Don't buy into the negative crap!

[juanita]

Amen to what you said! My first onc was into the negative side of the numbers and not the positives. And when I quit him and that chemo he made feel like I was going to die because I was quitting. Here I am 2 1/2 years later still fighting and kicking!

[Sandy H]

Cathy, I agree with everything you said. I fit into that whole new life. I have done things I never dreamed I would ever do. I even dressed different like the bright green lime shoes I purchased in Florida. Everyone is special to me each in a different way. Everything here on earth I see in a whole new light. I have become closer to God through this journey. I am more free to reach out to people therefore, have many more friends. I took up oil painting and really surprised myself at what I am painting for pictures. There are 3 bc people taking the class-all new at it and maybe more but haven't said they are bc. We are all beginners. I don't have any negative friends around me if I do I can change them real quick or stay away from them. Wishing you well, sounds like you are living life to the fullest and so am I. People don't bother me anymore if I want to do it I do it!! God Bless you Cathy, hugs Sandy

[TriciaK]

Cathy, I couldn't agree more! I am convinced that staying positive is one of the main reasons I have made it through 21 years of fighting cancer, and especially since June 2004 when I was fighting a heart attack, BC mets to my lungs and phuemonia, then open heart surgery last May! I learned self hynosis and put it into daily practice. I never say "I have cancer" but "I am fighting cancer". When my oncologist told me I might have another year to live, I told him, "No, I have at least 5 years to live!" That was almost three years ago. I couldn't have done it without a wonderful supportive husband and a large loving family. I also give much credit to this wonderful website and all you Amazon warriors who keep fighting. You are absolutely right on, Cathy, and so are all the others who have and will agree with you about avoiding the negative. Only God knows when our time will be up, and I understand it may possibly be negotiated with Him, too! Keep on a'keepin' on! Thank you for your post. We need to be reminded to "accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative"! Hugs, Tricia

[bobbiw]

It truly is a life altering diagnosis-at least for me. I am now more positive than I have ever been, about everything. More at peace, more laid back.

Thank you for your post.

Bobbi

[MJo]

While I can't call cancer a blessing, I know that it has definitely changed me and I am not the person I was. I am better in many ways. And while taking life one day, one hour at a time is very difficult for me, I am surely savoring my life more than before.

[heblaj01]

Years ago I listened on TV to the interview of a well known French oncologist on a tour of lectures in North America. He said (& this was before many of the new treatments were discovered):I treat & save 30% of the "terminal" patients refered to me after they have been given up by their caregiver.

His motto was never to give up hope.

[Gerri]

When I was diagnosed I decided that I would do everything I could to carry on as before - for myself and for my loved ones. I chose to continue working through treatment because it gave me something to do other than sitting at home feeling sorry for myself. It wasn't always easy but it was certainly doable. Whenever anyone remarks on my positive attitude I just remind them of one thing: You may not choose what life throws your way, but you can choose how to deal with it.

The power of positive thinking goes a long way!!

[Jean]

Great Thread,

I was a little annoyed this morning when I caught the view channel 7
(I do love this show) they were speaking about Elizabeth Edwards.
It was mentioned how bone mets are terminal with a 5-10 yrs.
survival...I was so angry and annoyed with them. I know a gal who
is a 20 yr. bc surviver - Oh and by the way has bone mets! With
all the new breakout drugs etc. who knows what we may have at
our finger tips in two years - five years - etc.

Reminds me of my first onc. Dr. Gold (Gold she was not- more like nickel) when I asked her do you think in the next ten years
we will have a cure for this disease? She did not even look up
and continued to write..." no I doubt it" she said. I knew I was
in the wrong place right away.

Of course we are not expecting fairy tales just a positive approach
to treatment.

I think I will e mail the view and tell them they did a dis-service to their
viewers this morning..by stating that early bc is curable but bones mets
has a time line....I am really annoyed....with them..they did not mention
that Elizabeth will have the newest and best treatment. What is really
concerning me at this point is that she is a central figure in the media
and this can cause great mis-information and stress to those women
who do not have inter-net access or are isolated - also to their
loved ones. Such as older parents who do not use the inter-net
to obtain current medical break outs which fight this bc back and keep
in down.

Kind Regards,
Jean

[kat in the delta]

What was that famous French ONC's name?????
just curious ---------------------------kat in the delta

[Jean]

Hi Annmarie,

I watched the view and did so very closely as anything to do with bc
just pushes out everything else. It is not so much what Rosie said
re: stats....she and Barbara Walter both said that it was "Terminal"
that once you have bone cancer you can expect 5-10 yrs.
survival...those were their words.

This to me was annoying...since that is a very scary thing to announce
on National TV especially to newly dx. women who may or may not think
they not only have bc, but will they get or have bone cancer from their
bc. It is just my belief it was way over the top to say and totally not
necessary. I don't think I am over sensitive just senseable...If one of the
woman had bc or was fighting the fight for a loved one they would know
better. Shame that they who have the Media Power do not do a bit
more research before they speak...I just hate the word Terminal....

Going one more step for poor Elizabeth Edwards, it is bad enough she is
being dragged through the Media but to have them say she
is Terminal was not necessary. I paid close attention to the show that
morning....the stats did not bother me at all, (Also I do not pay attention
to stats) since that is just a number for the bean counters. I am flesh
and blood so therefore I would rather just pay attention to the treatment.

That my story and I am sticking to it!

jean