What can I learn from having breast cancer?

Public Archive
1

Hi Everyone,

I was diagnosed a month ago. I’ve got long road ahead of me but trying to think positively. Is there actually something good I can learn from having breast cancer? X

2

Naza

 

I think it is an appreciation of what you have, there was a lot I took for granted before my diagnosis  but it really changes your perspective on life and what is and is not important,

3

I think it teaches you who your real friends are and they are not always who you think!

4

Oh yes, I agree with you on that Jill !

Also, I’m more aware of eating healthy x

5

Hi Naza,

Lots of silver linings to the bc cloud, including putting things into perspective, some things just don’t need to be worried about :slight_smile: x

6

Definitely who your real friends are and they usually turn out to be unexpected!!
Definitely how strong you are and can be.
A lot of hospital jargon and things about yourself.
Priorities change and your perspective on life possibly, I personally get more out of the simple things in life.

7

Hi Naza and ladies

I have been thinking about this recently as I’ve found myself back on the treadmill of life in recent months when I really should be taking opportunity to enjoy life to the full rather than being bogged down with day to day rubbish… I’m becoming a master of ignoring household chores especially ironing!

A friend asked me last week if there are any positive things which have happened to me since my diagnosis 3 years ago, seemed a slightly odd question but:

  1. I have a part time job, school hours, 4 days a week, term time only!
  2. I now have 2 gorgeous dogs which I have never had time for before whilst working full time.
  3. I have a new circle of friends
  4. I’ve always been slim, but was able to use my chemopause flabby tummy to make a new boob and tummy tuck too!
  5. I’ve been able to support several friends, and friends of friends by sharing my cancer experience and they’ve entered treatment feeling much better prepared and positive.
  6. I have introduced my surgeon (and therefore many many ladies) to a fabulous local 3D nipple tattoo artist, and boosted her business profile at the same time!

I think a lot of us view life differently now as these other lovely ladies have said.

Sending hugs xxx

8

Hi Naza, for me it has made me take more time for myself. I realised I was forgetting my own needs (as most women/mum’s do) . I found the relaxation classes at my local MacMillan centre a godsend - I no longer sweat the small stuff, and feel a better, calmer, and kinder person. Doing a good deed, being pleasant and polite to people, smiling at a stranger, makes us feel good and the feeling can last all day. I am really enjoying looking after myself, which in turn helps people close to me to not be so afraid. Wishing you all the best x

9

That Shirley Conran was right, life is too short to stuff a mushroom. Don’t let all the doom and gloom in the newspapers get you down, don’t dwell on negative stuff, consciously seek out the happy things in life. Nature can be a great soother. Don’t rush about, remember to take time to stop and smell the flowers. Rejoice and give thanks for each new day. You will be amazed to find that you are stronger and braver than you ever thought you could be. It is absolutely okay to put your own needs first at this time. Loyalty is a very under-appreciated quality. It is never too late to make new friends. You will cease to care what fake friends, ne’er do wells and other assorted buffoons think. However long and arduous your treatment may seem at the present time rest assured it will come to an end eventually and you will be discharged from hospital. Life is still worth living even with a diagnosis of BC.