Get Connected Day!

Hi carolyn, have just returned from the 2nd national conference for woman effected by breast cancer. The seminar on anxiety and depression was very imformative but what was repeated often was how much a little exercise helped. Be realistic, set a goal even if it's accidental exercise (park car a bit further from shop and walk that bit more) reward yourself (I suggest chocolate,lol) , drink lots of water . Exercise-reduces fatigue and phycological distress, improves sleep and overall well being and helps bone density (quoted from Prof Suzanne Chambers) she also recommended relaxation and meditation.Also acknowledge when sad, its o.k.

I had a cd I put on my i-pod by Rick Collingwood. Hypnosis for cancer, I found it helped with sleep and actually took me 8 months before I even heard the ending as I dozed of before it finished. You need to listen to it every night for 6 weeks to start, if your interested in this and cant find it let me know as I may be able to help there.   I hope this helps,Something else that was said was sometimes you have to look back (to were you have recently been) to be able to move forward.   Good luck, were all here for you.  Kaz

My name is Sharon (Shazbo) my BC journey started on 16^th July 2007 just before I turned 50 with what I thought was a routine hip replacement, not so lucky when the bone was tested it turned out to be bone cancer. However 4 weeks later a diagnosis of Breast Cancer stage 4 with bone mets in the spine, ribs, hip and pelvis. 

OMG how my life has changed over the last 3 yrs I have given up work been through chemo, radiation therapy, spinal surgery and monthly treatments of Zometa, I think the hardest thing for me now is the amount of drugs I now take to be able to function every day I hate it but I try to stay positive and happy but some times the pain gets in the way.

I am very lucky to have the most fantastic husband and 3 grown up children, combine them with my many many friends they all keep me going. It would be great though to talk to anyone in the breasts cancer club and ladies with secondary cancer like me. Looking forward to hearing from you.  Thanks Shazbo

I am Joanna and I am 46 years old, with two wonderful children 20 and 23, and thankfully a fantastic husband who has been through every step with me.

I have had three previous lumpectomy since I was 31 for ductal papiloma.on both breasts. Today I had my 4th as I stop gap solution as my specialist has recommended a mastectomy and an immediate reconstruction. The plastic surgeon wants to do a latissmus dorsi reconstruction. I have already major problems with my back with a disc bulge at L4L5 and a scoliosis with a nerve impact at C5. My physio believes that by cutting and moving this muscle will cause a huge increase in pain and restrict movement and lead to loss of muscle strength. Has anyone had these issues following this kind of reconstructio? and are there other options out there for me. I have made a some more appointments with plastic surgeons for second opinions as this needs to be the right choice,

Hi Carolyn, so glad about your great news, both the blood test results and that sence of achievenment.  I reached the point where I started to make notes in my phone if I achieved the slightest thing such as taking the dogs to the park or doing a load of washing.  Exhaustion can be so debilitating and it is great to celebrate those things.  I know from personal experience with depression that exercise, as hard as it can be to get going, is one of the best things.  Gets the endorphins happening and you just feel so much better in yourself.  Glad you have the opportunity of a local support group.  I live in a suburb of Melbourne but it can still be pretty isolating.  I think too, don't every belittle your experience with BC; it is terrifying for all of us no matter that our scenarios may be different.

Lynne :0)

Hi Mel

How did the onc visit go yesterday?  Hope it was great news and tumour(s) shrinking as they should. I agree, it is such a shock to imagine the cancer can come back after chemo, I mean isn't that it's job, to destroy it? Am glad they kicked in with the hormone treatment again and you don't have to have the chemo.  Believe me if they thought it was necessary they would have you hooked up in no time lol.  Haven't bought the champagne yet, waiting til I feel lil better.  WAs a bit excited on Saturday knowing that it was the last one and No More!

Lynne

Hi Celeste,

I have read Lance Armstrong's book in the past, but I'll get it out of the library again as it was before cancer.  I enjoy reading so if you can suggest any other inspirational books, I'll have a look out for them.

I like your quote.  If only it would rain here!  I reckon there's nothing like swimming in the rain, without lightning of course.

I'm heading into town tomorrow so I'll have a look for a meditation CD.  I have got some other relaxing music ones, but of course my daughters don't like the music.

How long did it take for you to get over the depression?  I find if I relax during the day it's really hard to get going again.  I've made an appointment with my GP for Thursday as I don't feel I'm getting much better. 

Thanks for your suggestions & I hope you've had a nice day.

Carolyn.

