Having finished chemo and almost through radium, I have had many questions come to mind that I did not know or think to ask at the beginning when I was first diagnosed and now having received answers to such questions, I believe I would have possibly made a different choice as to my treatment.
My advice to anyone who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer is to speak to as many women who have also been diagnosed too whether past or in the present as the more information you can find out by just sharing what you have been told or informed of by your particular doctors can be very different to the next doctor and his recommendations.
I believe that the more informed you are, you are able to make an informed decision regarding your whole treatment and not just feel as though you have to go along with what your particular surgeon, oncologist or radiologist has said.
I also advise that you get as much information regarding alternative therapies to use in conjunction with modern cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radium and HRT or go it alone with the alternative if you so choose.
I know I have found out so much from speaking to other patients that have done the conventional and others who have done the holistic approach with alternative plant therapies and you would be amazed at how much I have learnt.
I know it's not too late, but honestly if I would have had all this information at the beginning, I would have taken a different approach to my treatment and not felt totally at the mercy of my prescribed doctors. It is about taking control in your treatment and that is extremely important to your result at the end of the day I believe.
Big hugs and lots of laughter is so good for the soul. Don't forget to do it every day.
Love Maz



Maz, you're so right - lots of hugs, laugh when you can.
This is a good site for "talking" to other women. I agree, sharing our experiences definitely helps with some of these life-and-death decisions we're called upon to make, with very little information. And yes, always advocate for yourself. If you're not your own best champion, who will be?
Good luck going forward. You sound like you're a very positive person. - PJH