~~ What Have You Learned In Your Journey With Bc? ~~

susie09
susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
Being diagnosed and going thru all of the treatments with bc, I know we have all learned something.

So, would you like to share what you have learned?


♠♣ Susie ♠♣
«1

Comments

  • BMS
    BMS Member Posts: 127
    Interesting...
    My husband and I were just discussing this - for both of us - about a week ago. For me, I learned I am stroonger than I ever thought. I also learned, that while I tend to be a control freak, it's okay to give up that control and let others help any way they can, and it's okay for hubby to do things his own way. He IS capable!

    I also learned that paying it forward in life is the only way to make a difference.

    He learned that he has more patience than he thought and more stamina. He can keep all the balls in the air and still take care of me. I am lucky!

    Bonnie
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    Good post.
    I learned a few things. Always listen to your body, no matter how old you are. Life is beautiful and a lot of things we call "problems"...really aren't. They're just inconveniences. I learned who really loves me and who my friends really are. And although I knew this before, my current diagnosis proved it, God is the only one who has the answers, and the only one who can save you. I am still learning about Faith, and I am looking forward to being a Faithogolic (I made that word up). I never liked needles, but now I take them because I want to live. I guess I am stronger than I thought I was?

    Finally, I also realized how important it is to forgive, in order to move forward, happy.

    God bless you.
  • butterflylvr
    butterflylvr Member Posts: 944

    Good post.
    I learned a few things. Always listen to your body, no matter how old you are. Life is beautiful and a lot of things we call "problems"...really aren't. They're just inconveniences. I learned who really loves me and who my friends really are. And although I knew this before, my current diagnosis proved it, God is the only one who has the answers, and the only one who can save you. I am still learning about Faith, and I am looking forward to being a Faithogolic (I made that word up). I never liked needles, but now I take them because I want to live. I guess I am stronger than I thought I was?

    Finally, I also realized how important it is to forgive, in order to move forward, happy.

    God bless you.

    I have learned
    to take each day one at a time and to stop and be more aware of what's around you. This past weekend mother nature provided me with a glorious day. I sat in my glider swing with a book enjoying the warm summer heat and breathing in the aroma coming from our lilac bushes. Only moments later to be distracted by a large blue bird splashing around in the bird bath. I followed it up by watching a small grey squirrel burying something next to my lilac bush. He was so cute digging with those front little paws. Each day is not a given and you need to make the most of it.

    I also learned from those around me, how much my life has impacted theirs. From their acts of kindness to all the cards, flowers and gifts I realized just how much I am loved by so many. I also realized I am never alone, I will always have a great team waiting for my call. It's quite humbling...

    Lorrie
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930

    I have learned
    to take each day one at a time and to stop and be more aware of what's around you. This past weekend mother nature provided me with a glorious day. I sat in my glider swing with a book enjoying the warm summer heat and breathing in the aroma coming from our lilac bushes. Only moments later to be distracted by a large blue bird splashing around in the bird bath. I followed it up by watching a small grey squirrel burying something next to my lilac bush. He was so cute digging with those front little paws. Each day is not a given and you need to make the most of it.

    I also learned from those around me, how much my life has impacted theirs. From their acts of kindness to all the cards, flowers and gifts I realized just how much I am loved by so many. I also realized I am never alone, I will always have a great team waiting for my call. It's quite humbling...

    Lorrie

    I love reading all of your
    I love reading all of your replies. It seems we all learn different things, but, one thing in common is we really open our eyes to life. Don't you think?
  • BlownAway60
    BlownAway60 Member Posts: 851
    Never take a single precious
    Never take a single precious moment of this life for granted.

    Give. Love, Hope and Compassion. It will come back to you in so many ways.

    Hugs

    Donna

    PS. My DH used to always tell me that I had a pointy head. Well I proved him wrong but I had to go bald to do it. Ha Ha.
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member

    Never take a single precious
    Never take a single precious moment of this life for granted.

    Give. Love, Hope and Compassion. It will come back to you in so many ways.

