[CoolBreeze]

Chemteach - I am a big believer in thinking positively. You will find that controversial in cancerland, but in my estimation the people who dislike the idea of positive thinking misunderstand it. Yes, there are lots of wonderful women who thought positively who didn't make it - thinking positively will not cure you, nor even change the course of your disease. However, positive thinking (and especially finding humor in it all) make all the things you have to go through in the course of this disease - whatever stage you are in - much easier.

If you check my blog, you'll see that I write humorously on all kinds of awful situations. You have two choices in my estimation - whining, complaining and living in fear - or getting on with it and finding good where you can. And, whichever one you choose is just that - a choice.

Not that I don't do a bit of whining, as my family will attest.

The only thing we have control of in this disease is how we choose to deal with it. Kellennea and most women will eventually stop treatment and go back to living a life without cancer. And, I hear it does get easier with distance although I wasn't afforded the opportunity to know, at least, in the conventional way. My surgery may give me that chance though.

Ending treatment comes with a certain amount of fear and uncertainty that is really difficult for lots of women. I do know women, one a good friend, who spend so much time (years after dx) thinking every ache and pain is cancer returning, and getting tests and seeing doctors for those aches, that their lives are heavily impacted. I'm not saying some of that won't happen to everybody and of course, you have to report things that a lot of people can just ignore - but the trick to recovery is balance, and learning how to be aware without living like you still have cancer when you don't.

That takes time, I don't think anybody can do it right away but that's what I meant about it being a challenge.

Being educated about your cancer and new treatments is helpful and there is nothing wrong with getting in a trial to extend treatment or herceptin. But, even that will end so I don't think believing it's a safety blanket is mentally helpful (although it's certainly normal.)

Anyway, those are my ideas about it, and sure, there are others who have different ideas and that's fine.

Chemteach, I work in a school - a high school. I'm the principal's secretary. I have been off since my surgery October 3rd and am eager to go back although I won't until January. Are you a high school teacher? Students and the busy nature of a school job definitely helps take your mind off yourself and also school people are just wonderful!