Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Roughly 2 months out of treatment

I've started and deleted this a couple times now.  Unsure how to put into words the feelings I have swirling around me at the moment.  Someone just posted on reddit in the breast cancer subgroup "Answers to How are You".  I responded with "I'm living the dream, but most of the time I lie".  Yep, when people ask how I am doing, I rarely give the honest answer.  

I've never understood depression in people.  How it takes your wants and wills away.  How is sucks the life out of the very existence you fought so hard to keep. But here I am pretty damn depressed.  I have no motivation to do much--reading isn't enjoyable anymore, getting out of bed is a struggle, exercising, eating, etc.  

I am still having a lot of pain in my arm, chest, armpit, and boob.  I'm now seeing a physical therapist for lymphedema.  I get lymph node massages.  Who knew that was a thing.  I've been given some stretches and I've been doing them.  In the past, I would do the exercises for a day or two and give up.  But I will say doing stretches really helps.  I always say I'll get up and do yoga in the morning, but that never happens.  Zero motivation.  

I find it interesting that back in the December 5th post, I also informed you I was lying.  I also said that cancer was not going stop me from living, but honestly after all the treatments, setbacks, and everything else, it honestly has kind of stopped me.  I just walk through the day in a blah mood and can't wait until 3pm when I can lay down and take a nap.  

I am still so exhausted all the time.  And still in pain.  And for the next 5-10 years I'll be taking some kind of pill.  I rarely took a Tylenol if I had a headache, now I have a pill container with AM/PM slots.  I feel 100 years old.  

But I will keep trudging a long because that is what I am expected to do.  The cancer is gone; you're back to normal.  There will never been a normal for me again, I fear.  

Until next time.... 



11 comments:

  1. Love you! You have this!!! You are probably the strongest person I know before, during and after cancer. I will continue to pray for you. Love you!!!!

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  2. One of my closest (best friend) was diagnosed with lymphedema (later in life) - if you need a source of support pls let me know, she is on the journey.

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  3. Anonymous1:06 PM

    Call me anytime, I am always available

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  4. Anonymous1:07 PM

    It's Kate

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  5. I understand the swirl of emotions and the depression too! I'm 5 days into my 5 year relationship with that new pill every day, and I should probably buy one of those pill boxes too at this point!
    I'm really sorry that you wound up with lymphadema, but I bet those massages and stretches will help you a ton! Keep on keeping on....I believe there's a happy life still ahead for us both!

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  6. Tiffany Noe2:01 PM

    Sending all my healing vibes and prayers your way. One day at a time and celebrate the wins. No matter how big or small.

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  7. Katie brisichella11:31 PM

    Sending you a huge hug Sarah. It sucks but take it one day at a time and allow yourself to feel sad, scared and happy to be alive.
    5 years from now you will be through it all and feel good again … getting better one day at a time.

    Love you
    🩷❤️🩷

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  8. Libbie7:24 AM

    How disheartening! You’ve worked so hard that I’ve got believe this will turn around. Sending you all the best thoughts! Even though it feels like it’s taking forever you have come such a long way.❤️

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  9. Anonymous9:00 AM

    This phase too shall pass. The year after chemo was harder than going through chemo. At some point you break through to the other side.

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  10. Anonymous6:41 PM

    🙏🙏to you

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  11. Anonymous1:05 PM

    Thanks for sharing the shit along with the grins. Wallowing is not all bad… for a while. I hope you are able to come thru this phase. Maybe knowing it is a phase would be helpful as in ‘this, too, shall pass’. Hugs and see you in October.

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