Higa2021 wrote: »

I don't where to post this, but I am looking for good energy. Got a mammogram and biopsy and now have to do another after an MRI. I'll have to have surgery and possibly radiation. While it sounds scary, I have to remember that they say it's in the early stages. So I haven't been doing very well on tracking or counting lately! I'd love to hear some success stories!

I'm not really in this challenge - apologies to all the bold people who are - but I joined *just* to reply to this post. (Sincere apologies to all others for my transgression - blame @MaltedTea 😉).

@Higa2021: Hang in there! This can end well, I swear.

Back in the millennial transition year, 2000, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was stage III, locally advanced, 5 tumors in one breast (largest 3.1 cm), one tumor in the other breast, positive lymph node.

I chose bilateral mastectomies with no reconstruction (*not* the only reasonable choice BTW, but it was a good one for me); had 6 months of chemotherapy (bad hobby, but doable); 6 weeks of 5-field (extensive) radiation (not a terrible thing, beyond the logistics of going every weekday for that duration); 7.5 years after of anti-estrogen meds (kind of hyper menopause-y, but really no big deal in my case). You're unlikely to need all of that.

I came out of that very physically depleted, but still overweight to obese. I started *gradually* getting more active after surgery/chemo/radiation, because I realized I needed to do that to recover strength/energy/vitality. Slowly, I became more active, even competing as an athlete (rowing), but still stayed fat for a decade.

Then, in 2015-16, age 59-60 (and hypothyroid, but properly medicated), I used MFP, lost from class 1 obese to a healthy weight. Now 65, I've been at a healthy weight since.

I'm *not* special, not "inspiring" (🙄), have no genetic advantages, everything happened slowly, with patience, just gradually chipping away, having fun along the way, making small manageable changes off and on.

Nonetheless, I'm the healthiest I've ever been, at 5'5", 126.4 pounds this morning. Yesterday's fun activities included rowing a boat for 7k, a 5 mile walk, a few minutes strength training on machines (my time budget in retirement allows for more active fun!) . . . my standard fun Friday.

I'm not saying you need to choose a similar path: I think there are many, many potential positive and happy paths.

What I'm trying to get across is that there are mega-big-plenty reasons for optimism, for you. I know many multi-decade thriving survivors of even higher-stage breast cancer, legions from earlier stages. (This is from local support groups I'm active in.) Some are active/athletic, some are not. Some are overweight, some are not. (Those are about lifestyle choices, of course.)

At one point, I was worrying about whether it was a waste of money to renew magazine subscriptions, so I think I may have sense of how you might be feeling now, though reactions are very individual.

There are many paths forward, much reason for hope. Hugs; hang in there!

If you have more questions, please feel free to send me a friend request, send personal messages.

KCJen wrote: »

I have a question for everyone. I have always struggled to try to find my "way" in posting and getting connected in the group. I am readjusting my schedule and routine, so maybe posting in the morning is not best for me since I feel rushed. Or maybe I just need to go about staying on top of things differently. Or a combination of both??

The problem is, to be honest, I really don't have a plan or a system on how to read the posts and how to stay on top of everyone's posts. So I wanted to ask how everyone handles that. Do you read the posts daily? Multiple times a day? Read every day's entry? Or just post in the what is on your mind section?

I need to be involved more in the UAC because the UAC is the only "support group" I have for healthy goals and a healthy lifestyle. My goal for August is to develop posting consistently and not disappearing after I am disqualified in addition to developing a system to stay involved and social in the group.

The most important thing is consistently posting your three steps daily. Commenting as a matter of how much time you have. Some days you only just have time to post those.

Apart from Saturdays when I read all the posts and comment , what I sometimes do is comment on one or two of the people who have posted before me. If I have time I will skim read the day before. It all depends on how much time you have.

@Higa2021 i actually was just thinking about u and was wondering how u were. Im really sorry to hear about this news but just as our fellow Uac peeps hve mentioned u will no doubt get thru this. I will pray for u. Take care and please stay in touch. God bless u ur health and ur family. Love Donna. Xo