Do you feel like this?

Ritzy said:

Adra, we all put ourselves

Adra, we all put ourselves through so much, physically and mentally, that it's a wonder that we can still function.  Hearing those 3 words, going through surgery's, chemo, rads, hormone therapy and all of the tests year after year, it does take a toll on us.  We just have to think positive, enjoy each and every day and stay on top of our health.  Life is meant to be lived, not meant to live in fear of cancer. 

Take care,

Sue

It's really sad to see how many of us feel this way, but I guess comforting in another way, to know that so many pink sisters do feel the same way, if that makes sense. 

Lex

jnl said:

Well WHEW!  I knew I wasn't

Well WHEW!  I knew I wasn't strange.  lol  Thanks for reassuring me of that!  I almost drove myself nuts thinking I should put it all away, but, was just too afraid too.  So for now, it will remain where it is and I can relax about it. 

Thank you sweet sisters for helping me with this.  I was really struggling with it, even though I know so many of you have so many more important issues now.  This was important to me and you are all the best!

I love all of you,

Leeza

I bet it feels good to come to your decision.  It sounds like it isn't in the way or bothering anyone, so your choice to leave it there is the best for you, at least for now.

June

jnl said:

If I do throw it out, I

If I do throw it out, I probably wouldn't miss it either Doris.  Darn cancer!!!  Look at what it does to us! 

Thanks, Leeza

Some of the postings made me smile.  It is ok when you only have one bout with breast cancer to keep it.  Just imagine the boxes I would have if I kept all the paper work, scans, blood tests, doctors notes, cards and etc for almost 19 years of living with active breast cancer.

I would need to rent one of those storage lockers.  I do think after a while one just throws most of it away.  

I do keep what is important for me to have.  I have scanned most of my recent scan's and the oncologist notes on to my computer as PDF files, so I don't have to search through the paper file if I want to know something.  I keep a backup of it.  

I recorded my blood tests since 2007 on a spreadsheet.  Easy enough to plug in the numbers after you receive a copy.  This way I know how to compare the blood values - at a glance.

Good luck to all,

Doris 

Angie2U said:

The time just isn't right

The time just isn't right now, and, it may never be.  Nothing wrong with that as you can tell from all of us that are the same way. 

Hugs, Angie

Mine may be in the closet Leeza, but knowing I still have it, still gives me that "safe" feeling.  Very glad you're feeling better and are keeping everything. 

Sue

Sounds pretty normal to me!  I am 6 years out from my last episode and I keep all my medical stuff at the ready.  Now that said it took me two years to donate my wigs and hats to someone in need, I just could not take that step.  I will tell you that once I did it was actually nice not to have them where I could see them often and be reminded, it was kind of freeing.  Do it when you are ready.

Hugs,

RE

disneyfan2008 said:

I just hit  5 yrs-The only

I just hit  5 yrs-The only thing i keep out is my little framed radiation certicate. IT is not very big, no one in the family notices it..but on occassion i just pick it up-(that is the ONLY exact date I remember) JUNE 28-2008 was my last day!

 

We all handle things differently-I wish you luck

 

Denise

Hi, I just hit 5yrs. and I have my wig in a box with white paper around it..lol..the thing is..5 yrs. ago my husbands ins. said I'm only allowed 1 wig per lifetime..so I bought the best wig out there..lol..its just so funny now..but you all know..we dont know if it will come back..I'm very positive..no matter what..I got my wig..lol!!!!

pegalina said:

my wig

Hi, I just hit 5yrs. and I have my wig in a box with white paper around it..lol..the thing is..5 yrs. ago my husbands ins. said I'm only allowed 1 wig per lifetime..so I bought the best wig out there..lol..its just so funny now..but you all know..we dont know if it will come back..I'm very positive..no matter what..I got my wig..lol!!!!

We have to stay positive as I think that's a huge part in our general all around health, mentally and physically.  Do what you love to do, enjoy every day and cherish your loved ones.

Lynne

TraciInLA said:

My story is sort of the reverse of yours

Leeza,

Yes, you are strange...but we're all strange too, so we love you! 

About 10 months out of treatment, I moved, so I carefully boxed up all of my hats, scarves, ACS brochures, and other mementos from my treatment, labelled it "Cancer Resources," and let the movers put it in the garage with my other storage boxes.  That was 2 1/2 years ago.  

One of my health goals right now is to be more diligent about protecting my skin from the sun, especially my face, so I've bought hats to wear when I go walking.  I keep thinking that a couple of the hats I wore during chemo looked good on me, I should get them out of that box and wear them...

...but I can't open that box.  I see it when I'm out in the garage, but I can't go near it.  It's almost like I feel it's Pandora's box -- if I open that box, the cancer will come back.  If I keep it taped shut, the cancer will stay in there.

Yes, it's crazy...but cancer makes us crazy!

Traci

 

I tend to agree with your thought Traci that cancer makes us crazy.