What to do........

[hotrox]

If you don't want a downer, don't continue to read this.

I need your advice, and more importantly prayers!
I contemplated whether to even post this or not, but.....

On Monday I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I found a lump about two weeks ago and have since had a mammogram, biopsy, and today I'll have a c-scan to see if it has spread. The day after Thanksgiving I will have surgery to remove more of the area the lump was in, and lymph nodes if it has spread. (I sure hope not!)

My heart is set on going to the Metro Wednesday night--I contemplated NOT going, but I really want to. Is this a selfish thought, or should I stay at home with my hubby and two little girls? I was going to go with another teacher, but told her I wouldn't be going, and then last night I asked my hubby if he would go with me....and I think he would.

I tear up when I have to talk about it, but I'm staying positive about the whole thing. I've been through quite a bit physically the last four years (darn women problems!) and I have been looking forward to this concert so much!

What would you do? Has anyone any positive words of wisdom, or been through this?

Love ya all! Hotrox

[Tooks]

Dear hotrox,

I'm sorry to hear about your illness. While I've never had any form of cancer I do now what it's like to be very sick (I have heart problems, amongst other things, which have been severe in the past) and have your life turned somewhat sideways by it. I hope everything turns out well with your tests and the cancer hasn't spread.

Now, concerning the concert...I say go. Whether sick or healthy the Metro concert will be a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you don't you'll always regret it. You shouldn't let your illness or worries control your life. If it's your husband and kids that's pulling you stay home remember this: your husband's willing to go with you and you're no good to your girls if you're bummed all day 'cause you didn't go to the concert.

Please take care and enjoy yourself at the Metro - I'll be seeing you on the music video for Trees when it comes out.

[Amy]

Hotrox -

BIG HUGS coming your way!

Definitely go to the concert. The illness is going to be there whether you go or not - and being at the show will lift your spirits. DO NOT let the cancer break your spirit! You can beat that cancer both physically and mentally.

[penny74]

I'm so sorry to hear that hotrox. I totally agree with the others - you should go. I think you will regret it forever if you miss it. Like you said, your heart is set on it.

I am lucky in that I have never had to go through something like this, so I have no words of wisdom. But, I will be thinking about you.

[sheowl]

Hotrox- I wore a pink ribbon for 2 years in honor of my aunt, who was diagnosed with breast cancer 4 years ago, and after treatment has now been cancer free for 2. I will wear it again in honor of you, as well as send prayers.

I think you should go. My aunt used her time during treatments and recovery to experience all the things she was hoping she wouldnt miss, as well as filled her life as much as she could with fun and laughter. A positive attitude and joyfull experiences is what she claims helped her beat her illness, so by all means, go and whoop it up hon, it is good for you!

[ChiTownChick]

Hotrox, I am so sorry to hear your news. I have to agree with what everyone posted by saying go to the Metro - it will definitely be a once in a lifetime event, and I think it would lift your spirits to be there. Keeping you in my thoughts.

[smitten]

Hi hotrox,

I have to concur. Going is the best medicine for you right now. If you don't go, it will be one more thing that this illness threatens to take away from you! Thanksgiving can be great family time to get you set for your surgery the following day. Enjoy yourself the night before!

I will be sending good wishes and healing thoughts your way.

[wildfire]

I'm giving you a big hug ((hotrox )). I'm so sorry to hear about you being diagnose with cancer. I have a family member who has been in re-mission for 2 years now. The only advice that I can provide is to never lose hope and try to stay positive and focus on beating this disease. You might want to see if there is a local cancer support group that you and your family can participate with.

ps...You go to that concert woman! and have a rockin' fun time!!

[Trees]

Hotrox, I hope your seeing a pattern here with just a few replies

Agree with everyone of them. My suggestion is to seek Alternative medicine along with your regular doctor.

