Success Stories!
Comments
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My mother-in-law is my inspiration. She was dx at 32, had a radical mastectomy and three weeks in the 'radium institute' and is still going strong at 87. In those days they didn't give the patient any details (maybe they didn't know themselves) but she does know that she had many positive nodes. She's had no problems at all.
Take care
Mal
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bump!
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Had not had Mammogram in 8 years, In 2006 my Primary Care doc ordered one, went in figuring it would be routine and ended up with lumpectomy for DCIS and being put on Tomoxifen.....Went back for 6 month check up and had to have another sterotactic biopsy done.....I was stunned, going in thinking it was just follow up to my lumpectomy and to be told there was another lump etc.....that biopsy was B9 thank goodness......have had my 2 years of 6 month mammo's and now have been 2 years with yearly mammos, last one just yesterday and got report this monring all is well....so to this point I am 4 years cancer free and down to my last year on tomoxifen....I feel so very lucky and blessed to have had successful treatment, great doc's, supurb staff at the Mammography Center where they acted on everything with fast and accurate care that has resulted in my success this far.....
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Congratulations bmc4mk2!
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Thanks Marlenet...
Best Wishes to You....
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My sis had DCIS at 40 one masectomy, reconstruction, chemo, and took tamoxifen for 5 years. She is a 10 year survivor and doing great. I just had DCIS at 59 double masectomy and reconstruction the same day, and taking Arimidex-no chemo and my oncoligist says 95% chance of living 10 years. I am feeling really great 72 days after surgery. We had a great-grandmother, a great aunt and an aunt on mother's side that had BC and all lived several years after surgery!!!! We are survivors!!!!!
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bump
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I am almost 8 years now. Had my lump for almost 2 before diagnosis. Started this thread way back in 2003 when terrified. Life is so wonderful now i can't even remember the old fear. It is not easy and there are many bumps in the road but definitely doable. I know time is finite now and try so hard to live in the day. Keep the faith ladies.
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Hi,
This is a great thread. It should be required reading for everyone, because it gives everyone hope !! Thanks for sharing these positive stories.
ElaineM
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Congrats Carmelle!
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Carmelle,
I have been looking for good news on these boards for so long. Read about way too many reoccurances. Two months out from surgery and two days from starting chemo. So glad I found it. I told my husband that I thought I would write book all about LONG term survivors. I love to hear about all of us survivors, but when you are diagnosed at 36 with two small children, I am looking at wanting another 30-40-50 years! So inspirational! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Michelle
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Just wanted to say that since I have been diagnosed, I have come across so many people in the same boat. A cousin in law who is 10 years out, a nurse at my doctor's office who is 7 years out, my gynocologist told me (in no detail) about a woman he treats who was diagnosed 50 years ago, a woman who works with breast prosthesis who is 25 years out... and just tonight, while calling around to find a wig, the lady who runs the store is a 27 year survivor. I plan to try to out do them all. So if I beat out the fifty year survivor (who is still going strong), I might only live to be 86. I think I can try to deal with that!
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I agree. It's is Nice to hear about survivors. It gives me hope. A friends mother was 50 years out. She dies of natural causes at the age of 93. Since my cancer I found out at work a lot of others that have had cancer or sisters, mothers, aunts wives have had b.c. All survivors.
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Sistas, my sistas,
I just need to say that I just LOVE this thread...every couple of weeks I have to read and re-read these success stories to give myself the strength I need to make it through all of the "junk" to make it to the other side.
I do not have any stories to share...yet, but when I do, I will certainly pass them on!
Please keep these stories coming...
Tori
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My girfriends mother had a mastectomy when my girlfriend was 9 and so the mother is a forty year BC survivor. Don't know what stage or if she had any other treatment.
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My mom's friend - dx in 1982 at age 34 - initially staged as IV. Went through many rounds of chemo + alternative treatments (supplements, etc) and radiation. Was put on tamoxifen early on. Her first onc retired, and the new one told her there was "no way" she could be stage IV - said staging must have been done incorrectly and that she had to be restaged at IIIc. Either way, she is still here (with breasts!), NED, 28 years later! Her story gets presented every year at Grand Rounds at Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit.
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What wonderful stories.....