    Hugs

    Donna

    PS. My DH used to always tell me that I had a pointy head. Well I proved him wrong but I had to go bald to do it. Ha Ha.

    Great post!
    I learned that I am stronger than I ever thought for one. And, that I am loved more than I ever dreamed of by my husband, family and friends.

    It is a hard journey, but, with all of the love and support I got and still am getting, you can get thru anything.


    Every day is a gift!
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000

    Good post.
    I learned a few things. Always listen to your body, no matter how old you are. Life is beautiful and a lot of things we call "problems"...really aren't. They're just inconveniences. I learned who really loves me and who my friends really are. And although I knew this before, my current diagnosis proved it, God is the only one who has the answers, and the only one who can save you. I am still learning about Faith, and I am looking forward to being a Faithogolic (I made that word up). I never liked needles, but now I take them because I want to live. I guess I am stronger than I thought I was?

    Finally, I also realized how important it is to forgive, in order to move forward, happy.

    God bless you.

    I've learned to take each
    I've learned to take each and every day as a blessing. I don't sweat the small stuff anymore and I learned to say no when I wanted to.

    Most of all, I really saw how much my hubby adored me. I knew he loved me, but, he has been my rock thru all of this and I can never thank him enough.
  • dbhadra
    dbhadra Member Posts: 344 Member
    Noel said:

    Great post!
    I learned that I am stronger than I ever thought for one. And, that I am loved more than I ever dreamed of by my husband, family and friends.

    It is a hard journey, but, with all of the love and support I got and still am getting, you can get thru anything.


    Every day is a gift!

    great question!
    Biggest lesson for me: Stay in the moment...take one day at a time...don;t get caught up in worrying about the future.

    When I get ahead of myself and start panicking, I remind myself, "I am not dying of breast cancer TODAY." I will worry about tomorrow when it gets here!

    As I;ve just been given a surgery date of July 7 and my mind keeps jumping ahead to that date - this is a reminder that I need to give myself often!

    Laura
  • sea60
    sea60 Member Posts: 2,613
    dbhadra said:

    great question!
    Biggest lesson for me: Stay in the moment...take one day at a time...don;t get caught up in worrying about the future.

    When I get ahead of myself and start panicking, I remind myself, "I am not dying of breast cancer TODAY." I will worry about tomorrow when it gets here!

    As I;ve just been given a surgery date of July 7 and my mind keeps jumping ahead to that date - this is a reminder that I need to give myself often!

    Laura

    Hi Susie!
    1. I'm NOT in control of my life, God is.
    2. Even though you can have tough times, LOVE the life you have.
    3. Be grateful.
    4. Don't waste your time sweating the small stuff. Put forth that energy into helping others.


    I guess those are my top "lessons learned".

    Hugs,

    Sylvia
  • ldpettit
    ldpettit Member Posts: 128
    sea60 said:

    Hi Susie!
    1. I'm NOT in control of my life, God is.
    2. Even though you can have tough times, LOVE the life you have.
    3. Be grateful.
    4. Don't waste your time sweating the small stuff. Put forth that energy into helping others.


    I guess those are my top "lessons learned".

    Hugs,

    Sylvia

    Your share
    I second all that you put on your share... DITTO for me!!
  • Texasgirl10
    Texasgirl10 Member Posts: 668
    ldpettit said:

    Your share
    I second all that you put on your share... DITTO for me!!

    I've learned several things
    1. That I am stronger than I ever realized, but that strength is given to me by God.
    2. What it feels like to truly be carried by God
    3. My faith in God has only grown stronger
    4. Never to take one minute for granted
    5. That I am truly loved by many
    6. Who my true friends are
    7. I really appreciate cards now - I never really gave cards a thought until I got sick
    8. Empathy - a greater understanding and appreciation for others who are sick
    9. Enjoy life to the fullest
    10. That I love my family with all of my heart and I truly want to be here to share and enjoy each day with all of them.

    Hugs,

    Dawne
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    sea60 said:

    Hi Susie!
    1. I'm NOT in control of my life, God is.
    2. Even though you can have tough times, LOVE the life you have.
    3. Be grateful.
    4. Don't waste your time sweating the small stuff. Put forth that energy into helping others.


