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Gerri · 09-21-2008, 02:35 PM

Dana,

Yes, we understand completely. I think sometimes we are so good at putting on a happy face that we fool everyone, including ourselves. All of a sudden it catches up with us and everyone is taken by surprise. I haven't had a meltdown yet, but I know it will probably happen someday.

I worked full time through treatment and after a while I honestly think that everyone forgot I had cancer. Sometimes I would tell my best friend at work about some of my side effects from treatment. She always had a symptom of her own to compare it to - blaming it on menopause or the aging process. I just stopped telling her anything. I almost felt like we were competing - or at least she was with me. After a while, when asked, I said I was doing well, even if I wasn't having such a great day.

I really try to give people the benefit of the doubt, but it is hard. Most people really don't know how to react to someone with cancer and I think sometimes what comes out is more a matter of trying to make themselves, and us, feel better about the whole crappy thing.

You showed real strength and courage by walking back into that meeting room. A true warrior!

09-21-2008, 02:35 PM	#15
Gerri Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 900	Dana, Yes, we understand completely. I think sometimes we are so good at putting on a happy face that we fool everyone, including ourselves. All of a sudden it catches up with us and everyone is taken by surprise. I haven't had a meltdown yet, but I know it will probably happen someday. I worked full time through treatment and after a while I honestly think that everyone forgot I had cancer. Sometimes I would tell my best friend at work about some of my side effects from treatment. She always had a symptom of her own to compare it to - blaming it on menopause or the aging process. I just stopped telling her anything. I almost felt like we were competing - or at least she was with me. After a while, when asked, I said I was doing well, even if I wasn't having such a great day. I really try to give people the benefit of the doubt, but it is hard. Most people really don't know how to react to someone with cancer and I think sometimes what comes out is more a matter of trying to make themselves, and us, feel better about the whole crappy thing. You showed real strength and courage by walking back into that meeting room. A true warrior! __________________ Gerri Dx: 11/23/05, Lumpectomy 12/12/05 Tumor 2.2 cm, Stage II, Grade 3, Sentinel Node biopsy negative ER+ (30%) /PR+ (50%), HER2+++ AC X 4 dose dense, Taxol X 4 dose dense Herceptin started with 2nd Taxol, given weekly until chemo done then given every 3 weeks for one year ending on March 16, 2007 Radiation 30 treatments Tamoxifen - 2 yrs (pre-menopausal) May 2008 - Feb 2012 Femara Aug 2008 - Feb 2012 Zometa every 6 months March 2012 - Stop Femara, now Evista for bone strengthening ********** Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. - Robert Brault Last edited by Gerri; 09-21-2008 at 03:14 PM..