Thank you all for sharing. I too re-read these stories to help me get through. 0 -
Hi, my story is located under "Inspiring Stories" , it tells about my being diagnosed with breast cancer while I was making wedding plans, it tells of how my fiancee encourage me to go for the mastectomy for we were told by my doctor it would mean a longer survival rate, it is also about my being encouraged by my fiancee, husband (now) to write a book which I did, about my bout and it encourages others to have Faith and most of all HOPE. It is titled " The Healings Of Breast Cancer/A Physical And Spiritual Healing Of My Body And Soul. I,ve been told countless times how it inspired so many women, one from the midwest who didn,t know how she would make it through, until she read my book. This is my Purpose for remaining here, to reach back and INSPIRE others to get THROUGH, it,s online at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. God Bless Us. I,m a 16 yr Survivor, 17 yrs in December (God,s Will). msphil
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bump.
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msphil I will have to check out your book! Thanks for your story.. \
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Hey Ladies, remember that song out in the 70,s( I believe) called " I WILL SURVIVE", that,s what we should say each and everyday, (Positive Affirmations) only. Love to ALL. msphil(16 yr) breast cancer survivor) God Bless.
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Hi Ladies...my mom was diagnosed with BC in 1975, had a mastectomy and just celebrated her 90th birthday in May. Mom is a very spry 90, she came and stayed with us and took care of me when I was going through chemo. Still runs circles around me.
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Scooter-12 congratulations to your mother! and happy 90th birthday! 0
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Dearest sisters,
Five years ago today, I waited nervously for the entire morning and tried to keep myself busy on the computer. What was I waiting for? I was waiting to go to the doctor, so he could tell me, "It came back cancer."
I knew it the moment my husband found my lump. He saved my life, and I will never be able to fully share with him how tremendous of a husband he really is-I don't know what kind of words can completely portray that message. When my husband said, "When was the last time you did a breast exam?", and put my hand on the lump he had felt, my heart sank.I did do self exams on a fairly regular basis, but as a woman with "lumpy boobs" it became so monotonous to me that I often let it lapse to a once every other month occurrence.
I also just had my yearly check up with my gyno, and came up all clear.
However, that moment I felt that lump, I KNEW it wasn't right. It felt as hard as a rock. It was HUGE. It was sickening.
I tried to reassure him (translation: myself) that my boobs always got lumpy between my period cycles. I said I would wait till my period came (due about a week later), and if it didn't change, I'd get it checked.
I poked at my breast constantly that whole weekend and hoped/prayed the lump would go away. "Maybe it was just the angle we were poking at it," I'd think to myself as I poked and prodded so hard my breast turned red.
We had been trying to get pregnant as of that very month. I was feeling tired and nauseous, and my BOOB hurt. NOT my boobs. Nonetheless, I was excited and was sure I had a baby growing inside me. Yep, I was giving birth. I was pregnant with cancer.
I couldn't take the nagging feeling I had and called for an appointment that Monday. I had the sonogram and mammogram, and with both tests, I had such a horrible feeling. Both tests took forever! The techs would just say, "Oh, the doctor wanted a different angle....." and took TONS of pictures.
Do the techs think we are unable to decipher the sideways glances and nervous looks? I don't know about you, but I was completely aware something was wrong (no matter WHAT they said).
When the doctor came in, I really knew it wasn't right. She said, "It's up to you, but I think you might want to do a biopsy. I'm concerned with the irregular borders I am seeing."
Oh, the whirlwind of emotions! Denial! Anger! Fear! Sadness! Confusion! What?!?! This couldn't be! Besides, what the he** did that even MEAN??!! I had no idea what those terms meant back then. (Now I am writing a book about it so other women don't feel the terror I felt).
I had to wait nearly two weeks for the biopsy, and that is when I came to breastcancer.org. I grew to love the women here instantly. What an amazing resource I had right before my eyes. I was on the computer constantly, chatting away and asking question after question.Five years ago today, my husband, 15 month old son and I walked nervously into a small room where we had to wait for our lives to be forever changed. The doctor who did my biopsy came in, avoiding eye contact, and in a sing-song voice, said, "Hello! How are you today?" He smiled awkwardly, looking at the enormous packet of slides, and the giant breast cancer book he held.
