I thought it might be nice to have a thread with only positive news on. I spent most of last night awake worrying about all things related to the dreaded BC and most of today crying feeling sorry for myself (This is not really like me so I’m putting it down to the previous night’s lack of sleep!)
Then this evening, I met up with a friend who has just been given the 10 year all clear and it has really lifted my spirits. I am only 14 months post diagnosis and still having treatment with herceptin and tamoxifen so to hear this positive news has given me a real boost.
Would anybody care to join me in some positive thinking???
I guess we will all have our own interpretation of being positive? My own definition of ‘positivity’ is my accepting my diagnosis and finding a way of moving on from there, with a clear vision. Seeking information and meeting others in the same boat has been a very positive move for me although I realise this approach would not help everyone. Finding my own way of living with breast cancer (that took some time) has been empowering and has made me feel less helpless.
I see hope, support, and friendship on all the corners of all the forums throughout this board. Especially the ones I frequent and these are the ones where hope is sometimes least expected.
Elsbeth I wish you well and better days ahead.
Hi - what a good thread to start. I like positivity and hearing success stories. When first dx in March I couldn’t stop crying and think I cried everyday for about two weeks. Everyone I spoke to ended up passing me tissues. When I met the two surgeons who did my double mx and immediate reconstruction I felt blessed and their abilities and attitude filled me with confidence. This was the start of my positive thinking and I had a good result from the surgery. When I first came out of hospital after surgery I spent a lot of time reading up on triple negative breast cancer which only resulted in scaring me to death. I then decided that if I feel OK when I wake up in the morning I am just going to get on with life as a normal as possible. I have now gone 5 months without crying and enjoying each day to the maximum. I no longer worry about trivial things and appreciate my own surroundings a lot more - we have beautiful scenery and walks near to where I live which I never really noticed before. I also never complain about my age - it is a privilege to get old - and now shut up when it is pouring with rain. Life is not a dress rehearsal and as a teacher once said to me - you should live each day as if it is your last.
absolutely! I was diagnosed three years ago this month and had all the treatment, mastectomy, chemo and radiotherepy and I have just had my reconstruction done (about 6 weeks ago) AND I FEEL FINE! And whats more the sun is shining!
I’m a believer in positivity so thanks for the thread.
I thought I’d let you all know about one of my neighbours, she’s 92 and had breast cancer when she was in her 40s!
And another thing - bikini line doesn’t need doing, neither does lip or under arm wax!!That has to be a positive SE and the money saved can be spent on really good chocolate from Montezuma or Hotel Chocolate!! mmmm.
I also met a lady last week - late 70s - said she had it 11 years ago, and feels absolutely fine now.
Also attended a support group several months ago for those past treatment and there must have been about 40 - 50 ladies there and apart from one all were doing well many years later.
I sometimes feel depressed after I have been on this site as it seems only those who have problems come on here. Rarely do you hear from someone who had it years ago and is fine but then I guess they do not need the support.
My aunt had a very aggressive BC with most of her lymph nodes involved back at the start of the 70s and she went on the trial for the first real chemo drug developed. She died 3 years ago aged 83, just a few weeks before I was diagnosed. My oncologist told me she saw old ladies who were still well 30 years on; the same thing was told to me by the nurses who did my Herceptin. My BC nurse’s mum has had BC twice, 14 years apart and is still currently fine 5 years on again.
I’ve really just found my own way of dealing with this, although admittedly it wasn’t that easy getting there. I’m 3 years post diagnosis tomorrow and am grateful for small pleasures. I’m also not too scared to focus on things in the future now, like finishing my course, getting my website up and running and being more involved in the business we run.
I bumped into a lady one day in a charity shop and she was 82, and looked fab and had BC 20 years ago, she actually changed my whole view on lots.
But those that come one this site feeling scared and down also need support, i have read about things i wasn’t even aware of which i hope make me more informed.
so lets keep positive threads going , but dip into the other too because theres nothing better than hearing form someone that it all does get better and is doable
I have 2 friends who have had breast cancer, one was dx 20 years and the other 13 years ago. I think we need to hear the good news about ladies who survive and move on with their lives
Hi, there are lots of positive letters on many of the threads from women who have had BC for years. I am one of them and I had BC in 1989 and had a mastectomy. In 1999, I was diagnosed with bone mets. I am presently on chemo but feel very positive and always have. When I was first diagnosed I was as scared of dying as everyoine else and cried my heart out. But I have been previledged to see my 2 girls grow up. They were just 7 and 14 at the time. My husband has been a tremendous support which helps too. I am so glad still to be here and want to let newly diagnosed women know that there are people who have survivied this dreadful disease and are enjoying life again. I am all for a positive thread but there is loads of support on the other threads too. When you are ready you will be able to read them without fear. Take care all of you, love from a very happy Val (Scottishlass) Xx
Yes Val you are a star…I was trying to gently point out a couple of views in my posting but you have explained my exact feelings much more clearly.
xx…
Thank you for posting these comments. I am at the begining of my treatment (2nd chemo on Tuesday)I had my hair shaved off today as it was all coming out so I am feeling pretty low. I have had a few dark moments just recently worrying about secondaries and how long I have left on this planet but reading these posts have certainly made me feel more positive about the future. Thank you ladies.
Much love to all. Karen xx
I like the thread ‘Should we still be on this site?’. The answer is a definite ‘yes’, because thanks to those ladies who still post on here years after diagnosis, when they have moved on with their lives, it gives us all hope.
Thank you to those of you who got where I was coming from by starting this post and for posting your positive stories.
However, by doing so it would appear that I have offended some people which certainly was not my intention.
I am very well aware that there are many positive tales all over these forums involving lots of brave women - I have taken great strength from them myself and met some wonderful people in the process. However, it is also possible to drive yourself to despair my reading too much about when it doesn’t always go according to plan. I know this because it happened to me on Friday night and I was in a really dark place on Saturday! Meeting my friend on Saturday night with her “10 year free” news dragged me back from the deep sadness I was I feeling and I just thought it would be nice to share that experience with others.
I am 3 years post diagnosis today and have spent a lovely afternoon eating a sandwich overlooking the sea, followed by walking and picking loads of blackberries. We then went to see a very quirky Belgian film called “Rumba” which made me come out of the theatre smiling as it was such a silly story. Tomorrow I’m painting my bedroom and Wednesday shopping for new curtains. Life feels dandy at the moment, I’m very grateful for each day that brings me joy from simple things.
