It's Scary Out Here Isn't It?

Yes it is very scary out here even without any reoccurances. I am sorry you have had to go through so much, it must be very hard going through the second time especially knowing what to expect.
Hang in there with us and with each others shoulders to cry on things may seem a bit more realistic. Going through the motions is good, sometimes the best we can do.
Be good to yourself,
Tara

How did you react when you got the news of the reoccurrence? Was it as hard as the first diagnosis? What treatments did you have 10 years ago? Some things have changed in 10 years. I did 4 AC treatments and 4 Taxotere. The Taxotere was different but no worse than the AC. I took steroids before during and after to counter the side-effect of pain in the joints. It helps some. My head was sore like a bruse a couple days after each treatment. My hair actually started to grow back during the Taxotere treatments. I gave control of my treatments over to my doctor. I went through the motions ... then when treatment was done I was really scared ... and I was not at all in control of my body. I gained weight I looked awful ... got depressed. I'm better now. Hang in there! Let us know how you make out. Jamie

Hello,

I can't help you with the chemo question, but I can empathise with the recurrence. I made it almost 9 years, when I was rediagnosed in 98. Stage IV this time. Going through treatment takes over your life for awhile, but I refused to let it define who I am. You will get your life back. Concentrate on the good things around you and your support system. Keep your attitude up as best you can, but cry when you need to. My husband has been the best and we are closer now than ever, having weathered this storm together. Talk to someone about your feelings. We are all here for you. You will find at least one woman, but I bet several, that you will just click with, and make a lasting friendship. I'm usually on the site everyday, except weekends, so feel free to contact me.

God Bless,
Kathy

ludasue said:

Hi! I am only a 4 year survivor so far. I have not had a recurrence, but I have had several scares. I feel like it is all out of my control, because it is. I try not to dwell on it, but I do find myself subconsiously always waiting for the other shoe to drop. My friends and family keep saying 'you've almost made it to 5 years'. I guess they don't understand how little that means. It is always with me that it can come back anywhere, anytime. I'm so sorry that you are having to face this again. Hang in there and remember we are all here for you. Best wishes, hugs and kisses and prayers your way, Angie

Hi, Angie, yeah, what a laugh that 5 year mark is! People don't understand that BC is a systemic cancer. We are never "cured", but after having toenail cancer, hair cancer and elbow cancer, I still get squirelly when I have any pain or ache. I hate it. God bless you, you are not alone! Hugs & Kisses, Shirlann (PS, However, if you survive 5 years, 80% of us will NOT have any more trouble)

I just finished 6 treatments of taxatere, the main thing I found with taxatere was the aches and pain that came about two days after treatment, it felt like you had the flu, the other was I had to take decadron before each treatment, because taxatere can make your legs and hands tingle and become numb. I know that it made my toenails all turn black, (I didn't lose them, just look like I was trying to wear black nailpolish.)
I do know how you feel about being in a dream world, I had just been to the doctors in July of 2001 and had the normal blood checkup and overall by the onocologist and all was ok, but in September of 2001 I found two lumps one on each breast in new site (I was first diagnosed in October of 1996 with one lump) this time it was also in the lymph nodes. Of course everyone keeps asking me how does it come back All I can say is How is the h____ do I know. God Bless and Take care