Newbie to Forum

I am so sorry about your mom.  And your own diagnosis!  My mom died from breast cancer spread to the bones almost EXACTLY one year before I found the lump in my breast.  She was 81, and had hidden the lump because she did not want any treatment - she was "ready to join" my dad, who had died 18 years before.  Anyway - It was a very dramatic, traumatic, horrible blur, those few years.  Post chemo I was thrust into chemo induced menopause that is my most difficult side effect STILL - I hate being menopausal!
BUT - all of that and here I am - Sept. I'll be 6 years NED - menopause, breasts that are a size & 1/2 different sizes, still miss my mom every day - BUT - yes it has gotten so much better!  I went on anti-depressants, and was occasionally taking anti-anxiety meds during chemo.  I got off all of that about a year after chemo ended.  And I slowly got less.......... sad.  Less traumatized, less........spooked.  And today I can say I am HAPPY, I am loving life and I'm not afraid.  Even when I have my mammogram I'm not really afraid!  It gets better.  In fits and starts and over time it gets better and better.  It takes time to get over all of that, it really does!  And to lose your mom in the midst of it is just horrible, I am so very sorry for that.  You will get better, you will feel stronger and you will be less sad.  Give yourself a break - being depressed and being anxious after what you've been thru is normal, so don't do the inner chastizing yourself.  Your friends and family think - you beat it, you should be thrilled and OVER IT!  But nope, it takes time.  Come here - share here - we know how it is and we will support you! 

Hi WNYMom,   Well I for one, am truly inspired by your story!!!

               I hope that you will feel as normal as you can again. Some ask the question what is normal after breast cancer and it seems different to many of us. However I feel quite sure that you will feel much better each and every day after all of this is over and you get back to your old self. You are right in saying one day at a time...very important!

               I can certainly understand the depression and anxiety. You are dealing with two very large events in your life. The death of your dear Mother at a time when you yourself were vulnerable with what you were dealing with...your own breast cancer and its treatment etc.

               Despite all of this I detect a very courageous and determined person and a loving one. Very touching!

               I am glad that you are receiving treatment...very wise and good. You deserve it as many here needed it too for one reason or another during this ordeal.

               You have our support. My heart goes out to you for all that you have suffered. You are not alone. Please keep us posted anytime and may God Bless You and I will pray for you. I am sending you a big hug.    

               Love, Annie

WNYMOM,

Jackie.m.

Jackie, it's a strange and long road and a very difficult one to share with people who haven't had the experience themselves. I'm glad you're here.

I hope you get a chance to check out the Vit D thread on the TALK forum. It's got tons of good information and the D might be something you'll want to add to your treatment.

Yes to the exercise, thanks WNYmom for the reminder, every little bit helps. There's lots that we can share here to help ease the journey, please reach out if we can help in any way.
Mainy