I am devastated at the thought of you losing your beautiful daughter, but so happy to hear that she is facing this with grace and maturity. Your post actually made me smile - because I see so much love and wisdom in her outlook. What a blessing that she has the time and the clarity to prepare. The l...

This is a great thread. I don't feel as if I can say much after Julie's eloquent post, but I will add a few more thoughts. I know that we all need to choose our language and our perspective about this experience, and that some people are energized by thinking of themselves as warriors in a battle. I...

Well done.

Six weeks seemed to be the turning point for me. By 3 or 4 weeks out, I was at least able to move around better, but I still felt depleted and creaky. By 5-6 weeks from surgery, I'd say I had returned to pretty much my normal energy levels and mobility. Give yourself a little more time.

So interesting - thanks for all the input. I'm almost 18 months from my surgery, and while things are certainly much better than they were in 2011, I'm still embarrassed by the gas and frustrated by exactly what Jachut describes: Then when I finally do go I can't fully evacuate and am driven mad by ...

I've been following Sheri's blog, too, and feeling so angry and frustrated that she has to slog her way through this. She's been so tough for such a long time.

All of you are in my thoughts. I so deeply hope that the scan will show some success.

Has anyone out there found that modifying his/her diet helps with the trials and tribulations that the bathroom holds for so many of us? I know that I occasionally see someone writing about reducing dairy, or avoiding certain vegetables, but I'm talking about something a bit more structured than tha...

I'm so sorry to hear that she's continuing to struggle. That debilitating nausea is such an awful feeling. I hope that she'll get some lasting relief soon.

My objection to the flood of pink has mostly to do with the fact that the pink promotions, as several people have already said, have become more about product placement than about true cancer "awareness." And don't get me started on the way the Komen foundation uses its money. I think that...

I disconnected my 5-FU pump myself at home for all but my first round of chemo. My infusion nurse walked me through it with some training materials. It was totally fine. She sent me home with all the supplies I needed, including gloves, tons of alcohol wipes, a sharps container for the used needles,...

Thank you both for sharing these messages. His words are a wonderful illustration of the way in which these online communities can provide a kind of solace and sense of connection that some people might not ever be able to hope for out in the "real world." I'm feeling sad about Rick today;...

Even when I know something like this is coming, it's so hard to accept. I'm glad that Rick was at least comfortable and with people who loved him at the end of his life. A huge loss for us here.

((hugs))

It's wonderful to know that Wayne touched so many people's lives. I hope that will be a comfort to you as you navigate through today, and that the love surrounding you will hold you up. You're in my thoughts.

OMG, Bev, I didn't think it was possible for me to love you any more than I do, but this might have done it.

I have been MISERABLE for the past couple of weeks, with my feet making it almost impossible to sleep. Rushing out to find some of this stuff immediately.

Thank you!

Glad you're done and that things look good! Go celebrate. You're absolutely right that you deserve a break. It's a long year.