Breast Cancer Journey
Viewing comments for Chapter 3 "Cancer update"My journey through breast cancer.
112 total reviews
Comment from AprilShower
Barbara, were your stomach problems from the chemo or the radiation? It sounds like you had it rough and are still going through the effects of it all. Thank you, for letting us know how you are doing. I hope eventually all this will eventually go away.
How long will you have to take the pills to keep the cancer from coming back? I had to take them for five years. I was sure glad to have insurance that covered the pills. Those pills were very expensive. They caused me some problems. I was glad when I could stop taking them.
It probably is good you are still teaching. Teaching should help take your mind off the cancer.
I'll keep you in my prayers.
April
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2012
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Barbara, were your stomach problems from the chemo or the radiation? It sounds like you had it rough and are still going through the effects of it all. Thank you, for letting us know how you are doing. I hope eventually all this will eventually go away.
How long will you have to take the pills to keep the cancer from coming back? I had to take them for five years. I was sure glad to have insurance that covered the pills. Those pills were very expensive. They caused me some problems. I was glad when I could stop taking them.
It probably is good you are still teaching. Teaching should help take your mind off the cancer.
I'll keep you in my prayers.
April
Comment Written 17-Jun-2012
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2012
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I have to take the pills for five years. My body doesn't like the pills and many of my side effects are from the pills. The doctor says they are the only pills I can take for my type of cancer. My stomach problems are from the chemo. The pain on my right side is probably from radiation. Thank you for the kind review.
Comment from bowls
This was an incredibly honest and beautiful account of where you are at the present. I've never heard of anyone talk about the after effects this way and I think many will appreciate your directness. I'm very glad you are coming along with not too severe aftereffects. Thank you so much for sharing this very personal story.
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2012
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This was an incredibly honest and beautiful account of where you are at the present. I've never heard of anyone talk about the after effects this way and I think many will appreciate your directness. I'm very glad you are coming along with not too severe aftereffects. Thank you so much for sharing this very personal story.
Comment Written 17-Jun-2012
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2012
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Thank you for the kind review. I told my doctors at the beginning to be honest with me. I am the type of person who needs to know the truth, then I can deal with it. I think others would like the honestly too.
Comment from RazberryBullet
Glad to hear you're up and about :) Didn't know you teach 1st grade. That must make you forget about your situation for a while with kids that age bouncing off the walls.
Thanks for the good news!
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2012
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Glad to hear you're up and about :) Didn't know you teach 1st grade. That must make you forget about your situation for a while with kids that age bouncing off the walls.
Thanks for the good news!
Comment Written 17-Jun-2012
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2012
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My first graders are extremely busy. LOL Thank you for the kind review.
Comment from sunnilicious
CANCER UPDATE by barbara.wilkey
Sorry to hear about the pill consumption. You are a strong woman. I am proud of you. Stay optimistic and busy. Glad you are doing much better.
God bless you with peace, love and happiness for always.
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2012
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CANCER UPDATE by barbara.wilkey
Sorry to hear about the pill consumption. You are a strong woman. I am proud of you. Stay optimistic and busy. Glad you are doing much better.
God bless you with peace, love and happiness for always.
Comment Written 17-Jun-2012
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2012
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Thank you for the kind review.
Comment from rama devi
Second review
Thanks for letting me know about changes..
First review (FOUR stars)
Thanks for the update and for sharing the details of your experience with your FS family/friends so openly. I'm glad to note that your post-chemo suffering is relatively minimal. Sounds like you're handling everything with a positive attitude. I admire your strength and resilience!
I like the informal tone and style. I think it's well organized and presented and flows well. I like the undercurrent of humor in your section about suicidal thoughts and shirley temple curls --LOL--and the light-weght tone in general. Inspiring!
REVIEWING NOTES-
A few suggestions (optional) and spag:
*Since I live at sea level in TX and Keystone is in the mountains, 9000 feet up, I'll struggle with the change in elevation.
Consider a slight rephrasing;
Since I live at sea level in TX and Keystone is 9000 feet up in the mountains, I'll struggle with the change in elevation.
*Every so often, something I ate last week upsets my stomach this week.
Spag tense usage. Suggest
Every so often, something I eat the previous week upsets my stomach the following week.
or
Every so often, something I eat the previous week upsets my stomach the following one.
