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[Guest guest]

Hi all,

Going to see the oncologist tomorrow to finalize my treatment plan

and set up the schedule. The more I read the more I am beginning to

panic about the side effects. Especially " chemo brain " . I have

always been proud of my memory for things and always on top of my

game and 1/2 the time everyone elses too. Now I feel like I will

never be the same again after all this is done. The side

effects,more specifically long term are starting to make me want to

run and hide in a shack in the woods someplace and pretend none of

this exists.

The early menopause,the chemo brain/memory loss, the body aches and

nerve damage, not to mention losing a breast are all things that

should happen gradually over time as I age,, not all at once at the

age of 39. Perhaps breast cancer isn't an immediate death sentence

but yet I wonder how much it will shorten my life? I feel like I

went from 39 to 59 in six weeks. My anxiety level is definitely

raising as each day comes closer to the first treatment and I still

wonder if there isnt a better way, but as you all talk it sounds

like chemo is the best way at this point and the best chance for it

not to reoccur. Then I read this book written by a woman who chose

a natural approach to healing vs. the protocol and she calls the

chemo/radiation route cut,burn and poison therapy. Really scared

me. Guess everyone has their own approach and opinion.

Thanks to you all for letting me vent. I try venting to my friends

and all they can say is " WE " will get through this and " I can only

imagine what you are going through "

Sue

New York