breast cancer support groups- vent

[ny biker]

I would call livestrong and komen and ask them to put you on their "do not solicit" list. And I would tell them you're offended by the fundraising efforts, since you're just trying to get help right now.

If it helps, my neighbor had a mastectomy 5 years ago. She was pretty sedentary at the time, but a couple of years later she joined a gym and has been actively working out since then -- frequent cardio and weight training sessions. I think she has some shoulder/arm weakness on the side where the mastectomy was, but otherwise she is doing well and in fact only needs a mammogram once per year.

[txred9876]

I just read through this thread and sometimes people on help lines are no help at all!!!!

I am a double mastectomy survivor without reconstruction....
I had inflammatory BC in 2005 and I am fast approaching my 6 year mark when they didn't expect me to make it a year....

I have lymphedema on the bc side but I deal with it with a lymphedema pump. I was very seditary before diagnosis and I also got back into working out with the help of the team survivor ladies in Austin, tx. I lost 55-60 lbs and now do triathlons!!

In time you can do many of the things you did before.....we are here to support.... Tina in Austin

[marni]

tina, you and your story are amazing. I wish I lived in Austin.... My daughter does and she loves it, but here is where the work is.

Keep up the good fight. I can't swim very well, but at least I am getting into running so maybe some day a triathalon is in my future, or a biathalon.

marni

[sundial]

Marni, you are smack dab in the Bible Belt so it's not surprising that faith and religion are being interjected into your encounters with support groups. I haven't experienced what you are going through but my mother is a bc survivor and had a lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy. I think what helped her most was talking with the oncology nurses and fellow patients who knew exactly what she was going through.

Having a forum of like minded people is a big boost for the challenging days. Cancer robs peace of mind and wrecks havoc on the psyche and having contact with fellow survivors is a real boost for when you are experiencing bad days.

Here is one such forum:

http://www.healthboards.com/boards/f...splay.php?f=23

Marni, I wish you a steady recovery and lots of support in the coming days.