Hi Carolyn, my name is Celeste and I just wanted to say "hello" and to let you know that you are not alone in your BC journey. I have not had a secondary diagnosed, but I have had chemo and depression so I do know a little of what you are going through. It's very common that people develop depression as a result of a BC experience, approx 50% of people I'm told....it's just that we don't talk about it very much which is a shame.

Firstly I just wanted to say that it's wonderful news that your blood test results are good. You're right, it's scary waiting for the next test, scan, results (whatever) and I know I get anxious about it all too. It' s something that we can't control and the reality is that it can get pretty damn frightening!

While everyone's experience is different I know, for me, talking about my feelings helped a great deal. It's great that you are seeing a psychologist through all this. I got sick of everyone saying "remain positive" because at times I felt really lousy, negative and down.....and to be honest, looking back I had every right to feel so! Any form of cancer SUCKS, so I allowed myself "off days" and tried to be really kind to myself. I took it really easy on myself and got back to basics....sitting in the garden watching the birds and listening to the windchime, writing in my journal with a cup of tea in hand, snoozing on the couch! I bought 2 guided meditation CDs which were great...one was for general meditation and relaxation and the other was a healing focus which I found very helpful in encouraging me to feel a bit more in control of the situation. I also saw a Naturopath for natural remedies compatible with my medical treatment, which helped me feel as though I was regaining some control over the situation. Like you I felt incredibly tired....just wanting to hide under the doona and sleep all day. It's wonderful to hear that you are starting to go for a walk each day...well done, that's a huge achievement! I find that energy feeds on itself, so even a 10 minute walk can give a huge boost! It'll be great if a support group gets up and going in your area too. Uplifting music, spending time with pets, reading a book (Lance Armstrong's "It's Not Just About the Bike" is a truely inspirational easy-to-read book....even if you aren't into cycling!!:-)

Anyway Carolyn, jusy wanted to say hi, to share with you some of my experiences and also to share with you one of my favourite quotes.... "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.....it's about learning to dance in the rain!" Bye for now, Celeste :-)

Hi again,

I've had a good day today, so I'm getting on with my emails.  My blood test results were good.  My cancer marker has dropped one to 7 & my liver function has improved slightly.  My specialist said to go another 6 weeks until the next blood test & to also get a CT scan done then as I haven't had one since January.  That's a bit scary, thinking I hope no new tumours have popped up, but also it'd be great if it showed smaller or less tumours in my liver.  I've had a good day today as I've kept active washing, ironing & mowing.  I know that doesn't sound terribly exciting but it can be sooo hard to push through the fatigue caused by the depression.  Some days it just gets me down thinking when is this not going to be a struggle any more & also I feel guilt at not being the bubbly active mum/wife I was before & guilt that I have depression when other people with cancer have been through a lot worse then me.  I haven't had surgery or radiation.  Any way here's to a good day.  It's great having this contact with you all & I am trying to go for a 20 min walk each morning to get going & I've cut out an artice from the local paper about some ladies wanting to form a support group in the area. We live in a small beach community 1/2 hr from town.  So that can be isolating & a terribly long drive when you feel lousy.   Hopefully My Journey pack will arrive this week.  I'm also looking forward to hearing what w.a kaz finds out about depression from the conference.

Take Care All :-)

Hi again,

I've had a good day today, so I'm getting on with my emails.  My blood test results were good.  My cancer marker has dropped one to 7 & my liver function has improved slightly.  My specialist said to go another 6 weeks until the next blood test & to also get a CT scan done then as I haven't had one since January.  That's a bit scary, thinking I hope no new tumours have popped up, but also it'd be great if it showed smaller or less tumours in my liver.  I've had a good day today as I've kept active washing, ironing & mowing.  I know that doesn't sound terribly exciting but it can be sooo hard to push through the fatigue caused by the depression.  Some days it just gets me down thinking when is this not going to be a struggle any more & also I feel guilt at not being the bubbly active mum/wife I was before & guilt that I have depression when other people with cancer have been through a lot worse then me.  I haven't had surgery or radiation.  Any way here's to a good day.  It's great having this contact with you all & I am trying to go for a 20 min walk each morning to get going & I've cut out an artice from the local paper about some ladies wanting to form a support group in the area. We live in a small beach community 1/2 hr from town.  So that can be isolating & a terribly long drive when you feel lousy.   Hopefully My Journey pack will arrive this week.  I'm also looking forward to hearing what w.a kaz finds out about depression from the conference.

Take Care All :-)