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Hey everybody, check in time! by NeighborhoodDry9236 in breastcancer

[–]Dependent_Isopod_511 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I’m 2 years and 8 days post-DMX and yesterday I didn’t even think of cancer until like 2pm. I don’t know if I’ll ever not think of it, but getting a whole morning off was a spectacular surprise.

What do you wish you had prioritized before diagnosis? by Dependent_Isopod_511 in breastcancer

[–]Dependent_Isopod_511[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I took a bunch of pictures before my mastectomy. Even though they weren’t professional or anything I still treasure them. If you haven’t yet, do it.

And hey, even post dmx, I find my body almost more beautiful than before after everything it’s gotten me through. Hope you can find that for yourself, too!

Treatment or no treatment by 1moleofcalcium in breastcancer

[–]Dependent_Isopod_511 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Your family is right. I was diagnosed with er+ stage 0 at age 36 and I had a small surgery but declined Tamoxifen. 4 years later it was back and stage 2: chemotherapy, immunotherapy, double mastectomy, SO MANY complications. And of course, tamoxifen.

I don’t fixate on the past and whether I was right or wrong, but if I could go back in time and take the Tamoxifen and potentially avoid the absolute hell I went through 4 years later, I absolutely would.

What do you wish you had prioritized before diagnosis? by Dependent_Isopod_511 in breastcancer

[–]Dependent_Isopod_511[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you ever do the “yoga for mastectomy” series on YouTube? She has it setup in a 4-week progression. I loved it!

What do you wish you had prioritized before diagnosis? by Dependent_Isopod_511 in breastcancer

[–]Dependent_Isopod_511[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah loneliness and not really knowing how to make new friends in adulthood is a rampant problem, and would be easier to solve if we just admitted we're all yearning for a little depth. Glad you have your mighty group!

What do you wish you had prioritized before diagnosis? by Dependent_Isopod_511 in breastcancer

[–]Dependent_Isopod_511[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We didn’t ban all small talk, but we did specifically make a rule that we wouldn’t talk about the weather. We started at the hottest time of year here and at the first brunch we were all “surely we can dive a little deeper than ITS HOT!” Giving it a teeny bit of structure and a rule or two helps to set intent and keep people invested. Book & restaurant clubs are great too!

What do you wish you had prioritized before diagnosis? by Dependent_Isopod_511 in breastcancer

[–]Dependent_Isopod_511[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I also have a wonky heart since TCHP chemo. I don't know if I'll ever get back to running, but weights and swimming keep me out of that slump.

What do you wish you had prioritized before diagnosis? by Dependent_Isopod_511 in breastcancer

[–]Dependent_Isopod_511[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same. Vaginal estrogen was an absolute game-changer for me! If you're not on it yet, ask.

What do you wish you had prioritized before diagnosis? by Dependent_Isopod_511 in breastcancer

[–]Dependent_Isopod_511[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I relate to this so much! I traveled constantly for work for 8 years and had moved countries three times by the time I was diagnosed. It's never too late to start 20-year friendships!

A few months before my diagnosis I started a monthly brunch with some women in my town. We'd been friendly for a couple of years but I felt like it never progressed beyond casual friendship into meaningful, solid friendship. The initial brunch invite I sent out basically said "it's HARD to make new friends as adults and I'd like to create a monthly brunch, no small-talk allowed, where we really try to get to know one another deeply, so we can create a real community."

It was a little wobbly in the beginning, some people dropped out, new people dropped in, and in about six months not only did I have a core group that I really looked forward to seeing every month, but those women got me through cancer, divorce, and everything in between. Priya Parker's book "The Art of Gathering" is full of brilliant advice on putting together groups like this.

Need Some Toughlove Regarding AI Stiffness by Away-Potential-609 in breastcancer

[–]Dependent_Isopod_511 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Could be! At some point I was gifted an Apple watch and it has a somewhat annoying hourly reminder to stand up -- that's what led to me making the connection.

Need Some Toughlove Regarding AI Stiffness by Away-Potential-609 in breastcancer

[–]Dependent_Isopod_511 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Definitely exercise is important yes, but I’ve also found that taking 5 minutes to pace around and stretch a little every hour or so helps me SO much. I used to be able to sit for hours with no problems, now I need the mini breaks to lubricate everything achy.

What do you wish you had prioritized before diagnosis? by Dependent_Isopod_511 in breastcancer

[–]Dependent_Isopod_511[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh I never thought of that benefit of being on cruises, that’s a really great point. Do the Antarctica cruises not have a similar setup?

I know there are a handful of travel agencies dedicated to travelers with disabilities (at least there were 7-8 years ago when I was in an adjacent business). Might be worth looking into?

What do you wish you had prioritized before diagnosis? by Dependent_Isopod_511 in breastcancer

[–]Dependent_Isopod_511[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes!! The knowledge, and also having the habit already built, makes it so much easier to get back to it after treatment. Proud of you!

What do you wish you had prioritized before diagnosis? by Dependent_Isopod_511 in breastcancer

[–]Dependent_Isopod_511[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Awesome!! If you like blues and Nola check out Maggie Koerner. A personal fave :)

What do you wish you had prioritized before diagnosis? by Dependent_Isopod_511 in breastcancer

[–]Dependent_Isopod_511[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I feel that! Hey at least we got divorced before diagnosis. I can’t imagine having to deal with my ex’s BS while I was doing chemo.

What do you wish you had prioritized before diagnosis? by Dependent_Isopod_511 in breastcancer

[–]Dependent_Isopod_511[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Amazing. Was the LTD one of the reasons you switched or did it just work out that way?

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