I was contacted by a company, Breast Cancer Answers, to do a video on my three best tips for getting through cancer. Before I agreed, I checked out their website to be sure this would be of value, and I found they have a ton of usable information, especially for those who are newly diagnosed. There is nothing like hearing what works from somebody who has "been there, done that."
They have lots of other video tips from women who have been in treatment, as well as Q&A from Dr. Jay Harness, who is past-President of American Society of Breast Surgeons. Not only does he have a Questions and Answers section - but if you find you have a question that is not already there, you can ask it yourself. How cool is it that you can ask a question from a real doctor, one who doesn't have 30 patients waiting behind you, and get a response!
They also offer a checklist of 15 questions to take with you to your first doctor visit after diagnosis, which is always valuable during those frightening, early days. The questions are usable whether you'll be seeing an an oncologist or breast surgeon. These are questions that you do need to know and at the early stage of shock and probably not knowing much about breast cancer, may not even know to ask. I didn't.
Now, before watching the video, keep in mind, I had to do all this talking using my chemo-damaged brain in one Skype session with no notes, so be nice as I stutter through my thoughts!
Here are my 3 top tips for getting through your rounds of chemo. These tips are good no matter what your Stage is. After you watch this, check out that site and watch some videos, you'll find it valuable.
Ann, its so strange when you hear someones voice for the first time after all this time reading your blog! Haha, its so lovely!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips!!
You look incredibly young, Ann. x
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Ann!
ReplyDeleteWonderful video and you look and sound great.
ReplyDeleteGreat video! Sound advice. You look wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWell done, Anne! You sound great & look fab! What a great smile you have.
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Heather xoxo
Great advice--after all you have been through, it must have been hard to only choose three, but as we all know if you can keep the body "functioning" as close to normal through treatments--it is a tremendous help.
ReplyDeleteGreat job Ann!! You really look fabulous, and it was great to hear your voice!
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Jill
You look fantastic! And Monica is right. Somehow, in my mind, you sounded like Rita Moreno from that Alan Alda movie the "Four Seasons". I guess I kinda figured with your attitude, you wouldn't sound so sweet.
ReplyDeleteCan't believe this is your first video. Fantastic job.
ReplyDeleteAnn - It is great to see you again. You look and sound terrific! Your advice is spot on - very helpful. And you have been a terrific help to me in those very scary early days as well. When you say that your mind goes to places it shouldn't - that is so true. You have personally helped me get my mind back to where it should be. Thank you, Ann! xo, Jen
ReplyDeleteRita Moreno! Love her! :) She has become a feisty old lady too. Thanks everybody. I chopped my hair short since then, and don't like it much so can't wait until it grows in. How quickly we forget, lol! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, Ann. Lovely, just lovely, and very inspiring. As to your last tip, I've found humor to be absolutely essential to my recovery. XOXO Jan
ReplyDeleteAnn!!, thanks for the details, love it!!. I ready your blog regularly and enjoy every post.
ReplyDeleteVery helpful video, you were fabulous all around! Love the last tip about always finding the humor. It's what I admire most about your posts! I would be hanging off the side of a bridge if I hadn't kept my sense of humor while going through BC. Thanks for leading the way with your written laughter!
ReplyDelete-Renn
Great job, Ann, and your hair looks fabulous!
ReplyDelete