*I've needed to be flexible in everything I do now.
the word NOW implies present tense. Suggest:
I need to be flexible in everything I do now.
*All in all(,) life is very good.
*At my age(,) who sunbath(e)s, anyway?
At my age, who sunbathes, anyway?
*Usually, when I'm down(,) one of my boys seem(s) to know it and calls, just to check in.
one of my boys is actually singular, so the verb needs an 's'
Usually, when I'm down, one of my boys seems to know it and calls, just to check in.
*I always can click on FS and my friends have posted, I laugh, I smile, and sometimes I cry, but I always enjoy reading.
Slightly spaggy and choppy sentence. Consider:
I always can click on FS and what my friends have posted; I laugh, I smile, and sometimes I cry, but I always enjoy reading.
* Your friendships, well wishes and prayers immensely helped me.
Suggest:
Your friendships, well wishes and prayers helped me immensely.
Yes, the kittens are adorable.
Healing thoughts and hugs to you, dear Barbara.
Love,
rd
PS Happy to review again if you make changes, of course. :)
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2012
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Second review
Thanks for letting me know about changes..
First review (FOUR stars)
Thanks for the update and for sharing the details of your experience with your FS family/friends so openly. I'm glad to note that your post-chemo suffering is relatively minimal. Sounds like you're handling everything with a positive attitude. I admire your strength and resilience!
I like the informal tone and style. I think it's well organized and presented and flows well. I like the undercurrent of humor in your section about suicidal thoughts and shirley temple curls --LOL--and the light-weght tone in general. Inspiring!
REVIEWING NOTES-
A few suggestions (optional) and spag:
*Since I live at sea level in TX and Keystone is in the mountains, 9000 feet up, I'll struggle with the change in elevation.
Consider a slight rephrasing;
Since I live at sea level in TX and Keystone is 9000 feet up in the mountains, I'll struggle with the change in elevation.
*Every so often, something I ate last week upsets my stomach this week.
Spag tense usage. Suggest
Every so often, something I eat the previous week upsets my stomach the following week.
or
Every so often, something I eat the previous week upsets my stomach the following one.
*I've needed to be flexible in everything I do now.
the word NOW implies present tense. Suggest:
I need to be flexible in everything I do now.
*All in all(,) life is very good.
*At my age(,) who sunbath(e)s, anyway?
At my age, who sunbathes, anyway?
*Usually, when I'm down(,) one of my boys seem(s) to know it and calls, just to check in.
one of my boys is actually singular, so the verb needs an 's'
Usually, when I'm down, one of my boys seems to know it and calls, just to check in.
*I always can click on FS and my friends have posted, I laugh, I smile, and sometimes I cry, but I always enjoy reading.
Slightly spaggy and choppy sentence. Consider:
I always can click on FS and what my friends have posted; I laugh, I smile, and sometimes I cry, but I always enjoy reading.
* Your friendships, well wishes and prayers immensely helped me.
Suggest:
Your friendships, well wishes and prayers helped me immensely.
Yes, the kittens are adorable.
Healing thoughts and hugs to you, dear Barbara.
Love,
rd
PS Happy to review again if you make changes, of course. :)
Comment Written 17-Jun-2012
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2012
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I have made the changes. Thank you for your eagle eye.
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Thanks dear B. Will upgrade now. Sending you healing thoughts and warm smiles, rd
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Thanks dear B. Will upgrade now. Sending you healing thoughts and warm smiles, rd
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Thank you.
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My pleasure dear. glad to be of help. Most welcome. Love, rd
Comment from Taurean Monkey
What a powerful piece of prose based on your experiences you've written here, Barbara. So incredible. I wish you well on your journey to full recovery. Regards, TM
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2012
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What a powerful piece of prose based on your experiences you've written here, Barbara. So incredible. I wish you well on your journey to full recovery. Regards, TM
Comment Written 17-Jun-2012
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2012
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Thank you for the kind review.
Comment from Carolyn Hilliard
It's wonderful to know you are doing so well, Barbara. Last month I saw the oncologist and we checked dates - three years since the lung cancer was diagnosed; two years of cancer free PET scans.
