant done while having breast removed. 5 active tumors were found and 4 lymph nodes removed. A week post surgery, I get my results- all clear. there is no cancer and no chemo or radiation is required. I am relieved but now just confused. How do you go on with normal life? I will start Hormone Therapy in a few weeks but it's such a weird feeling knowing that I am all ok. Please don't get me wrong that I am relieved but it's taking a while to process. Anyone else feel the same?
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Dear mon_03
I'm not sure about going back to normal, but you can certainly go on. We don't really ever go back to anything, all new or different experiences bring about changes, maybe subtle, maybe significant. A cancer diagnosis and surgery is not insignificant. There are changes to your body, there are changes to your routines, there are changes to your beliefs (whatever we may have thought before, we now know we can get cancer!). Many of these changes will lessen in intensity over time, some may almost vanish, but they will never not ever be there again. That's not always a bad thing. It requires a bit of adjustment, just like many things in life do. Sometimes what we need most is a period of what we have been used to - whatever that may mean to us individually. Sometimes we actually want to make some more changes - step by step. You have been absorbing so much information in such a short time that it may be useful to find as much of a calm period now as possible and reflect on what you most want - let's say in the next six months or so. Follow that feeling, then review.
No chemo or radiation is a terrific start - I had ten years of hormonal therapy. Side effects can vary. I never experienced joint pains or aches, or menopausal symptoms. But letrozole munched up bone density. Always good to have a bone density scan before you start - mine at 68 was excellent, so it was like money in the bank, I could spare a bit!
Best wishes for your recovery and next stages.
