Dear Sheree,
As the last week of October approaches, our thoughts and prayers are still with you as you fight on. May you be filled with peace, courage, and strength to power through toward the light at the end of the tunnel.
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Dear @kakashiandme
I believe you are in USA and can call 1-800-4-CANCER. The staff there has always been very supportive to me, and they go as far as calling different Hospitals to make appointments for you (I know you are all set in that part). I mentioned that because they can help in so many other things, and they send pamphlets, books, etc… that can provide helpful information.
Found this article and wanted to share it here for every person that is going through a similar situation.
Except from: Managing Breast Cancer Fears
Managing Breast Cancer Fears So many women you know may have had breast cancer — friends and neighbors, coworkers, relatives. It seems as if every time you turn around, breast cancer is being talked about in the newspaper or on TV. You may be fearful of developing breast cancer for the first time or of receiving a diagnosis after a mammogram or other testing. If you’ve had breast cancer, you may be fearful of a possible recurrence or even of the possibility that breast cancer could take your life. Even though you may have some of these fears, you are not necessarily going to get breast cancer. If you have had breast cancer before, it doesn’t mean that the cancer will recur. Still, it’s normal to have concerns about a disease that you hear about and see around you relatively often — and that you may have experienced yourself or through a loved one. Don’t let the discussion of fear in this section feed into your own fears. Throughout Breastcancer.org, the information our medical experts provide and the support offered by our community members in the Discussion Boards can help you manage the fears instead of letting them manage you. The fear of breast cancer is unlike any other — psychologists and other experts agree on that. The fear can take many different forms, depending upon where you are in the breast cancer experience. Understand that many of your fears are shared by others. While fears are normal, they are uncomfortable to live with. We’ll help you figure out how you can manage fear so you can focus on living a happy and healthy life. On the following pages, you can read more about: Common Breast Cancer-Related Fears Stages of Fear After Diagnosis 10 Ways to Manage Fear After Diagnosis
This information is provided by Breastcancer.org.
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I just want to say THANK YOU to everyone who has written here, FB, or messaged me personally. Y’all don’t even know how much I appreciate it. This week has been a low for me. Why? All the what-if demons have come to haunt me. I’m getting so close to the finish line but yet… they found a hole in my head to seep into and give me worries that I shouldn’t be worrying about or that I have already worried about. These personal messages I am keeping so very close to my heart. They are my demon shields.
Thursday, Halloween, is the big day. Thursday morning. I’m not even worried about my boobs. People keep asking if I’ll be all right. YESSSS! I’d rather get rid of a body part that is no longer needed (I’m 53 and have already had 3 kiddos). Take my boobs with the cancer and be gone!!! I’ve no regrets and no remorse. Take whatever body part or organ (that is not needed to live) and let me live long enough to see my grandbabies and kids get married.
Am I scared? Hell yes!!! So very scared. And anxious, too. I’m human.
I just ask for a favor. I ask that everyone who reads this that they pray. Pray for me on Thursday with everything you have. I believe in Him and he will hear your voices.
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During preparation for a very risky but very necessary surgery many years ago, my surgeon kept reassuring me that he would do his best to make the scar as unnoticeable as possible, and I kept telling him that the scar was the absolute least of my worries. Now it is a reminder of what I went through and how grateful I am that there was a solution to my medical struggle. I will gladly tell people the story if they happen to notice it and ask. Pre-surgery anxiety is probably unavoidable, but I will be praying that your surgery goes smoothly and successfully and that you will be telling the story of your victory soon as well.
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I have and will be praying for you and a successful surgery. My favorite prayer is this one.
Dear LORD be the surgeon who does my surgery, and use the hands of the Doctor so he can skillfully take out all the bad cells and anything and everything that don’t belong in my body. Do these so I can give testimony of your faithful love for us, and the miracles we receive from you.
I say this prayer for my mom’s breast cancer surgery, and for a couple of serious surgeries I had in my life, and I also said it over and over again for my son’s cancer surgery in his back at only 18 yrs ol(he’s 25 now).
I can give testimony that although we’ll go through the expected pain; the surgery has always been a successful one.
GOD BLESS YOU, PROTECT YOU, AND KEEP YOU SAFE.
Scripture verses:
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” - Psalm 56:3 . “The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?” -
Excerpt: Google search
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So do not fear, for I am with you
[image]
Bible Gateway
https://www.biblegateway.com › passage › search=Isaia…
](Isaiah 41:10 NIV - So do not fear, for I am with you; do - Bible Gateway)
Isaiah 41:10…This is my everlasting favorite bible verse that always helps me through my rough, trying times.
So do not fear, for I your LORD am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my right righteous hand.
FEAR
God gives us power over fear
The Bible says that God gives us the spirit of power, love, and self-control to counter fear. Scripture tells us not to be afraid over 365 times
Jesus said a good deal about S a t a n. He called him: “the enemy”, Matthew 13:39. “A liar”, and “the father of lies”, John 8:44 .
The Devil puts fear into our hearts so we doubt the miracles that GOD will DO in our life.
REBUKE THE SPIRIT OF FEAR IN THE NAME OF JESUSCHRIST.
1 Peter 5:8-9
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
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I really needed this! Thank you so much, Angelica!
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Praying dear. You can do it!
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Dear Sheree!