I too lost my hair,and have gone natural since. I complained about my energy level being down; it was 18 months before I felt normal. I am still careful about what I eat because I get heartburn at 3 a.m. in the morning. Who wants that? Right!
I got married January 7, 2012. We bought a house in May. I have returned to working with horses, riding a bicycle and just plain enjoying life. I also gained so much weight that I joined Weight Watchers.
As you said, All is well. For girls like us, I believe it will continue to get better.
Blessings and health,
Carolyn
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2012
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It's wonderful to know you are doing so well, Barbara. Last month I saw the oncologist and we checked dates - three years since the lung cancer was diagnosed; two years of cancer free PET scans.
I too lost my hair,and have gone natural since. I complained about my energy level being down; it was 18 months before I felt normal. I am still careful about what I eat because I get heartburn at 3 a.m. in the morning. Who wants that? Right!
I got married January 7, 2012. We bought a house in May. I have returned to working with horses, riding a bicycle and just plain enjoying life. I also gained so much weight that I joined Weight Watchers.
As you said, All is well. For girls like us, I believe it will continue to get better.
Blessings and health,
Carolyn
Comment Written 17-Jun-2012
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2012
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Thank you for your insight and encouragement.
Comment from mshirachot
May you be completely healed and whole. Athough I have not met you on here previously, I was touched by your thoughtfulness of writing an update for all those who have followed your work. In my opinion, what you have shared about your symptoms, as well as those that other cancer survivors face, will be very helpful to all who read this...for the purpose of gaining understanding of the battles you face daily. Best wishes to you and many blessings! Marsha
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2012
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May you be completely healed and whole. Athough I have not met you on here previously, I was touched by your thoughtfulness of writing an update for all those who have followed your work. In my opinion, what you have shared about your symptoms, as well as those that other cancer survivors face, will be very helpful to all who read this...for the purpose of gaining understanding of the battles you face daily. Best wishes to you and many blessings! Marsha
Comment Written 17-Jun-2012
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2012
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Thank you for your kind review.
Comment from Dave M
Barbara,
Thanks so much for this update. You're doing as well as you can, and you seem to have the right attitude. Your kittens certainly have the right attitude, no matter what Diva thinks. They look so innocent.
Are you familiar with a Fanstorian named Scribelle? She has just finished a book that deals with handling chronic conditions. Even though my wife and I are generally healthy, I found the book very informative.
I enjoyed this read and am glad things are not worse for you. Have one suggestion:
"At my age who sunbaths [sunbathes], anyway?" Not me, that's for sure.
Dave
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2012
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Barbara,
Thanks so much for this update. You're doing as well as you can, and you seem to have the right attitude. Your kittens certainly have the right attitude, no matter what Diva thinks. They look so innocent.
Are you familiar with a Fanstorian named Scribelle? She has just finished a book that deals with handling chronic conditions. Even though my wife and I are generally healthy, I found the book very informative.
I enjoyed this read and am glad things are not worse for you. Have one suggestion:
"At my age who sunbaths [sunbathes], anyway?" Not me, that's for sure.
Dave
Comment Written 17-Jun-2012
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2012
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Thank you for the kind review. I will get that fixed. The kittens are helping me type.
Comment from 4Maryann
You are more than an excellent writer; you are incredibly brave to confront your issues head on. So many of my relatives and friends struggle with the aftermath of breast cancer and my heart truly goes out to you. My own mother was a breast cancer survivor (40 plus years!) until kidney cancer took her at a still-too-young 83. Thank God medicine seems to be extending the life of our stricken sisters by decades-unheard of just 15 years ago. God Bless you!
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2012
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You are more than an excellent writer; you are incredibly brave to confront your issues head on. So many of my relatives and friends struggle with the aftermath of breast cancer and my heart truly goes out to you. My own mother was a breast cancer survivor (40 plus years!) until kidney cancer took her at a still-too-young 83. Thank God medicine seems to be extending the life of our stricken sisters by decades-unheard of just 15 years ago. God Bless you!
Comment Written 17-Jun-2012
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2012
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I am so sorry for your mom. My mom was 76 before she has breast cancer. She is still alive, at 80. Thank you for the kind review and insight.
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Thank you. I still miss her! Enjoy your mother for me!