He said, "I'm afraid I have a bomb to drop on you. It came back cancer....." He continued on with a flurry of statements that I just heard as "cancercancercancercancercancercancercancercancer"
He stopped briefly and looked at my glassy blank eyes, saying "Are you ok?!?" I nodded and didn't say a word. I failed to tell him that I had no idea what he was telling me, because I didn't speak "cancer" very well. I didn't tell him that instead of listening to him, I concentrated on my baby, who was happily eating soggy Cheerios from his stroller.
After he finished talking I asked him all the questions I was told to ask him (these are all things the women here taught me and I thank you all so much). He had no answers, handed me a yellow post-it note with a name and number, and said, "I wish you all the best, do you need a moment in here?" I nodded, and began a high-pitched wail that lasted for what seemed to be an eternity.
I clung to my husband, who held on just as tightly to me and let me cry. I remember sitting on that cheap sofa, and my husband getting up and moving closer to me so I could reach him better. I buried my face in his lap and screamed. Every time the tears began to slow down, I'd re-hear the doctor....
"I'm afraid I have a bomb to drop......cancercancercancercancercancer......"
I looked at my sweet, precious baby who sat unknowingly in his stroller, happily eating and oblivious the entire time. I needed my baby and held on to him, afraid to let go. My sweet boy had no idea what was happening to Mommy. He obediently let Daddy pull him out of the stroller so his Mommy could hold on tight.
It was almost as if I was afraid that if I didn't clutch my husband and son with all my might, I'd lose them.
Or, worse, that they'd lose me.
Oh, the things that have happened since September 29th, 2005. All the things that went wrong....the doctor I was referred to that day had no idea I was told to come to her, and had no openings until a month later. Like I was going sit idly and wait?
I was told that there was time to wait, because it takes years for cancer to grow inside of you. However, my tumor was GROWING before our very eyes. I had a high-grade cancer, and to this day I am so glad I took it upon myself to say, "SCREW you, I'm not waiting," I went to the American cancer society president, and a winner of the MacArthur genius grant almost immediately. How is it I got in to see them so quickly?!?! Oh, the Lord was working His ways.
It was the genius doctor who saved me from that point. She determined that my tumor was simply out of control, and while it looked to be only 2.3 cm on the surface, it went back to my chest wall and was anywhere between 7-10 cm. I was in trouble, and nobody knew it until then.
I did pre-op chemo, which had its own list of mishaps. I had infections galore, missed lots of treatments due to bad blood counts, and had to remind my doctor at the end of treatment that he OWED me some treatments! I learned to FIGHT for myself.
I had my bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction on June 15th of 2006. The morning of surgery, my husband took a short video of me without my top on, and took pictures of my once huge DD boobs. It makes me cry when I see the video-not because I miss my huge boobs (I do, by the way), but because I looked so sick and so terrified. I've only watched that video a handful of times. I can't bear to look.
So, my amazing husband took care of me, even helping me to bathe. What a precious man he was during my 6 weeks of recovery. Don't get me wrong, we fought like crazy, because we had not spent so much constant time together since we were dating. Nonetheless, he gave so much of himself to me. Again, how do you thank someone for something like that?
I had 36 radiation treatments, and made the rads team a hotdog cake with hamburger cookies and french fry cake pieces. I attached a note saying, "Some things were meant to be fried, grilled, and broiled. My breasts aren't one of those things!" I loved my rads team.
Now that I am five years since dx., I am piecing my life back together. I am getting back into life and loving every moment (the good, the bad, and the glorious!). I have finally learned that my debilitating pain is related to fibromyalgia. I could have kissed the doctor for telling me it was fibro and not cancer!
Not a day goes by where I don't think of parts of my cancer journey. I still wear my CANCER SUCKS t-shirts, and talk openly to anyone who questions it. I stop people in the stores who are clearly going through chemo and talk to them. I have flashed dozens of curious women my braless chest. I don't care if they see it. I have no humility, and besides, cancer loves to try and make us as uncomfortable with our bodies as possible. Dangit-I am NOT going to let cancer win that struggle. Screw you, cancer.
I created my "Pink-Ribbon Mobile" this year and cover my car with "cancer sucks!" magnets. People always stop me and ask about where I got the magnets. I always ask their story, and reach over and grab a magnet and hand it to them. Tears well up in their eyes, we both cry and hug and we move on. We both get stronger from the experience.