Reiki, reflexalogy, visualization, meditation the biggest is laughter

Butterfly kisses and Bear Hugs

[julianah]

Hi Hotrox. I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I've never had cancer, so there's no way I can know how frightened you must be.

One of my closest friends had breast cancer 7 years ago. She's still in remission and feeling great. She's actually happier now than she was before her diagnosis. After her treatment, she decided not to go back to her job as a psychologist and has been painting full-time ever since (and doing brilliant work). It's something she always wanted to do, but was too scared to take that leap. It sucks that she had to endure a year of illness to find the strength to make that decision, but she's so thankful that she did.

My secretary had breast cancer 11 years ago and is still cancer-free as well. It's really sad how many women this disease affects. (Someone HAS to find a cure for this.) The good news is that we all know women who have gone through this ordeal and come out the other side feeling healthy and happy.

As for whether or not to go to the concert -- I think you should do what makes YOU happy. And, since you're a member of Martycasey.org, I suspect going to the concert will make you happy.

I'm sure I speak for all of us here when I say that we're thinking of you and wishing you strength, good health and joy.

[ndavis021410]

Big hugs and allot of prayers are coming your way, so grab them up and embrace them as much as you can, and that goes for life as well. God loves you, and if you want to go to a concert or climbing a mountain, DO IT. Do it for not only yourself, but your family as well, stay positive and positive things will come to you. Seeing Marty would really be energetic and fun, and we all need that in our lives, do what is in your heart. Take care and once again, you will be in my prayers....Later Nancy...

[hotrox]

Thank you all sooooooooooo much. I needed some positive words from my friends on the computer----where your words can let me have tears and no one else can see them! I am a teacher, and my 8th graders are WONDERFUL, but I tear up sooooo easily in front of them!!!!

I WILL go to the METRO! I just listened to our wonderful Marty on the CARA-MARTY interview, and how can I NOT go and see this beautiful human being and the LOVEHAMMERS!!!!!! I'd be CRAZY not to! It will pump me up! It will be full of positive vibes! I will keep you posted and I hope to see you at the Metro! ONE WEEK! Thanks again! Love, Roxanne (Hotrox)

PS----Do you think I could get the Lovehammers to sing "Roxanne" by the Police? I can dream, can't I?

[chk]

Hey Hotrox, more big hugs coming your way. I am really glad you decided to go to the Metro show. I tell you, last year I flew from Hong Kong to Chicago to see U2 and I will fly again to see Marty in February. The reason my insane concert going started is that I had a horrible relpase of my multiple sclerosis about a year and a half ago and could not walk for a month or two. Once I began to go back into remission, I decided to say f*** it to anything I did not want to do. You never know how long you got or what state you'll be in so make yourself happy. Sending you lots of positive thoughts and hugs!
Constance

[franny2]

Hotrox - I'm so glad you've made the decision to go. I didn't have time to reply earlier when I read your story, and I have been having a dialogue with you in my head ALL DAY about why on earth you would even consider not going.

You need this (actually, it seems we all need this) and the Metro show is happening at the perfect time for you. You need all the energy you can get to help you kick this thing, and WHAT are we getting from Marty if not energy? You absolutely need to go to the concert and get charged - it will punch up your fighting spirit.

And you need to stay here with US too. This board is full of our energy - I get so charged sometimes when I'm on here that I can't sleep, and I know I am not the only one. As you can see from the replies you got, we are here for you and we'll help you get through this. I am also very touched that you turned to us for support - it says a lot about this place.

I am with Trees on seeking out alternative medicine along with your doctor's advice. I've used it for 15 years now and swear by it. . . .I could tell you stories . . . suffice it to say that you have more control over your health than you think. If you haven't discovered it yet, and want some ideas on where to begin, you can PM me.

