By: Sheri

Sheri — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:40:09 +0000

Cat,
The fact that the cancer was entirely GONE is awesome news!!! Sometimes it is hard to look back on your choices and wonder if they were the right ones. I have done the same – especially when I found I was pregnant with my second daughter and realized at that very same moment that I would never be able to breastfeed her. Initially I was devastated and went through all the same emotions as you are going through… maybe I was hasty, maybe I would have been fine atleast leaving the unaffected breast there for a couple of more years… maybe, maybe… could I have? should I have?… and the list goes on. Then I finally had to just let it go… what is done is done. I think my oncologist and OB/gyn both said it best when they reminded me that it is most important that I am alive, for without that breast feeding is really a mute point isn’t it? Don’t worry Cat, I had one that I got to breast feed for 3 months before I was diagnosed and then the second one I did not. I can tell you right here and now that I feel equally bonded to both. And if you are concerned about your child’s immunity to disease and the benefits to breast feeding, if you have a friend or relative that you know and trust (and know that they are free/clear of any crazy disease) you can always have them pump and store their breast milk for your child. Of course, this is if you don’t think that is too bizarre (some people do). I initially thought it was, but I had two good friends that did it for my daughter so atleast she got some breast milk right after birth. You know that fact is that many of us that were born in the 60’s and 70’s were only given formula anyway because of the misconception at the time that it was “healthier”… and most of us are all okay. Its easy to be hard on yourself. Know that at the time you made the best choice for your health and your future given the circumstances that you were given. Try not to look back – I have had to fight that too… but I feel a hell of a lot better when I let it go.
GREAT JOB KICKING KARLA’S ASS!

Comments on: Even Better News Makes Life More Complicated

By: Sheri