A little light on the postings :)

Hey Sue, Im doing fine ,
Hey Sue, Im doing fine , thanks. I finally called the Doctor and had him rexplain everything to me. Trying to get myself mentally ready, was doing good until one of my friends came over and lost it acting like I was going to die for sure. Wasnt sure how to handle that. Maybe Im in denial, but Im really ok with things right now. Dont want to go through it but Im over running away lol.

mp327 said:

When does treatment start?
Hi Steve--

Glad to hear you are getting into warrior mode to take this thing head-on. That's the only way to do it--with determination! When do you actually begin treatment? Just keep in mind that so many of us have already been where you are about to go and we made it and so will you! I just tell everyone to follow our footsteps and they will lead you to the finish line, one step, one day at a time. I think it's good to do something really nice for yourself prior to day 1--treat yourself to a really nice dinner with friends or do something that you love. Remember that event when you are going through treatment and set a goal of repeating that same thing after you finish treatment and get back on your feet. Surround yourself with positive people--cheerleaders--who vow to not let you quit when you feel like quitting. You can do this! We are here to help too! Please keep us posted.

Steve, just remember
We'll all be here for you to help you through this. Warrior mode it is, but when the warrior gets tired we'll be here to help you re-gain your steam!
Liz

steve714 said:

Hey Sue, Im doing fine ,
Hey Sue, Im doing fine , thanks. I finally called the Doctor and had him rexplain everything to me. Trying to get myself mentally ready, was doing good until one of my friends came over and lost it acting like I was going to die for sure. Wasnt sure how to handle that. Maybe Im in denial, but Im really ok with things right now. Dont want to go through it but Im over running away lol.

Friends
I also had a friend start crying before I started treatment. I told her that if she was going to cry, she had to go home. She stopped crying.

Barbara

steve714 said:

Hey Sue, Im doing fine ,
Hey Sue, Im doing fine , thanks. I finally called the Doctor and had him rexplain everything to me. Trying to get myself mentally ready, was doing good until one of my friends came over and lost it acting like I was going to die for sure. Wasnt sure how to handle that. Maybe Im in denial, but Im really ok with things right now. Dont want to go through it but Im over running away lol.

The Friend Factor
Steve,

I pretty much told my friends that they were not allowed to freak out - that they had to be strong for me - and positive. Most of them complied pretty quickly. There was one friend who started with the drama every time I talked to her and I told her if she didn't cut it out, I wouldn't be able to talk to her any more. She did shape up, but I definately avoided her more. You have to do what's best for you and don't be afraid to ask your friends to do the same. You'll see: the panic will subside and the warrior mode will kick in. When I first got the news, I cried every day and could barely think straight. I was paralyzed with fear. My treatment got delayed twice due to additional biopsies and tests so when if finally started, I was so eager to get going. Somehow starting treatment really calmed me down. It was like, "OK. We're finally doing something to beat this thing." I'm almost half-way through treatment and it's important to set little goals for yourself. Some days, the goal is to just get through that one day, that one treatment. Seek and ask for the support you need. Usually when you reach out, someone is there to reach back. Stay positive and try to continue to live your life!!