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What’s one thing your body is teaching you this summer?

moderators
moderators Posts: 9,647
edited July 11 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

As summer settles in and the days grow longer (at least here in the Northern Hemisphere), July offers a gentle reminder: it’s okay to slow down. For many living with breast cancer, this season can bring moments of lightness — and moments that ask for extra care.

So, weigh in below with what your body might be telling you about taking a moment for self-care, and elaborate in the thread below.

What’s one thing your body is teaching you this summer? 25 votes

That I’m stronger than I thought
0%
That I need more gentleness
8%
lutta77jessmthomas 2 votes
That slowing down matters
8%
shell_wnicolej 2 votes
That rest is not a setback
12%
norah2024sjhiker4lifemabel2310 3 votes
That I don’t always need to be “productive”
24%
7of9laughinggullnicoletteresakanderlightning2025fighter11 6 votes
That it’s okay to grieve the life and body I had
16%
kks_11midwest_laurarosebud10misslaurie63 4 votes
That joy and discomfort can exist at the same time
16%
olma61kotchajklrtts3piambecoming 4 votes
That it’s okay to say no
4%
motterbeck 1 vote
That healing isn’t always linear
0%
I'm still figuring it out, and that's okay
12%
snmjensweethrtandibandi 3 votes
Tagged:

Comments

  • midwest_laura
    midwest_laura Posts: 115
    That it’s okay to grieve the life and body I had

    I miss the earlier me. I was ME 1.0 and then (as a real adult with a husband and kids) I became ME 2.0. Now I'm ME 3.0. I was amazing as ME 2.0. I sure miss her! Strong, amazing, and able to take on the world. I don't quite know who I am as ME 3.0, but I'm working on figuring it out.

  • nicolej
    nicolej Posts: 1
    That slowing down matters

    Hi, i'm Nicole from Maryland. A 53 year old woman that felt her world was coming to an end when I learned that I had cancer. At stage 3 and receiving chemo and immunotherapy the sun is not my friend. The chemo has taken the hot flashes to another level. If I don't park in the garage I feel like I'm having issues breathing. And I have to sit in a cool area until my body cools off. I carry a handheld fan and ice water EVERYWHERE I go. Finding the right clothes to wear has been an issue for me. But, lately cotton has been my best friend in this heat. As well as I try to schedule appointments and outings early in the mornings or when the sun goes down.

    Make it a great day!

  • mabel2310
    mabel2310 Posts: 3
    That rest is not a setback

    Hi Laura and Nicole, the me 3.0 is doing amazing things - and just wait until you get to the me 4.0 when this is all done, how wonderful and strong that lady will be. : )

    I'm glad I'm not the only one struggling with hot flushes too Nicole - they are immense!! I too have to hide from the sun and heat living in France but I'm sure it's hotter where you are.

    One of the biggest lessons I've learned so far, which was a hard one for me, is resting is not failure or giving in. Resting is fighting.

    Sending love and best wishes.

  • moderators
    moderators Posts: 9,647

    @mabel2310 and @nicolej - Welcome to the community, and thank you for joining in the survey! We're glad to have you here and appreciate you sharing what your body is teaching you this summer. Looking forward to hearing more from you!

    Thank you too, @midwest_laura! 💖

    The Mods

  • misslaurie63
    misslaurie63 Posts: 1
    That it’s okay to grieve the life and body I had

    I was recently diagnosed with BC for a third time! I had right breast mastectomy. The left had to be removed in 2017. I thought I was comfortable just being flat since I have always been large breasted. But I guess the honeymoon is over because I am not comfortable in my own body but I am not sure I would be with fake breasts either.

  • moderators
    moderators Posts: 9,647

    Hi @misslaurie63, and welcome to Breastcancer.org. We're really glad you found us. Thank you so much for participating in our survey!

    Facing breast cancer for a third time must be incredibly tough, and it's completely normal to feel unsure about your body and next steps. We thought these links may be helpful to you as you explore your options:

    Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy – Experiences from others who chose to stay flat

    https://community.breastcancer.org/en/categories/breast-reconstruction – Learn from others' experiences with breast reconstruction.

    https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/breast-reconstruction/types – Information on types of reconstruction.

    https://community.breastcancer.org/en/categories/second-or-third-breast-cancer – Connect with those who understand what you're going through.

    We hope this helps! Looking forward to hearing more from you soon.

    The Mods

  • andibandi
    andibandi Posts: 2
    I'm still figuring it out, and that's okay

    I am figuring out how I am changing my Life. It needs change. I have always worked out daily, ate well, traveled, did what I liked, but I am figuring out how to meet new friends. Where I want to move, how to get involved more in the community. First I have to do radiation and then start taking the inhibitors. I am not looking forward to any side effects. I am 65, never had hot flashes, did not take HRT, had not much joint pain, could sleep and my DEXA is still OK. Have to go day by day, not sure if I will take the inhibitors…Will do more research.

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