Re: support/

[Guest guest]

Very well said Ann.

-- Re: support/

Dear ,

Wish this could be a sit down talk - rather than an on line. There's so much

I'd like to say to you....

I " listened " to every word you wrote and could hear the fear and loneliness

in your words. I am so glad you've reached out to this group. I'm hoping

that one of the things you can learn immediately is that most of us have

felt that same fear and loneliness. We all think our pain is unique - until

we learn to share it with others.

When you have breast cancer, (or any cancer), no one really knows what you

re going through except another survivor. Your best friend, sister, etc.

cannot begin to fathom the range of emotions you are dealing with, not

unless they have shared a similar diagnosis. Hopefully, you can find women

in this group who you can connect with - to lessen your feelings of being

alone.

You have already endured the surgery and radiation. Now that you'll be

starting chemo, this is the perfect time to sit down with family and friends

and say something like, " I'm about to begin chemo. This is going to greatly

affect my energy levels, and my overall ability to " get things done " . I'm

going to need your help to get through this. And I may need more than moral

support, I may need you to physically help me with grocery shopping,

cleaning, etc. " .

You may find that friends and family will be relieved that you are asking

for help - and involving them in your care.

As you begin chemo, you may find that your emotions are even more challenged

Many of us describe it as a roller coaster ride - tears and laughter, ups

and downs. Your body is not only having to deal with the chemo drugs, but

also with the hormonal changes that chemo causes.

Antidepressants were a tremendous help to me (and many others). Consider

talking to your onc about them now. They take a few weeks to kick in.

Give yourself permission to cry. You are not weak - you are human. And, you

are not alone. We always leave a light on.

Best regards,

Ann

Chemo Hats: www.cjhats.com

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