    I guess those are my top "lessons learned".

    Hugs,

    Sylvia

    Sylvia said everything that
    Sylvia said everything that I would. So, thanks Sylvia! LOL My faith in God has gotten me thru this journey along with my wonderful husband, friends and family.


    And, I am so grateful to still be alive. Life is precious!


    Lex
  • mamolady
    mamolady Member Posts: 796 Member
    not to wait
    I thought I knew that after my mom died at 50. Now I am really learning not to put things off. Not that I will ignore the realities like work and paying the mortgage.
    Also, the power of prayer is amazing and there is nothing your family can't help you through.
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    very good question
    I think it just confirmed I am a strong person! I found out how great most of my family is and how great my friends are....I found out work is not so nice when down and out!

    All and all I just know I can handle alot!

    Denise
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    Hope
    My biggest lesson was to never, ever take away someone's hope. I used to believe that, as a patient, I would want to know statistics, facts, prognosis. And I'm not saying that I want to be an ostrich now, but I never want someone to be doomsday with me. I'm planning on fighting to the end and I want positive folks around me--not doomsayers.

    I think this has been helpful in my career because, although I still believe in telling my parents (I'm a neonatal nurse practitioner) the truth, I now believe that there is always a way to be honest but also give them hope.
  • kjrpcb
    kjrpcb Member Posts: 41
    Lessons learned
    I am loved
    I have many friends that care about me.
    I have never walked this journey alone. There has always been someone there to take my hand and walk the journey with me even when I faltered.
    I have many caring people who will be my ears when I can't hear. My eyes when I can't see.My scribe when I need someone to write down my questions. I have never been to chemotherapy, radiation or any medical appointment alone. Treatment for BC has improved so much.I wish my Mom was here to benefit from it. It's my obligation to pay it forward.
  • Lynn Smith
    Lynn Smith Member Posts: 1,264 Member
    kjrpcb said:

    Lessons learned
    I am loved
    I have many friends that care about me.
    I have never walked this journey alone. There has always been someone there to take my hand and walk the journey with me even when I faltered.
    I have many caring people who will be my ears when I can't hear. My eyes when I can't see.My scribe when I need someone to write down my questions. I have never been to chemotherapy, radiation or any medical appointment alone. Treatment for BC has improved so much.I wish my Mom was here to benefit from it. It's my obligation to pay it forward.

    I have many things I've learned
    I learned my husband loves me.He never showed it before but does now. In fact he just called me from work to say (I LOVE YOU.).I told him after dx I needed this support.

    Love just watching the birds and wild animals.Deer, squirrels, wild geese/ducks flying over my house and other wildlife(even possums and raccoons).Although I keep my distance.

    GOD is helping me through this with my prayers and my belief.Also my dx was Stage 0, DCIS non invasive. GOD was there and saw things through.

    I have good doctors.They are concerned.I still have fears but they do tell me things are good.

    Love to watch the sunrise and set.Many times as my husband is driving I tell him to glance at the sky and see the beauty with the clouds as they move.It is amazing and So beautiful.

    I am a go getter.Maybe to much.I find myself going non stop and I worry about that.I am busy but wonder if I should slow down and smell the roses. I love animals and their welfare and that is my passion. It's hard to give up. Working on that.

    I looked out the other day and marveled at my rose bush(just a small thing to some) .But to me it was awesome.It was the only thing we saved after a house fire.We re-planted it many years ago.This year there are more roses on that bush than ever(hundreds).I told my husband it looks and smells amazing.This is the best year for it.


    Everyone knows my dx was good" I get all the time."How are you feeling".FINE.Then they say "ARE YOU SURE". I did have a test on my bladder/kidneys. Everyone must have thought it was cancer too(you know how that is). There was No cancer but they never asked.Instead spread things around.If they had cared they should have called or emailed me but they spread rumors.I wondered why I got a few calls I didn't expect. Cancer patients don't need this!!!!!

