I am here really to read some other posts in relation to osteoporosis (some side effects of early menopause) but I have found myself reading a lot of recent posts from newly diagnosed ladies and I feel compelled to write something.
I myself was diagnosed in September 2007 aged 39 - a long five years and six months ago… in those early days, I remember just been consumed with really dark thoughts… thinking it would spread and that my life was pretty much over.
I then got on with the treatment… counted the chemos off one by one… then the rads, one by one… then started taking arimidex… I never thought I’d last five years on that stuff but I did…and I"m still here.
I remember the fear, I still get it from time to time, with every new ache or pain as we all do… and living in cancer’s shadow is not the easiest but I just wanted to say, I feel for you all because I have been there in those early days (mine was grade 2, 1.4cm, stage 2, her2+ er+) and you know what… you do get your life back, for many this is a reality… I am still (touch wood) cancer free or at least NED and I feel really well again and ran a 10k last year to mark my 5 year anniversary post dx. So whatever kind of you day you are having and if you feel you can’t see tomorrow let alone five years on, or ten years on… know that it is there in your future, that the sun will come out again for you and there will be a life again, a slightly altered reality, but nevertheless a life - as women who are living with cancer are absolute proof of…it is a richer life for having faced your own mortality and realised just what is important! Love, strength, friendship and family, determination, taking time for yourself, treating yourself with sensitivity, love and kindness… these things helped me (plus loads of green superfoods, a handful of supplements and a bit of peace… bob’s your uncle, fanny’s your aunt). Good luck to you, your good days will soon outweigh your bad in time and you will find a way through this, whatever your particular dx. Carrie x
Bumping this post up for Carrie
Lucy