Chenheart, Meena1 and bjmom1….I am heartbroken for all of you
Knowing that we are all strong, courageous warriors doesn’t help in the middle of the night, but all I can say is that you are all strong, in mind and in body, and this setback cannot stop you. Even though we all know the drill, it doesn’t make it any easier, it actually might make it even harder, but you also know you did it once, and you can do it again. Regardless of the fact that none of us should ever have had to do it at all.
We have a number of sisters here already who have battled the beast for the second time, third time, and some even more. They are still battling, still going strong, and still telling cancer to “kiss my ****”
Please keep your spirits up and just know that we are all here for you, giving as much encouragement as we can along with big giant cyber hugs.
Cat
Comments
-
Not Understanding
Dear Cat,
You don't beat the beast (breast cancer cells metastasize to other organs), you learn to live with it daily.
It is different than the original diagnose when the medical establishments throws everything at you in a hurry, hurry, hurry mode. It is different than local or regional recurrences, as again they do throw everything at it.
Metastasis cancer, it doesn't matter if it's caught early a few lesions on a bone or multiple lesions on visceral organs, the end results will be the same. That is for 2010. Due to so many women being active in funding breast cancer, we have so many more option today and there is always hope for something new on the horizon.
I felt myself at diagnose, hopeless until I began reading the forums that dealt with women with metastasis cancer. There I found that there could be a longer life for me and I stop reading the stats (they are outdated). Stage IV is living with the disease. One learns that stable is a wonderful word.
Most of all you learn to respect "the beast" as many refer to malignant cells. You learn to use everything in the arsenal to live with Metastasis.
Sirod0 -
I cannot begin to understand your stage IV...SIROD said:Not Understanding
Dear Cat,
You don't beat the beast (breast cancer cells metastasize to other organs), you learn to live with it daily.
It is different than the original diagnose when the medical establishments throws everything at you in a hurry, hurry, hurry mode. It is different than local or regional recurrences, as again they do throw everything at it.
Metastasis cancer, it doesn't matter if it's caught early a few lesions on a bone or multiple lesions on visceral organs, the end results will be the same. That is for 2010. Due to so many women being active in funding breast cancer, we have so many more option today and there is always hope for something new on the horizon.
I felt myself at diagnose, hopeless until I began reading the forums that dealt with women with metastasis cancer. There I found that there could be a longer life for me and I stop reading the stats (they are outdated). Stage IV is living with the disease. One learns that stable is a wonderful word.
Most of all you learn to respect "the beast" as many refer to malignant cells. You learn to use everything in the arsenal to live with Metastasis.
Sirod
I am, after all, 'only' stage III rectal (in the lymph system by the time it was found) and 'only' stage II breast (sentinel nodes, back margin unclear) cancer.
I DO agree that you need to be vigilant...I'm fairly certain that I will see battle again...
But I work with many, many stage IV patient partners who STILL live life during periods of remission. Otherwise, why fight the fight? From these people I draw inspiration for my next battle...they have a more positive attitude than I do at times...
I'm hoping that you are finding the stage IV support from those places on the web that you shared.
But this site IS for ALL stages, and ALL cancers. Everyone who has heard those 3 words are welcome! Hopefully, as you said in your personal page, stage IV will no longer be necessary any more than stage V...because losing the battle will no longer happen!
The goal of medical science right now is to take cancer from a life-threatening disease to a chronic one...like diabetes or high blood pressure...I, for one, hope that that happens before my next battle!
So, there are my 2 cents. Every opinion is the right one for the person giving it.
Kathi0 -
SirodSIROD said:Not Understanding
Dear Cat,
You don't beat the beast (breast cancer cells metastasize to other organs), you learn to live with it daily.
It is different than the original diagnose when the medical establishments throws everything at you in a hurry, hurry, hurry mode. It is different than local or regional recurrences, as again they do throw everything at it.
Metastasis cancer, it doesn't matter if it's caught early a few lesions on a bone or multiple lesions on visceral organs, the end results will be the same. That is for 2010. Due to so many women being active in funding breast cancer, we have so many more option today and there is always hope for something new on the horizon.
I felt myself at diagnose, hopeless until I began reading the forums that dealt with women with metastasis cancer. There I found that there could be a longer life for me and I stop reading the stats (they are outdated). Stage IV is living with the disease. One learns that stable is a wonderful word.