    Last but not least.You find out who your friends are.Most of mine had a cancer dx.We are in touch and talk some about our cancer.BUT the other day I learned that some don't have the same friends they used to.Once they were dx the friends just seem to disappear.WHY??? Just when they needed them most.Not true friends.

    Lynn Smith
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930

    I have many things I've learned
    I learned my husband loves me.He never showed it before but does now. In fact he just called me from work to say (I LOVE YOU.).I told him after dx I needed this support.

    Love just watching the birds and wild animals.Deer, squirrels, wild geese/ducks flying over my house and other wildlife(even possums and raccoons).Although I keep my distance.

    GOD is helping me through this with my prayers and my belief.Also my dx was Stage 0, DCIS non invasive. GOD was there and saw things through.

    I have good doctors.They are concerned.I still have fears but they do tell me things are good.

    Love to watch the sunrise and set.Many times as my husband is driving I tell him to glance at the sky and see the beauty with the clouds as they move.It is amazing and So beautiful.

    I am a go getter.Maybe to much.I find myself going non stop and I worry about that.I am busy but wonder if I should slow down and smell the roses. I love animals and their welfare and that is my passion. It's hard to give up. Working on that.

    I looked out the other day and marveled at my rose bush(just a small thing to some) .But to me it was awesome.It was the only thing we saved after a house fire.We re-planted it many years ago.This year there are more roses on that bush than ever(hundreds).I told my husband it looks and smells amazing.This is the best year for it.


    Everyone knows my dx was good" I get all the time."How are you feeling".FINE.Then they say "ARE YOU SURE". I did have a test on my bladder/kidneys. Everyone must have thought it was cancer too(you know how that is). There was No cancer but they never asked.Instead spread things around.If they had cared they should have called or emailed me but they spread rumors.I wondered why I got a few calls I didn't expect. Cancer patients don't need this!!!!!

    Last but not least.You find out who your friends are.Most of mine had a cancer dx.We are in touch and talk some about our cancer.BUT the other day I learned that some don't have the same friends they used to.Once they were dx the friends just seem to disappear.WHY??? Just when they needed them most.Not true friends.

    Lynn Smith

    You all are amazing! After
    You all are amazing! After all that we endure going on this bc journey, and, as horrible as it is, we learn so much and do have a lot of positive good things come out of it.

    So, be gone cancer and HELLO to living our lives to the fullest!!!!!
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    sea60 said:

    Hi Susie!
    1. I'm NOT in control of my life, God is.
    2. Even though you can have tough times, LOVE the life you have.
    3. Be grateful.
    4. Don't waste your time sweating the small stuff. Put forth that energy into helping others.


    I guess those are my top "lessons learned".

    Hugs,

    Sylvia

    I've learned so much, where
    I've learned so much, where would I start. I think the most important for me is that my husband loves me beyond those words.

    My family and friends have given me so much support and strength thru all of this.


    I don't worry about stuff out of my control


    And, I cut some friends out of my life that were dragging me down.


    I could go on, want me to? LOL
  • stayingstrongfortoday
    stayingstrongfortoday Member Posts: 116
    susie09 said:

    You all are amazing! After
    You all are amazing! After all that we endure going on this bc journey, and, as horrible as it is, we learn so much and do have a lot of positive good things come out of it.

    So, be gone cancer and HELLO to living our lives to the fullest!!!!!

    That attitude might not be everything but it sure is something!
    1. Toxic people suck!
    2. God is in control but he works through the doctors and he presses me to speak up when my body is out of whack!
    3. My children need me to fight with every fiber of my being...and that I can do
    4. My husband loves me despite my baldness, lack of breasts and sometimes no energy to show him I love him.
    5. I am teacher to children with special needs, if they can overcome difficulites I can do the same
    6. Some family members just don't "get it" and they run away or say STUPID things. I have the ability to walk away from them too (i.e. sorry MIL not going to talk you for 30 minutes to make YOU feel better about MY cancer).
    7. I look good bald!!
    8. I judge a little less but try to point out to people how blessed they are
    9. I have more friends than I ever knew!!
    10. I pay every kindess forward!!!

    Wow I have never done a top ten like that, Thanks for making my day! Blessing!!