Looking forward to meeting you all

Hi Gayle,

I am sorry to hear  you going through such a bad time. It is awful - the chemo.

Every step of the way is awful. I have had my mastectomy - and now have had my prosthesis fitted professionally so feel much better about myself when out and about.

I have only one more chemo to go through - to endure. I can't wait for it to be over. This will be on 7th November. I am lucky that I don't need radiation therapy. After the end of the chemo it will be the hormone therapy - don't know yet when it is starting or what it will be. Have also had a change in oncologists which doesn't help any. However the worst for me is nearly over.

Hang in there Gayle - make some short term goals and do yourself a favour and have some mini celebrations - either dinner/lunch out or bubble bath - or facial, or something meaningful and personal for you. Get together with the girls and make a day/night of it. Something - anything is good as long as it means a celebration or milestone. I found this to be very effective psychologically for me. My partner took me to lunch which we never do as a rule as he is such a good cook - though he knows I love sea food and he doesn't do much in sea food so that is his way of giving to me something special.

Remember that this dis-ease doesn't have to be with you forever. It depends on your surgery that you had and how successful the chemo and follow up treatments are. I am in a support group where there are some long term survivors - 10 years in fact. They are remarkable women and wonderfully inspirational. Try to find a support group in your area - ask your breast care nurse. You will find that talking face to face with these survivors will make more of a difference to you emotionally as well. They can and will most likely give you added support.

Make the most of any and all services available to you - including physio. What ever you need - seek if and take advantage if it is available. You are not alone - there are women here, there and everywhere just around the corner willing to give you the support you need.

I also like blogging, though haven't been doing much lately. I have been a bit slack of late as have had chemo brain too. All fuzzy and then just plain tired. Take one day at a time - don't try to rush it and remember - IT IS OKAY TO STILL CRY!

Take care and good luck

Sandy :)