Once in a while we met at Viki, when you moved to SK. When you met “Chocolate” and shared your stories of your daily life. I always had the feeling that you are a person who embraces life. So,I am sure you will conquer this “hill”.
I wish you and your family lots of energy and you will succed, I am sure you will.
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Of course you are. Of course you’ll be. Any form of surgery, even minor ones, would induce anxiety and fear. Hang on to HIS hands and let HIM lead you to a FULL RECOVERY, in time.
You got it!
And from all of us in this V-FAM…
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I’m so happy for you.
Stay HEALTHY! 
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I’m home!!! The doctor had me stay overnight only to observe how well I reacted to the pain meds and to let me rest. After the 24 hours and being home, the pain meds are starting to wear off. I’m feeling it now. Ugh. The pain meds I was sent home with are only to be taken if the pain is outside of my pain threshold. It states if the pain is from a 7-10 to take them. OMG! That means if the pain is so bad that I can’t function. The pain meds are opioids. Addictive. I try to stay away from those as much as I can. So, I’m living off Tylenol right now and hoping to avoid the Tramadol. I’m not in that kind of pain, but it’s very annoying. The pain is primarily my throat (from the breathing tube) and my underarms, and sides (my drainage tubes). Fun stuff to be had. I knew this was going to happen so I’ll make due.
I CAN DO THIS!!!
Isn’t 50 supposed to be the new 40? LOL!
Anyway, at this moment, I’m cancer-free!!! The surgery went well and only one suspected lymph node was removed (which is amazing news because my doctor said in most cases with my kind of aggressive cancer… it can be 5-6 lymph nodes). So my cancer was a lazy one and kept to its condo and didn’t try to move out. LOL!
I still ask for prayers to be continued because my road is still a long one.
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Thanks for updating us with the good news!
When I had my children, I underwent Autogenic Training, by Dr. Schulz. It’s a relaxation technique which not only works for stress, but through breathing and affirmations somehow converts pain into warmth. I don’t remember much, after more than 26 years, but it worked! It was my first time giving birth and I only needed “half a stitch”, as the doctor said.
There is an explanation and an exercise here if you want to try:
and also here:
Of course it’s not a quick fix. The training lasted weeks, so by the time you do it, you probably won’t need it for pain anymore (at least I hope so!) However, even if at the beginning it’s just a little bit, it may help, or if you complete it it may help for later, not only pain but stress of any kind.
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sorry I am late, I hope alls well there and you are on the mend. and prayers going up as well
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I was in that road with my mom so I know what you are going through. I want you to know that my prayers for you will never end, unless of course I’m no longer here on Earth.
Tramadol is my favorite pain killer, but they are addictive so like you; I avoid using it. I’m glad you are strong in that sense, BUT if the pain is really bad take it. PLEASE don’t forget to Write down when you took it (day) and the hour. One side effect (for me) I forgot I took it and almost double dose that is why I wrote when I took it in my calendar.
Believe it or not, the worse part is over, and the rest will go smoothly. Removal of the draining tubes can be painful so take a tramadol the day when you have them removed.
The fact that you had only one lymph node compromised is good news since it’s a sign it wasn’t spreading to other organs (my mother had 6 that had to be removed).
To me, this are the best news and that is to know you are home already, and you still have that fighting spirit which makes all the difference in the world.
“The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” ’
But specially; may the LORD give you abundant health.
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I receive sad news today; my uncle passed away yesterday. A couple of years ago he was diagnose with a tumor in his head, and he sold his house here in US, and went to live the last years of his life in our Island Of Enchantment, Puerto Rico.
I am so happy that he lasted way more than what was diagnosed. I am happier that he did the things he loved the most in the land that saw him be born. Out of 5 male uncles he was the last one that was alive, and sadly he also got cancer. He never smoke or drink and lived a healthy life. My aunt died from COVID. So far the only survivor is my mom who was given one year to live back in 1999.
He had a supportive family in PR, but his wife and kids are still devastated from his loss, so I’m asking for prayers during this painful times. I think is very important we do regular checkups to catch things on time. My uncle hardly went to Doctors check up. My younger brother (62) is dying from liver cancer (heavy smoker/drinker) sadly, he’s not responding to the treatment, and the tumors are growing at a fast speed. We all in the family begged him to cut on smoking and drinking, but he never listened. Now he stopped smoking and drinking, but it was way too late. We can only be there for him and hope he doesn’t suffer too much. So far he has no pain and looks comfortable.
Cancer support changes with each and every situation so it helps to read a lot of materials, and consult with the many experts offering their services for free. I’m a bit numb, but never stopping my praying for @kakashiandme her family, my family, and all those people facing a loss in the family.
Isaiah 40:29-31
“The LORD gives strength to those who are weary. Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall. But those who trust the LORD will find new strength.”
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Wish you a speedy recover… and luckyly the operation went well. GBU
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I’m sorry for your loss, dear Angelica 
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Dear Sheree,
I’ve read you’ve offered to mentoring CMs… I’m So Proud and Happy for you!!
Keep on going, girl!!
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Dear Sheree, I’m so happy you have your surgery behind you and continue on the road to a successful recovery. Everything just needs time, positive thinking will help to heal. These types of music can also help to relax and feel rested and even heal. I listened to it when I took care of my mom in her last days, as it was too painful to watch. There are various frequency sounds on YT to choose from, here a sample. Hug, Simi 
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