I also had the honor of speaking at a Relay that was sponsored by my former HS. I spoke with a former classmate who was not my friend back then. Breast cancer brought us together and we are now friends for life. (My speech is on facebook for anybody to see, btw!)
Last year brought an entirely new bout of fun for our family. After more than a year of begging any doctor I knew to listen to me, I finally found out I had colon cancer.
Good Lord. I mean that one too. GOOD LORD! The Lord had been very good to us by helping us somehow detect that cancer. I had been pushing and pushing for a doctor to test me. I had a colonoscopy, and an endoscopy. While the endoscopy showed that I had gastritis ("Whoo-hoo" was my response to that one, if I remember correctly), the colonoscopy was different.
I had woken up several times during the procedure. I grabbed the nurse standing beside me, begging and pleading with her to stop what they were doing because "I COULD FEEL IT!!!" I had never felt so powerless in my life.
As I was coming to in the recovery room (and tooting a symphony of farts, I might add), the Doctor came in. "You had two polyps. I removed one, but because of the location of the other one, you will have to have surgery to remove it." At this point, I clearly remember thinking, "Phhfft! Whatever. Surgery. Bah." I felt cocky, like this was old-school to me.
Then he dropped the C bomb on me.
Cancercancercancercancercancer.....................
I began to cry in between toots. My son intently watched PBS Kids shows and my Dear Hubby began to get a vacant look in his eye.
We were told we would find out the initial path reports in about 5 days. I waited in sheer misery. Again?! Come on, already!
At 4:59 on the promised day, I was finally given a phone call. I was told the polyp was benign. However, I was still encouraged to have surgery. I saw my PCP the next day, and he hollered, "That polyp is huge! You need to get it out, NOW!"
Before I knew it, I was scheduled for a right hemicolectomy. The surgery was 3 days later, and it was beyond what I could imagine. When I woke up that night, a nurse's aide was yanking a pillow out from behind me (to get to the NG tube and flush it). The sudden movement caused a wave of intense spasms that continued for over 2 days. They were so intense that I had difficulty breathing, and they would knock me over as I would attempt to walk a few steps.
I felt cocky. I had gone into this surgery thinking I was a pro, and instead, I felt like a fool.
Once again, I had to succumb to what cancer was demanding of me. I had to do this in order to become victorious. I HAD to gnash my teeth in pain while I attempt to turn over. I HAD to utter strange sounds and wails while I felt spasms overtake my body while I walked. I HAD to accept help, or I would never recover.
So, cancer had another brief affair with the body I once thought I knew and understood. It took approximately a month before I truly began to feel functional. However-it's been about 6 months since the surgery and I still feel pain, discomfort, and can never again eat the foods I once loved.
Last November I had my gallbladder removed, and had surgery to fix all the adhesions in my belly. I had an infection and my leg was swollen. I had a DVT and a completely blocked clot. This could have killed me, but IT WASN'T CANCER! The experience taught me I am a "normal" human being. Just because I had (3) cancers, I finally learned that I can get afflictions that "regular" people get.
Cancer has changed me, and while I would NEVER want to go through this again, I am grateful for what I have learned during this journey. I have learned to appreciate my husband who can drive me crazy at times. When he makes me nuts, I remember all that he did for me.
The different thing about this year is that I have learned that it did not matter how much I tried to acknowledge my husband's loyalty to my recovery and his love for me, the chronic stress can finally catch up with the person who loves you most on this earth. While he really did believe my previous cancer was just a bump in our proverbial road, this time has really shaken his confidence in my recovery. He has been given the most difficult taste of "fight or flight syndrome" ever imaginable. While my body has been given a diagnosis of NED, my loving husband now lives in worry and fear of something else slamming into our lives.
Why do I share this with you? I can't beg you all enough to look at your loved one/caregiver/spouse, and really, truly ask how they are. Grab onto each other's hand, look each other in the eye, and assure one another that you have both made it through another day.
