Interesting article on our fellow Chinese HER2 sisters...

[RhondaH]

I know that some of us are "blessed" to get Herceptin, but there are those that still aren't, here is a thought provoking article that once again reminds me how blessed I am. Take care and God bless.

http://www.bloggernews.net/2006/06/c...league-of.html

Rhonda

[Christine MH-UK]

I read yesterday that in much of East Europe it is nearly impossible to get herceptin, even for metastatic breast cancer. In the Czech Republic, they reserve it for women under the age of 40. Probably most women globally can't get modern treatments outside of a sponsored trial.

Is too many drugs always the best solution ? Herceptin is so new and nobody knows about it's log term effects.

I am in a very depressed mood today. I just feel is it really worth living this life which has the darkness of life threatening disease all the time. There hasn't been a single day since my diagnosis (14 months) that I haven't cried and prayed "God please give me my old days back when I didn't have this fear hovering over me. Even one day would be great , when I can live in freedom". I am not sure if all of us feel the same way but I feel choked and I find it hard to continue to live in this mode. Even soliders are free when they are out from battle field but with cancer , the battle never ends.

I aplogize for writing my thoughts. It's just that when I say these things to people who don't have this disease , they just don't get it. Somtimes they yell, laugh or get angry at me. I just don't know how to explain in to them.

If only I could have one to one conversation with God , I would definitely ask "Where did I go wrong....?"

[CLTann]

I just wrote to the news editor that I plan to make a small donation to the courageous Chinese women. Thanks for posting this article.

Ann

[al from Canada]

And I know everyone must get really bummed out on a very regular basis. yet how many times has it been said that cancer doesn't affect one person but everyone who cares about that person. Think of this as a time to draw people towards you, as they may be hurting just as much as you are. God has nothing to do with this and you didn't do anything wrong, maybe it's just the luck of the draw. Two things I do know: is how many times a day I ask myself they very same questions and two, if I could have traded places with Linda... those who know me on this board can predict the answer.

The moral of the story: you're not hurting alone.

Best wishes,
Al
ps don't forget to register

[Sheila]

I have found that the best way for me to deal with all of this is live my life to the fullest....none of us can predict the future...no one can predict that they will get breast cancer....the greatest gift to me is when someone says...you don't look like you have stage IV breast cancer....and there are many days I dont feel like I do....I worked with cancer patients in the hospital for many years and attitude is a very powerful treatment in this disease!

[mamacze]

Rhonda,
You are incredibly motivating; I love reading your posts and threads. Just when I have a smidg of a thought to feel sorry for myself, I stumble on things like this incredible story you have posted about these brave Chinese women, and I am reminded all over again of all the things I have to be thankful for.
And Sheila, you are right, attitude is huge. But as our unregistered guest has pointed out, sometimes the burden can weigh down the greatest desire for positive attitude. Friends like you and Rhonda and all here are a great help in keeping us focused on living.
Love Kim from CT