Breast Cancer support group

Tonight I went to my Y-me, breast cancer support group.  All month long I was excited about going.  Today I was feeling so tired and a little off.  I thought should I skip tonight and rest?  But I really wanted to go.  I wanted to see the ladies that inspired me so much last month.  So I jumped in the car and headed to Reston.  I was just in Reston 2 hours earlier for radiation.  Luckily it's about a 15 min ride from the house.  When I got there, the session already started. I was only about 3 min late but man there were a ton of ladies tonight.  17 total.  Last month I think there were only 7.  A new lady showed up tonight.  She was just diagnosed 2 weeks ago.  She came to hear what we had to say.  I guess a way to somewhat prepare her for the start of her journey.  When I found out that I had cancer everything happened so fast.  I was in shock and disbelief.  There was no way I could have gone to a breast cancer support group.  I would have been a crying mess.  But this girl had her girlfriend with her and she seemed strong.  Hopefully she will come next month and we can hear about her experience.  Or, she might be to sick to join us. 

So I feel like I got a lot from this meeting.  More girls meant more information and they started off with Lymphedema (limb swelling).  I missed a small part of this conversation.  They were talking about research showing that flying in an airplane could cause that for breast cancer survivors.  And that you might have to wear a pressure sock when flying.  I'll have to do research but I think my doctor said that I shouldn't get lymphedema since I only had a total of 5 lymph nodes taken during surgery.

Anyway, they discussed cotton clothing and bras which are helpful during radiation.  They discussed exercising.  Yoga was at the top of the list. 

One of the most inspiring moments to me was one lady was sporting her very short do.  She finished chemo August 14th and she looked great.  Her hair was probably 1 1/2 - 2 inches long and she had such a cute barette in her hair.  I know everyone's hair grows at different rates but she looked so alive and happy.  She inspired me to snap out it.  If I exercise a little and loose my weight, I'll be getting back to my normal self.  And even if my hair is super short, I know I can make it look cute with a little effort.  

Another good therapy session and I look forward to my March meeting.