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Princeline, your story is incredible. I read it once, then twice, then three times, feeling your emotions as you traveled between hope and fear and anxiety and back to hope and then joy. It feels like what you experienced in those two weeks could be a book all by itself.

I am a control freak too, but it's funny, that thing we call control -- it's times like this that it makes me realize all over again that we rarely control the big things that happen to us; we can only work on controlling how we react to them. You cratered a little at first, which is natural, and then you did take control of what you could: you cooperated with all the doctors' needs, you asked for prayers, you reached out to find more information and you became your body's advocate in a scary time.

Thank you for sharing what you went through. Every woman who reads it will identify with the details. And some who are in the middle of their own difficult time will definitely take hope from your story. May you sail through the rest of your five years -- and far beyond -- without any more worries. And I'm sure I don't have to tell you this, but enjoy that vacation!!

I have two friends who have dealt with breast cancer. One is 20 years post-mastectomy, the other is about 3 years past it, but she has continued to have metastases in her body and has just achieved her third remission. All along the way, both women experienced different versions of what you describe.

At one or more times during each of their treatments came forks in the road where they had to put faith in other people, even when they were really scared. That act of faith proved very important for them, as it did for you.

Your post is a testament to what can happen when women reach out to one another, which is what is so cool about Empowher. It's like a big community of women, all different ages and conditions, sitting and sharing what they know, and finding answers to what they don't know.

Thanks so much for sharing your story.

One of my younger sisters has been living with uncertainty and anxiety about her health, as she had a scare several years ago when she developed a uterine cyst. Your story is inspiring, poignant and encouraging.

Thank you so much for sharing (how lucky you are to have met Michelle!) and all the best for your recovery.

Isn't is funny how we sometimes have to accept that we are not always fully in control of all aspects of life and we have to allow time, and others, do do their thing. The waiting and the unknown can be the hardest part.

Thanks for your story, I'm glad things turned out well for you and that you are getting a well-deserved vacation!

Please keep us posted on how you are doing...

Dear Princeline,

I am so happy that your test results came back normal and that everything is fine. I was holding my breath this past week, praying that everything would be OK.

Our mission at EmpowHer is to help all women as they are faced with tough health challenges or the unknown. We always seem to think the worst, even if we are the most positive people..like you! We can't help it. Especially when you've already battled cancer. Every time something comes up...one tends to automatically think there's been a recurrence of cancer.

My hope for EmpowHer is to help as many women as we can who are faced with stressful times and health issues. We need to support one another and share our health successes as well as our health challenges. I would not have started EmpowHer, had it not been for my own health challenge.

I know you are going to be an inspiration to so many others who have survived breast cancer and who may be faced with health uncertainties.

Thank you for trusting me enough to post on EmpowHer, and for picking up the phone and calling me when you needed support. That's what I love to do the most .... help others like yourself get through the tough times. The uncertain times.

You should always have someone who can validate how you're feeling.
I know you will do this for others, Princeline, because you've been helping others your entire life. It was time for someone to be there for you! It was truly my pleasure.

Big hugs,
Michelle

Princeline, Many women will be gratefull you took the time to write down what you were feeling.

As you've pointed out, sometimes our reactions and emotions are almost more difficult to face than diagnosis.

I'm thankful you found the support and encouragement you needed on Empowher and through Michelle.

Isn't it wonderful to be surprised by what can happen when we put our faith in others?

Best wishes Princeline and like many others have said before me here, have a wonderful vacation and please update us on your progress.

Like others here, I also read and re-read your story a few times. You've really touched me personally, just by sharing your ability to let go and have some faith in others. That can be so incredibly hard, often putting us in a mode of unhealthy denial rather than simply letting go and allowing others to offer us support.

Thank you for sharing and allowing us to gain the very valuable insight your story offers!!

I think you're confusing fear with dislike. I think you're also confusing unknown and known. People may know an awful lot about the subjects you mention and still don't like them. They may know nothing about the subjects, and like them anyway, out of ignorance. There is also a difference between healthy fear and irrational fear. There are certain things & people you should fear, for your own safety.
Phoenix Doctors