Thank You All!

[Grace]

At night when I can't sleep, or write, or even think (I can always eat), I log on to this site and read everyone's posts. I was trying to explain to my husband this evening what this site means to me but it was difficult, other than telling him how much I admire each of you. So many of you have had a harder time than I: younger, still raising children, diagnosed at a higher stage, and yet, even when you're low, confused, or angry (how can we not be angry), you're always positive about life and getting on with it. So I'm taking a lesson from all of you. We've decided to buy a house in the countryside, plant an herb garden, get some more cats (we have two) and maybe a dog, and get on with life. I will stop worrying all day every day about cancer and will get on with living--about time too.

So thank you all. It's nice to have so many new friends.

[StephN]

Dear Grace -
What you have described is just what we all go through at some point with this disease. Only you put it in such plain yet eloquent language. Having a site like this is MORE than just knowing you are not alone - we all know that when we go to our cancer centers. There is flesh and blood here, and smart people who care for others.

It takes many months to begin to look forward and get beyond all the appointments and the steep learning curve that comes with a diagnosis of any major disease. I recall thinking that I needed to be so practical and only buy new clothes with buttons or zippers in front to wear to treatment. And other restrictive nonsense.

Treatment saps our energy level and that in itself makes it hard to do anything but what we HAVE to. Takes the fun right out of life! I felt like I had a flat tire and was limping along handicapped.

Spring is a new season and a good time to have thoughts of renewing your life. Start a new chapter. Let go of some of the fear that we harbor over our future. Get your hands in the dirt - I planted some bright primroses yesterday and it felt very good.

[suzan w]

Thank you for your post...I know EXACTLY what you mean!!!

[MGordon]

But I have a suggestion too. Have hubby logon and experience the site for himself - he too may come to love and respect eveyone here - and Lord knows he has caregiver insights he could share!

Love and Light
Mel

[rinaina]

I have encouraged my husband from the beginning to become an active part of this forum but he never seems to make the time for it. Guess it isn't a priority and that is a shame because I think he could connect better with what we go through if he would take the time and read through some of the posts. For him, there is work, sports, (both playing and watching), golf, (his addiction), and then me. I am being a bit hard on him as he was by my side from the moment I was diagnosed, through every chemo session and doctor appointment until tax season began, (he is a CPA). I have noticed that he is a bit disconnected from the entire cancer thing now, as he hasn't been able to be involved much at all since early December. I know he cares though. Just wish he would reconnect by reading up on this site.

[Joy]

I've been noticing in you posts. Thank you for such a thoughtful and inspiring message.

[Grace]

Thanks,Steph, Susan, Mel, Rinaina, and Joy. And thanks also for the kind words about my writing. I've had a long time to hone my skills. I'm a writer, with a murder mystery set in Italy coming out this May.

Joy, you are the person I was speaking of to my husband last night. You are always so positive and alive that you make me feel ashamed of myself when I get into one of my "woe is me" moods. You are a wonderful example of the self-fulfilling prophecy, embodying joy in everything you do.

And so also for the rest of you.

[tricia keegan]

Grace just before I was diagnosed we moved to a little seaside village and got two more cats which make four!!

Having been in treatments for the past 18 months I know exactly what you mean and I too take great comfort and joy in my feline friends and just walking on the beach, and of course coming here.
Enjoy your life..it begins here:)
And hug those kitties!
Blessings
Tricia

[Grace]

Hi Tricia,

I have an Irish passport through my mother, born in Donegal and my father, born in Kilkenny. Most of my Irish family live in little fishing villages, in Donegal. Where are you and the kitties enjoying life? Regards.

[tricia keegan]

Hi Grace

We were living in Dublin but moved to Bettystown in County meath.
It's still very quiet and sleepy and I was so glad of that during chemo.
It made me feel I was meant to come here for my recuperation lol!!
I've been to Kilkenny a few times and love it there (great pubs!) but
have'nt got to Donegal yet.
If ever you decide to visit be sure to let me know and maybe we can meet up.
This place is so chilled I have'nt even returned to work yet and for the moment I'm just taking it easy and enjoying my beach walks despite our wet climate!!
Tricia

[Jean]

Grace,

So very true about this site. Often times when I don't feel like smiling
I just come to the site. I always find a post or article to lift me up. I
don't know how I would have made it through the different emotional
stages that we go through.

If I had a nickel for everytime my husband has called out and asked,
"are you on the her2 site again"? I would be rich!

Jean

[Linda]

Grace-- thanks for articulating what many of us feel. I don't post often, but I scan the site most every day. Luckily, my life has returned to normal and I'm busy with work and family. But I'm not the same person I was before I had breast cancer, and it's important to me to have a place to join my community of women who've all gone through this experience.
Regards to you all.
Linda
Stage 3a, dx May, 05

[tousled1]

Grace -- What a wonderful, inspiring message. You relayed my feelings and I'm sure many more women's feelings about this site. When I was first diagnosed, I didn't know what to do, where to go, who to talk to. The women on this wonderful site have such a wealthy of first hand information which has made me a very informed patient. I feel that I do have a say in my treatment. There are so many women on this site who, even when they're at their worst the continue to have such a positive attitude. I gain such inspiration here. I admire each and every women here and keep all of them in my prayers.