I am also an energy healer (not professionally). . . my Mom had a near-death experience and discovered it while trying to survive afterwards. She had a pacemaker removed because it was doing her more harm than good, and the doctors told her she wouldn't survive more than a week without it. It's seven years later and she's still here and doing great with what she has learned. She has taught me everything she knows . . . it's hard to explain . . . has to do with the realization that everything is energy . . .and connected . . .and learning how to control that energy flow. Quantum physics explains the concept beautifully and I know the world will find out about it eventually, but for now there are just a few pioneers out there. It works and the results are almost magical.

Anyway, it explains Reiki, visualization, meditation . . . and it also explains the power of prayer. Prayer is thought, thoughts are energy, and thought energy leads to action/reaction. This board is made up of all of our thoughts and I would swear sometimes that it's alive. Put enough thought energy out there and you have the power to change something.

I don't usually share this side of me, it's pretty personal and 'out there'. I've got my finger on the button thinking maybe I shouldn't even post this - but I will anyway because I am hoping there is something in this that you can use.

And prayers? You will be getting a huge load of them from me. And as well, it seems, from everyone else here.

[gutless]

Hugs, healing thoughts and prayers are on the way to you, Hotrox. I hope you are keeping yourself up-to-date on all the wonderful advances being made for the treatment of breast cancer these days. And please don't believe all the stuff you may find on the 'net - there is a lot of crap on there. Listen to your doctor, read selectively, and take great comfort in your friends - even your virtual ones.

And Rock On! Glad to hear you have decided to go to the concert.

[dlh]

gutless said:

Hugs, healing thoughts and prayers are on the way to you, Hotrox. I hope you are keeping yourself up-to-date on all the wonderful advances being made for the treatment of breast cancer these days. And please don't believe all the stuff you may find on the 'net - there is a lot of crap on there. Listen to your doctor, read selectively, and take great comfort in your friends - even your virtual ones.

And Rock On! Glad to hear you have decided to go to the concert.

Ditto here. The advances now are amazing. I know several women that are breast cancer survivors and are doing great. Have a fantastic time at the concert!

[gaia]

Hi Hotrox,

So glad you decided to go to the Metro concert. The thing to remember is to live without regrets and why shouldn't you go? You deserve to enjoy yourself and see Marty in the flesh!

My mum had womb cancer many years ago and at that time she had plans to go to Canda to visit my aunt. Like you, she too was torn about going but the doctor actually advised her to make the trip before going for the biopsy and op. Today, my mum is sans womb but leading a very happy and fulfilled life. My uncle passed away from nose cancer after it was in remission for about 5 years. Before he passed on, he did everything he wanted to do, including buying a cute little new car.

My sister's best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer and has had one breast removed. Being the positive person that she was, I guessed it helped her recover well. It also helped that she had a supportive husband and also focused her energies on her daughter who's about 5.

What I'm trying to say with all these anecdotes is that in these times, it doesn't hurt to be a little selfish - to do things you really want to do. And to surround yourself with love and support. By all means, seek solace in this group. I'm sure all of us will be here for you.

I agree with some of the others here that prayer helps. I believe that because I've had my prayers answered when my Mum came out of her operation ok. Perhaps you could try praying as a family? I'll remember you in my prayers. Take care and enjoy the Metro show!

[hotrox]

Thank you again EVERYONE! I will look into your suggestions. Thanks for wearing the pink ribbon sheowl! A student bought me a pink Packer hat! I feel really good about going to the Metro! It's something I need to do! I'm just hoping the weather cooperates---no snow like we got yesterday! I'll fill you in on my results on Monday! Love, Hotrox

[angie]

Roxanne,

I am glad that you decided to go to the Metro. It WILL be the most concentrated, positive energy force around. I send good wishes and prayers your way, sweetie.

[henry]

Hotrox,
I am so glad you shared this with us. Now we can all be praying for you and your family and sending incredibly loving thoughts your way. I am glad you are going to the concert. Hopefully the music, dancing, laughing and cheering will help take your mind off things for a couple of hours.
Hugs to you and your family and have a blast Wednesday night!