Interesting article on our fellow Chinese HER2 sisters...

[CherylS]

Rose,

I don't have the answer to why these things happen to us either. One thing I have definitely learned through my cancer journey however, is that if we allow it, God is waiting to use this difficult challenge in our lives to draw us closer to Himself and to show His loving character in ways no other experience can. Remember, God is not a religion, He is the real, living, loving, caring, forgiving creator of heaven and earth and you. He is waiting for you to cry out to Him.
I know that this can sound trivial or cliche', but I can honestly say that I am a happier, better, more at peace person now. I love my family and my life, but when my life here is through a better one awaits me. My duty here for whatever time remains is to love those around me with the love of Jesus, and to help Him offer the same free gift of the promises I have to as many others as possibe. Open your heart up to Him, ask Him to reveal Himself to you and mean it, and then hang on for the ride of your life.

You are much stronger than you feel right now. Hang in there, and keep posting. You have found a great resource here to share your feelings, thoughts, fears, conerns.

God Bless,
Cheryl

[Marily]

Rose,
I have been reading all the wonderful answers to you and I had to add my 2 bits ,even though much of what I would have said has been already put down in here and, very elegantly I might add. I found first when I got down, to just live within each minute and not look ahead. But make it the best minute you can have! I progress on slowely to an hour and than to days. At times, and I have been at this for 6 years, Looking too far ahead makes me crazy, so I pull back and look at things in smaller intervals again.
I have found that every "bad thing" has been a good thing,
I have learned so much about me and that I am very strong. I have been able to use my Cancer, and my heart problems to teach others and help advocate for them. I use every smidgon of knowledge learned from experience and not just books ,(that I would not have had) to it's best benefit.
I have found being positive really does me good, and my smiling and being happy helps my family and friends. I Live my live with a lot of Love from friends old, and also new ones (6 were Herceptin girls. this makes a fantastic support group for each of us!) I also made new friends who I don't talk about cancer but just have fun with! My family, I share my feelings openly. They need to know what we are feeling and they need to be able to share their feelings with us. I found if I give them a chance they are always there for me. Most people don't know what to do or say...I talk openly to everyone making it "just another part of my life" Find little things they can do for you and learn to graciously accept what they do. For me that was very hard because I am a giver and doer.. not a taker. They feel wonderful having some way to help you and you have a win-win situation.
I am not saying I do not have my low times, but they are much less and I can get out of them faster. I also have started Chi Gong and Tae Chi two fatastic ways to up those endorphins. If you can't do that just try walking! there is a wonderful book out there called "Spiritual walking" you breath as you walk as you chant happy thoughts kind of like a mantra... and exercise through our cancer treatments truly does help.
I also take an antidepresent. My friends and I in the "Yaya's all feel that if you add cancer to an already busy and stressful life, this is a very important part of your cancer treatment. Don't be afraid to ask for a "happy pill" They have a place in our lives.

Wishing you much love and hugs..
Marily
Live, Love and Laugh and Always Allow Miracles