Most of all you learn to respect "the beast" as many refer to malignant cells. You learn to use everything in the arsenal to live with Metastasis.
Sirod
I read you profile, I Think you have a lot to offer the women/men on this site. You know it's like been there done that. I for one am not afraid to read what others are going through. I believe if my journey takes me in your direction I will learn from you. I have a family member who is going to die from pancreatic cancer at any time now. I have cancer. You would think I could be of some comfort to her, nope I am not. I am however using the good old words why me. In other words why her and not me. What do I do, What do I say, How do I deal with this. I have metastasis cancer ( 2 nodes pos at surgery )so I have the fear of the future. Please don't think this site is not the place for you or anyone else. We can learn from you if your willing to teach. Hugs
Kathy0 -
HeartbrokenKat11 said:Sirod
I read you profile, I Think you have a lot to offer the women/men on this site. You know it's like been there done that. I for one am not afraid to read what others are going through. I believe if my journey takes me in your direction I will learn from you. I have a family member who is going to die from pancreatic cancer at any time now. I have cancer. You would think I could be of some comfort to her, nope I am not. I am however using the good old words why me. In other words why her and not me. What do I do, What do I say, How do I deal with this. I have metastasis cancer ( 2 nodes pos at surgery )so I have the fear of the future. Please don't think this site is not the place for you or anyone else. We can learn from you if your willing to teach. Hugs
Kathy
I'm so sad to see that the cancer has returned and now you all have to fight the beast again. Know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
{{{{hugs}}}}
Nuff0 -
I just got back from a trueNufferz said:Heartbroken
I'm so sad to see that the cancer has returned and now you all have to fight the beast again. Know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
{{{{hugs}}}}
Nuff
I just got back from a true weekend away...up in the mountains with clean air,the smell of ponderosa pines, in a beautiful cabin ~ just Reggie and me for some "us time" combined with realizing our fears and the battle ahead of us, whatever that may be. There was no cell service, no internet, just Reggie and Chen.
Thank you all for your heartfelt and encouraging words to me ( us)...they will help me in the days ahead.
I would be less than honest if I were to say I am not afraid, for I surely am, and so is Reggie and my darling Siobhan~but we are a combined effort in doing what we can to ensure quality and length of life.
I love you all...
Chen♥0 -
I am glad you had a good weekend awaychenheart said:I just got back from a true
I just got back from a true weekend away...up in the mountains with clean air,the smell of ponderosa pines, in a beautiful cabin ~ just Reggie and me for some "us time" combined with realizing our fears and the battle ahead of us, whatever that may be. There was no cell service, no internet, just Reggie and Chen.
Thank you all for your heartfelt and encouraging words to me ( us)...they will help me in the days ahead.
I would be less than honest if I were to say I am not afraid, for I surely am, and so is Reggie and my darling Siobhan~but we are a combined effort in doing what we can to ensure quality and length of life.
I love you all...
Chen♥
I am so glad you and your husband got away this weekend and enjoyed yourselves and took a much needed break. I admire your strength and your will and your zest for life. I will continue to pray for you that things will go well for you in the upcoming tests and treatments. Thank you for your encouraging words and your wisdom. Love and hugs,
Lorrie0 -
Me too!
Gosh, I just have been so sad about the pink warrior sisters who have had a reoccurance. It truly breaks my heart and then of course, I know we all do it, think about ourselves getting cancer again. Some friends and family have asked why I seem down lately. I tell them I just worry about getting it back. I don't all the time, but I just don't know how anyone can't think about it from time to time. Some of them understand. Some don't. I tell them about reading a post that someone had a reoccurance and some say not to read it. Well, does not reading it make it not real? That is really doesn't happen? That people don't get cancer again...and sometimes again? I love these people, I just sometimes don't get them. Cancer changes you. Cancer left me raw and naked and kinda intolerable of comments like that even if it is from a good friend or family member of mine. Even though I love them and they have done so much for me. No one knows what consumes a person. Unfortunately to a cancer survivor getting cancer back can consume them. I know that these SURVIVORS that we love on this forum will beat this cancer down just as they did before and I am so happy that there is a safe place such as this for us to all share our ups and downs and get the special support we all need and deserve. Chen, meena and bjmom....you girls can do this! I am so proud of how brave and positive your posts are and I admire each of you! Please know we are all here for you! Big SURVIVOR hugs! Tawny0 -
Cat, thank you for posting
Cat, thank you for posting this message. After reading Meena's news, and bjmom1s, and then Claudia's, I too was heartbroken for them. Last night, I stared at Claudia's post for an hour, trying to find the right words. Thank you for expressing what I could not.