Just remind each other that even though cancer has marched in and out (and perhaps in and out and in and out) of your lives, you will still experience "normal" illness. Cancer does not make us exempt from living the life we once knew. We had worked so hard on making sure I was well that we neglected the well-being of my husband. We have to now acknowledge that we will always "live" with cancer, but we have to trust that I am NOT dying from it.
I have learned to appreciate each and every precious moment I have with my baby. The same principal applies-he is a 6 year old who can make me crazy, yet I am so glad I have that opportunity to experience him growing up. In the last year alone, I have been blessed with the opportunity to watch my Cheerio-eating son go to kindergarten, find a best friend, go to play dates, write his name, read books out loud, ride a bike, and the list goes on. My son catches me on a daily basis watching him act out "his stories." When he sees me grinning at him with a goofy sort of glee, he asked what I was doing. I answered, "Soaking it all in, sweet child."
Cancer changed my son just as it changed my husband and I. He tells every person that sees our car that his Mommy is a survivor, "can't you tell?" When I go to the doctor with my son in tow, he prepares his bag of toys and brings a snack. As I lay down for exams, he reaches up and pokes at my belly and foobs just like my doctor does. Because of cancer, my son faces his fears head-on. He has learned to be fiercely independent (because Mommy didn't always feel good). He has also developed a gentle nature. While we find ourselves collapsing beneath the stress of it all, our son reaches up and gives us a hug at the moment we need it.
2 summers ago, I had my son enrolled in a 3 week long, intensive physical therapy camp. My foob had ruptured the second week (for no apparent reason). I had the option of going to my original surgeon two days later, but that would have meant taking my son out of the therapy that was teaching him so much. I chose to go for two weeks with a deflated foob (I walked all over Chicago with a lopsided chest). The experience made me realize that I have finally graduated to the next level...the level where the inconvenience of cancer will never invade my life AGAIN.
We did the Chicago therapy experience this past summer as well. This year, my heart ached for the company of my husband. I missed that man with such a fierce nature I surprised myself. What did this teach me? I now know that my husband is my soul mate. He is my true love. He is my world. I hate to admit it, but I think cancer taught me that. If anything, it has taught me to be a much better wife and a better mommy.
I love you all, and pray for each of us!
Love and prayers, Deb0 -
Hi Carmelle (Michelle) I remember you from years ago, I'm an oldie here, posted to this original thread back in 2005!. haven't been posting for a long time....My success story is me..8 years out this month!! where has the time gone?
diagnosed Oct/2002, IDC, 5/11 nodes, stage 2, grade 2, ER+PR+, HER2-..2.3cm............. Still going strong,living each day to the fullest, and leaving the rest to god..I have a 13 year old daughter who is going on 30, lol!! and a 17 year old son who is about to apply to University!! I plan on being here for them for a very long time...michelle, great to have found you again on these boards and I'm so happy to hear that you are doing well. Hugs to all ...Diane
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I think I've read almost every story on here. Thank you all so much everyone for sharing your inspirational and personal stories. I am going to mark this as one of my favorite topics, and continue to draw hope and encouragement from it. I have also been watching Dawn at Cancer Treatment Centers of America and her journey through treatment. She is a beautiful strong woman who is so brave and gracious to share her experience with the world. I recommend watching some of her videos if you're looking for inspiration.0
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bump. need more sucess stories
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Hi Diane...remember you too! This thready has been around since 2003. Amazing. So glad you are doing so well. Coming to join you at 8 years this March. (although I had lump two years prior so I think 10 is the real #) My boys were in diapers and now in grade 4 and 6. amazing how much life can be lived in so few years. all the best. Michelle
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Today is my 2 year cancerversity. 2 years ago today I received the call that no one should receive, "Marlene I am sorry you have breast cancer." 1 week before my 45th birthday!
After the initial shock (that lasted about 2 minutes) I leaped into action. Contact my breast care navigator and made my apt to see the surgeon. The wait began.... I had an MRI 11/26 and surgery 12/4. My Oncotype score came back at 25 (16% recurrence) and due to my age I decided to have chemo. Chemo (T&C- 4X) - started 1/13/09 and the last chemo was on my grandmothers birthday-3/17. I started tamoxifen 3/30 and radiation started 4/1/09. 33 radiation treatments later I was done (except tamoxifen)
I sit here today so grateful to everyone who has helped me get to this point. Thank you everyone!
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