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Susan M(PA) · 07-07-2007, 11:48 AM

Hi Flori,

I'm stage I.V. fighting lung mets since March 2002. Off and on treatment. I often feel like quitting, but somehow I find the energy. I have other chronic diseases which cause fatigue, and I'm about your age in early menopause. I haven't been well enough to work full time since the 1980's. I've been often called an enigma, complicated case, i.e. difficult patient, get her out of my office ASAP.

Like Steph mentioned I think eating lots of organics veggies is so important, and as others have mentioned I've been trying low dose antidepressants which help to get one out of bed.

You mentioned research, maybe call the American Cancer Society, I have found them to be extremely helpful and kind, highly professional. Most people don't realize they have people who research for you at no cost, and will answer your specific questions. They will forward your questions to the research team and in a few days send you a packet of info and call. Well worth the call, very easy. I always learn something new about research and they will give you websites to check it yourself.
It seems very personalized, although ACS takes many calls. At the end of the call I was asked if I needed any emotional or financial support! Shocking! I was given a support meeting for stage I.V. BC at the Wellness Community in the Philadelphia area. Of course many of the ladies here are just as informed!

I also called a local hospital BC support nurse, she referred me to an oncology nurse at the hospital who knew the trials, she was also helpful.

"If you don't know your options, you have no options." Anonymous

Best wishes,

Susan M(PA)

07-07-2007, 11:48 AM	#18
Susan M(PA) Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 20	Hi Flori, I'm stage I.V. fighting lung mets since March 2002. Off and on treatment. I often feel like quitting, but somehow I find the energy. I have other chronic diseases which cause fatigue, and I'm about your age in early menopause. I haven't been well enough to work full time since the 1980's. I've been often called an enigma, complicated case, i.e. difficult patient, get her out of my office ASAP. Like Steph mentioned I think eating lots of organics veggies is so important, and as others have mentioned I've been trying low dose antidepressants which help to get one out of bed. You mentioned research, maybe call the American Cancer Society, I have found them to be extremely helpful and kind, highly professional. Most people don't realize they have people who research for you at no cost, and will answer your specific questions. They will forward your questions to the research team and in a few days send you a packet of info and call. Well worth the call, very easy. I always learn something new about research and they will give you websites to check it yourself. It seems very personalized, although ACS takes many calls. At the end of the call I was asked if I needed any emotional or financial support! Shocking! I was given a support meeting for stage I.V. BC at the Wellness Community in the Philadelphia area. Of course many of the ladies here are just as informed! I also called a local hospital BC support nurse, she referred me to an oncology nurse at the hospital who knew the trials, she was also helpful. "If you don't know your options, you have no options." Anonymous Best wishes, Susan M(PA)