Chen, Meena, and bjmom1, you have already shown that you can handle whatever it takes to beat this and take back your life. You can do it again. And you are surely not alone. You have the best wishes and positive thoughts and prayers of so many, Joe and me included.0 -
What do you say to someoneTawnyS said:Me too!
Gosh, I just have been so sad about the pink warrior sisters who have had a reoccurance. It truly breaks my heart and then of course, I know we all do it, think about ourselves getting cancer again. Some friends and family have asked why I seem down lately. I tell them I just worry about getting it back. I don't all the time, but I just don't know how anyone can't think about it from time to time. Some of them understand. Some don't. I tell them about reading a post that someone had a reoccurance and some say not to read it. Well, does not reading it make it not real? That is really doesn't happen? That people don't get cancer again...and sometimes again? I love these people, I just sometimes don't get them. Cancer changes you. Cancer left me raw and naked and kinda intolerable of comments like that even if it is from a good friend or family member of mine. Even though I love them and they have done so much for me. No one knows what consumes a person. Unfortunately to a cancer survivor getting cancer back can consume them. I know that these SURVIVORS that we love on this forum will beat this cancer down just as they did before and I am so happy that there is a safe place such as this for us to all share our ups and downs and get the special support we all need and deserve. Chen, meena and bjmom....you girls can do this! I am so proud of how brave and positive your posts are and I admire each of you! Please know we are all here for you! Big SURVIVOR hugs! Tawny
What do you say to someone that is facing something we all fear? I havent been on this site very long and im just starting to get to know a couple people...but to be honest this scares me...and im heart broken for these 3 ladies and i dont even know them yet, but it sounds like your all amazing women and youve been through this before and can do it again...your strenght makes me less scared!!0 -
U R SO BEAUTIFULchenheart said:I just got back from a true
I just got back from a true weekend away...up in the mountains with clean air,the smell of ponderosa pines, in a beautiful cabin ~ just Reggie and me for some "us time" combined with realizing our fears and the battle ahead of us, whatever that may be. There was no cell service, no internet, just Reggie and Chen.
Thank you all for your heartfelt and encouraging words to me ( us)...they will help me in the days ahead.
I would be less than honest if I were to say I am not afraid, for I surely am, and so is Reggie and my darling Siobhan~but we are a combined effort in doing what we can to ensure quality and length of life.
I love you all...
Chen♥
U R SO BEAUTIFUL INSIDE N OUTSIDE YOU RE SUCH A INSPIRATION TO ME N MANY OTHERS IM SURE KEEP THE CHIN UP PRAYERS FROM UR OLE PINK BUDDY FROM WEST VIRGINIA MAMY MAMY PRAYERS FOR U N REGGIE
N OF COURSE SIOBHAN luv u gf0 -
Thank you allMoopy23 said:Cat, thank you for posting
Cat, thank you for posting this message. After reading Meena's news, and bjmom1s, and then Claudia's, I too was heartbroken for them. Last night, I stared at Claudia's post for an hour, trying to find the right words. Thank you for expressing what I could not.
Chen, Meena, and bjmom1, you have already shown that you can handle whatever it takes to beat this and take back your life. You can do it again. And you are surely not alone. You have the best wishes and positive thoughts and prayers of so many, Joe and me included.
Some time you just want to hear from others who understand what you are going through. Even when you express your fears about recurrence or have a recurrence people still don't get it. They act like since you fought the first one you can do it again and it going to be easy because you been down this road before. Thanks for listening and give us your prayers
Hugs to all my BC sisters/brothers
Barbara0 -
Thank You. This certainlybjmom1 said:Thank you all
Some time you just want to hear from others who understand what you are going through. Even when you express your fears about recurrence or have a recurrence people still don't get it. They act like since you fought the first one you can do it again and it going to be easy because you been down this road before. Thanks for listening and give us your prayers
Hugs to all my BC sisters/brothers
Barbara
Thank You. This certainly is a roller coaster ride, isn't it? I definitely plan on fighting this, but it seems that everywhere i turn, i hit a brick wall. I had 1 round of chemo on Thursday and i really feel that it helped, my stomach does not feel as swollen now. So, that is good news! Now I have about 6 months to go on chemo. Thank you all again for your thoughts and prayers.0 -
United...
