First, let me promise that this blog will be here for quite some time!
Second, I know it's hard, but try to breathe and remember that the survival statistics for breast cancer are definitely on your side. If your cancer is localized, the five year survival rate is 98%. And even if it's spread to nodes, the rate is more than 83%. You can see this information at http://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/breast.html#survival
And keep in mind that these stats are 4 years old. With newer treatment options arriving every day, the numbers keep improving. So hang in there! It's all scary as hell, but once you understand what your treatment plan will be, things will get so much easier and you'll start to feel "in control" of your destiny.
I recommend you check out a couple of really good resources that will help you:
http://www.breastcancer.org/
http://www.komen.org/
Both of these sites have a wealth of reliable information, and knowledge is power; so you will learn so much by reading on these sites. Breastcancer.org has a huge discussion board with more than 75000 participants and more than 62000 topics. Wherever your journey takes you, you can be sure that many others have traveled the same route and you will be able to read how they handled it and know that they kicked cancer's butt!
You may also email me directly at mchall6252@comcast.net and I will be happy to correspond directly with you if that would be helpful. I'm not working at the moment, and providing support to a "sister" would be an honor.
My now-deceased brother was having a difficult time years ago with a personal situation and made the statement that it was just "wrinkles in the sheets of life". Well, I am looking at breast cancer as just a wrinkle in the sheets of my life. Not a death sentence, a wrinkle.
Hugs to you!
Michelle
Michelle, I've sent your blog address to a friend of mine who is also going through issues right now. I hope you don't mind.
ReplyDeleteCora
Margaret - If anyone can help you learn and understand your cancer and your treatment options, it's my mom. She kicked cancer's A$$ because she didn't take anybody's word for it. There are so many things that even the experts don't know, and they go with stock answers. My mom knows the questions to ask and what to expect from your doctors. You will not be disappointed if you contact her. Fight!!! Good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are exactly right, Michelle! Wrinkles in the sheet of life! He called it and you remembered and are putting it to use. Marc would like that!
ReplyDeleteLinda H.