a good pick me up after breast cancer?

Question

Im a 35 year old single mom and have been battling inflamatory breast cancer since Nov.05. I started chemo immidiately every week for 6 months followed by a double masectomy this June 06 then 2 months of radiation mon-fri. I just had my 6 week check up and i get a month off until Jan.07 for more chemo (pills this time). I'm very blessed to be here and in no way am i complaining, but I'm in need of a good pick me up and I just can't get the lift i need to enjoy. Is there any suggestions please!! Marti H. Seattle,WA

Answer 1

You've been through a lot. It sounds as if you're almost "out of the woods" as far as treatments and surgeries go, and that's wonderful.

I think that what you need to do now is find your "new normal." Things won't ever be quite the same again, of course, but your life will go on... and that is truly why you've gone through what you have for the past year... so that your life will go on. :)

As a single mom, I'm sure you ran into quite a few obstacles throughout all of this. Did you have family and friends to help you through it? If so, think about what a blessing they were.

There are many, many other women going through the same thing as you right now. They may not have friends and family to help them through it. Would you be interested in helping them?

Everyone could use a friend during this time, and what would be better than a friend who knew firsthand what they were going through?

If I were you, this holiday season, I would try to pick myself up by helping others. It's the spirit of the season, and there is often no greater reward than knowing you've done something to make someone else's day a little brighter. Offer to Christmas shop for a woman who's too sick to go out, maybe... or simply visit women in the hospital. Stay with someone during their chemo treatment who has no one else to go with her. Anything you can think of to make someone's life a little easier.

It might be entirely possible, though, that you're tired of the "cancer scene." Maybe it would still hit a little too "close to home," so to speak. If so, maybe you could volunteer to wrap or deliver Christmas presents for a local organization distributing them to children of families in poverty. Or volunteer at a local soup kitchen.

There's nothing more fulfilling than giving at this time of year... and I'm sure that people will be touched and inspired by your courage and story of survival.

Best of luck, and happy holidays!

Answer 2

Hi and best wishes to you, have you considered a day spa where you can be pampered? You may not be comfortable with that idea but they offer all sorts of things from pedicures to facials. Do you have a local support group they may also have some ideas for your local area :-)