Topic: 5 years out

Hi all-

I love to read about 'long-term' survivors so here's my story.

This week is my 5 year anniversary of being diagnosed. I'm doing well health-wise and have been getting back into shape the last year or so. The only continuing negative side effect is that chemopause killed my libido and made physical relations with DH uncomfortable. I am working on that and have seen some slight improvement. Thanks to the mojo thread for its suggestions.

 I still think about cancer almost every day. I rarely post because I'm trying to stop thinking about it everyday. I look at my almost 7 year old and realize I hardly remember the year she was two when I was undergoing treatment. I don't want it to take away any more of my mental energy than necessary.

 My bc WAS discovered on a mammogram -my second one. I had a baseline 2 years prior and then missed a year when pregnant. I had 6 micro-calcifications and all the professionals involved in my case were amazed that the radiologist found them. I had the option of wait and see or biopsy  - I was borderline re: the # of calcifications. I wanted them out and thank goodness I did. The cancer was small but had spread to 11/19 lymph nodes.  

Since then I had a lumpectomy with re-excision for clean margins, axillary dissection, chemo (TAC), rads, tamoxifen for 3 years, on aromasin now. I had a clear surgical biopsy the year after my treatment (more calcifications) which were likely caused by the initial surgery. My breast is pretty mishapen. Last year I had to have D&C for uterine build-up from tamoxifen. The biopsy cam back negative.

So I'm doing well with almost annual reasons to worry. :)

 I wish you all the best and look forward to reading your '5 (or more!) year out' posts in the future. :)

Best,

Annie