Feeling positive...

Recently diagnosed with breast cancer (4 weeks) and all has moved fast. Now 10 days after my first chemo session and I am simply amazed at how one can adapt and switch from "I'm not a cancer person" (my main fear having been dementia - though there may be time for that yet!) to "I've got cancer". It's all a learning curve and of course I don't know how it will all pan out. But, since the initial suspicion of a lump, and then an almost phobia about exploring further and finally a pulling-myself-together and admitting - and apart from that point when the consultant starts to tell you - I have felt oddly positive. And very focussed. I guess that nearly 6 months of chemo might turn out to be very wearing, plus whatever will follow that. At the moment, I feel up to it (with a proviso that I will be fairly sensible, but not absolutely always). I'm just a beginner in terms of actually having cancer. But, so far, I feel  irrepressably positive. Am I insane, Doc?

  • Hi no you are not insane I've been like that for over 3 years now when they found my cancer I still have it it's not curable but I'm still chearful some people can't understand why. My answer is I'm still alive. Don't worry about it if it's C They treat it if it's not they'll treat whatever it is I think if you can keep chearful its a good thing for you. Best wishes. 

    Billy 

  • Well done you,onwards and upwards i just live in today,i dont look back,no regrets,

    keep it simple. And your not just a biginner with Cancer, your an inspiration.

    Many Thanks Mar kfitz

  • Hi Denique,

    You are not insane in my opinion !

    I have had 2 chemos - some setbacks with allergic reactions, (which were dealt with by the nurses brilliantly) - but still feel positive. I think it all comes from focussing on something in the future whether it is an event, or returning to work, or just the urge to be healthy again.

    You are alive, and although there will be days where you think it is neverending, you somehow have the inner strength to pull through. 6 months of chemo does seem like an eternity, but as someone who is about to have 3rd chemo on Friday - I can say the time does pass, if a bit slowly some days !!

    Good luck with everything and keep the positivity - it will help you - and those around you trying to cope.

     

  • Hi Denique

    Not insane at all. I too have been very positive about my cancer. I had a lot of fear of the unknown on diagnosis, and was impatient to start treatment..but once I did start, I focussed on one day at a time and getting through it. I woke up each day saying I will get better. I will be well. 

    I’m not saying I was positive every minute of every day...when the side effects of radiation kicked in and then I had a pulmonary embolism and thought I was on my way out, my positivity wavered! But ultimately  I did stay cheerful and upbeat, just dealing with this “thing” and willing it to leave my body. And I put my trust in my medical team who said they were treating with intent to cure. 

    I have cervical cancer, but following radiation and chemotherapy my most recent scan shows that my tumour is gone and there is no evidence of disease. I’m certain that being positive helped me. Now I am booking holidays, planning trips and getting on with my life. 

    I wish you all the best as you go through your treatment...you definitely have the right attitude! 

     

  • Thank you all - I feel I'm in good company!

  • Brilliant! You are just being you. A strong person. I am 52 with 2 cancers. Womb and breast but I feel blessed that they have been diagnosed and I can be treated. I'm determined to power on through this. So far, no blood tests or biopsy's etc have phased me at all. I know they are to help me. I have breast surgery next then chemo, radiation etc and I'm looking forward to it as I know these things are to help me. I've had my total hysterectomy with lymph nodes removal and I feel I've recovered well. Try to exercise if possible. Walking is great, I stick my ear pods in and listen to some uplifting songs. 
    Just do what makes you happy. Binge watch Netflix. Laugh with your friends and family

    xx

    Ruby