I cannot possibly add to Cat's heartfelt words. Only to state that I am united with all of us here, so very concerned for all of our pink sisters currently fighting yet another active battle for life. United by empathy and compassion, true understanding. United in continual hopeful prayers. And although I have typed these words countless times here on the board, I repeat them now:
We're all here to support and encourage each other.
Kindest regards, Susan
(a/k/a 12/25)0 -
can't come up with the words..Christmas Girl said:United...
I cannot possibly add to Cat's heartfelt words. Only to state that I am united with all of us here, so very concerned for all of our pink sisters currently fighting yet another active battle for life. United by empathy and compassion, true understanding. United in continual hopeful prayers. And although I have typed these words countless times here on the board, I repeat them now:
We're all here to support and encourage each other.
Kindest regards, Susan
(a/k/a 12/25)
I haven't been here for awhile but I can feel us all coming back "united" as dear Xmas girl says, we are all here for you with our prayers and best wishes, our army of pink warriors are here in soul to give you all strength to fight and win. We share a bond that many cannot understand...I do understand the fear and the heartbreak, but with the help and support of our beautiful pink sisters, we can pull out our arsenol whenever needed. This is where we can go when we need hope, love and support.
My dear sisters my prayers are with you always
Love and hugs, Jackie0 -
after reading so many posts this weekend...
it is even harder to imagine. We are fighting our own bodies, for all of us here that are going through, have gone through, or are waiting for their own diagnosis and options, I am posting something from my expressions page that I wrote when I finished my treatment. Not tooting my own horn, it's not even that good, it's just that I believe our battles can only makes us stronger.
As we go through our journey
We have pressures all around
Some intense, others easy
Sometimes queasy sometimes glum
Wanting at times To just be numb
We go on with all our might
To make it to the final fight
Our warrior spirit will abound
Ones on the outside we confound
We have clarity
We have strength
Like a diamond we become
We are beautiful
Cat0 -
Absolutely true....cats_toy said:after reading so many posts this weekend...
it is even harder to imagine. We are fighting our own bodies, for all of us here that are going through, have gone through, or are waiting for their own diagnosis and options, I am posting something from my expressions page that I wrote when I finished my treatment. Not tooting my own horn, it's not even that good, it's just that I believe our battles can only makes us stronger.
As we go through our journey
We have pressures all around
Some intense, others easy
Sometimes queasy sometimes glum
Wanting at times To just be numb
We go on with all our might
To make it to the final fight
Our warrior spirit will abound
Ones on the outside we confound
We have clarity
We have strength
Like a diamond we become
We are beautiful
Cat
Absolutely true....
♥ & hugs,
~T0 -
You know, a diamond can only exist....cats_toy said:after reading so many posts this weekend...
it is even harder to imagine. We are fighting our own bodies, for all of us here that are going through, have gone through, or are waiting for their own diagnosis and options, I am posting something from my expressions page that I wrote when I finished my treatment. Not tooting my own horn, it's not even that good, it's just that I believe our battles can only makes us stronger.
As we go through our journey
We have pressures all around
Some intense, others easy
Sometimes queasy sometimes glum
Wanting at times To just be numb
We go on with all our might
To make it to the final fight
Our warrior spirit will abound
Ones on the outside we confound
We have clarity
We have strength
Like a diamond we become
We are beautiful
Cat
after enduring great pressure!!!
Hugs, Kathi0 -
Like a Diamondcats_toy said:after reading so many posts this weekend...
it is even harder to imagine. We are fighting our own bodies, for all of us here that are going through, have gone through, or are waiting for their own diagnosis and options, I am posting something from my expressions page that I wrote when I finished my treatment. Not tooting my own horn, it's not even that good, it's just that I believe our battles can only makes us stronger.
As we go through our journey
We have pressures all around
Some intense, others easy
Sometimes queasy sometimes glum
Wanting at times To just be numb
We go on with all our might
To make it to the final fight
Our warrior spirit will abound
Ones on the outside we confound
We have clarity
We have strength
Like a diamond we become
We are beautiful
Cat
I'm glad you posted this, Cat. It rings true to our experiences, and it is inspiring.0
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