Life goes on....

Hi there, I am so pleased you are taking each day as it comes with a positive slant on life.

My journey started with a lump and continued (I won's say "finished") with a right side mastectomy and complete node removal.  I was fortunate in that the cancer was contained in that one breast and hadn't travelled anywhere else in my body.

I don't need chemo or radiotherapy, I will be back on the pill (Arimidex) for five years.

I went through a stage of depression ... I didn't actually mourn the boob, rather I felt guilty that I wasn't sick while so many were going through a tough time with their treatments and their bodies were showing the signs of the traumas they were experiencing.

Getting involved with BCNA taught me that there is a purpose to life and that is to enjoy and make the most of what you are given.

I have resumed my former life with gusto - I am involved with RSL Women's Auxiliary, do Tai Chi, participate in warm water exercises and have done a Community Leadership Training course which will enable me to work with aged care participants in gentle exercise programs.

I set goals for myself after surgery  ( in January of this year) ... my niece's wedding on Ap[ril 24th followed by a full day on ANZAC day 25th (dawn service, participated in the march then helped organise the lunch then "social" drinks with the vets..  My granddaughters wedding in Darwin in May was a necessity as was my step-daughter's engagement in June.  There have been other milestones each month which I have met as they came along.

I guess I can't emphasise too much that positive thinking will out-gun depression every time.  By logging in to these discussion boards you have access to the greatest group of thereapists ..... and with the attitude you have you will soon be one yourself.

Take care of yourself ....

Cheers ... Shirl xx