OMG......15 Frickin' Years with Stage IIIC
If someone told me back in 2004 that I would be out 15 years….I honestly wouldn't have believed them.
Most of you know my story…..but just in case someone missed it;) I found a lump myself after just having a clear exam at my doctor's office five weeks earlier. I had a rushed mammogram followed by a sonogram and was told nothing was there. I pushed to get a biopsy anyway. The surgeon was quite indignant and told me I was fine and didn't need it. I told him.. "I am going to hang around the pool with my kids this Memorial Day weekend and I want to do it with peace of mind". Several days later the same surgeon called my husband ( instead of me) and told him I was in a serious place and most likely had only a few years ahead of me. My children were 7, 9 and 13. "She would likely not see the youngest graduating elementary school." My tumor was 8cm with at least 17 nodes positive.
Being both a corporate executive and mother……it was most difficult not being in control….not being able to "fix" this. At the same time…. I wasn't going down without a big fight. I was going to do whatever I needed to do to improve my odds. I traveled the US to find an oncologist. One by one they all said the same thing….no good news….one actually cried in front of me. I finally found an oncologist in Texas who told me my cancer didn't scare him. He partnered with an oncologist here in Florida. We took a very aggressive approach which included blood transfusion, platelet transfusions, hospital stays, etc.
Over the next few years it was very scary…..I didn't buy any shoes… or clothes..and I was in the fashion business;) Why spend the money if I am not going to be here? I instead spent my money on memories with my kids. My biggest fear was that they would not remember me.....or how much I simply adored them. We went to Paris, Rome, tubing the springs, football games....took lots of pictures….it helped to have something in the near future planned to keep me from spiraling to a dark place.
So this week I am 15 years out and feel incredibly blessed. I have seen elementary graduations, high school graduations and college graduations----one still on the extended college plan;) We have made more memories than I can count. My children will remember me.
I continue to be on Femara which I believe has been my silver bullet.
My one simple advice to give you as I drink my merlot and celebrate with other old-timers marking anniversaries this month……..have hope... it's an awesome thing and....
BUY THE SHOES.
Jacqueline
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I soooo enjoyed reading your story, thanks for sharing!
Cheers
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Jacqueline -- thank you SO much for sharing your story. You are a true inspiration and it's posts like these that give hope to so many.
Enjoy the celebration of this incredible milestone!
((((BIG HUGS))))
--The Mods
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Congratulations on 15 years!!! I hope I am as fortunate as you to see my children grow up.
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Thank you for giving me hope! Wish you the best!!
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Thank you so much for coming back and sharing!!! It means so much to read stories such as yours. Congratulations and continued good health to you!!0
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I deeply appreciate your story. Congratulations!
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Jacqueline,
I cannot imagine even one percent of what you've been through.. Thank you so so much for sharing your amazing story. Wishing you all the best.
Julie
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marry me Jacqueline. What an inspiration you are!
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Ms. Jacqueline,
You should see and enjoy your grandchildren to whom you will pass on your wisdom.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the inspiration.
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Congratulations, and thank you so much for sharing!
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Jacqueline: you've always been a hero to me! Keep on reaching those milestones and I'll do my best to follow in your footsteps...
Virtual hugs - Julie
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Jacqueline, your post was so inspirational! I read it many times, and most likely will read it many more!
Thank you for posting your story! Wishing you many, many more years! I bet your children grew up with an appreciation of life, and I would guess that they don’t give up on their personal challenges either! What a great role model you are!
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We really don't know who we touch when we log on here. I have met some wonderful cyber friends and also met a few in person.
Jacqueline you have no idea how you held me up !When I was diagnosed sheer panic, I needed to find people who had survived similiar diagnosis. There were girls here you being one of them that I held onto in the early days so thank you. Life is good !Hugz C
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Thank you Jacqueline for sharing your story. As a mum of two kids myself I pray everyday to see them grow and to be there for them. This has been very inspiring. Thank you
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Oh Jacqueline,
I love this! You were/are truly a beacon for me back in those dark days. I am so very happy you are well and are continuing to make memories. Life is so precious and good. Toasting to you with my Cab.
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I'm shocked that a mammogram and sonogram missed an 8 cm tumor and 17 positive lymph nodes. Jeez!
What a hopeful story. I'm so happy for you. Really inspired and thank you for sharing!
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Jacqueline,
so awesome. !Thank you for sharing with us!!
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Jacqueline,
so awesome. !Thank you for sharing with us!!
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julie, 13 years for you so awesome!! You girls give us hope! Can I ask how your bones have done with the arimidex? Im verging on osteoporosis but am afraid to take the bisphosfamates
Marin
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Congratulations, Jacqueline! Thank you for sharing with us. I hope the years continue to pile up.
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Truly uplifting story...your okayness is enhancing mine. I thought I knew you story well, but I learned new things here tonite. Such a story of darkness being beaten back with courage. Weesa
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Jacqueline, I have read your posts over the past 5 years and will continue to. Always, uplifting, honest and relatable. Thank you, and huge congratulations to you!!
Raising a virtual glass from Ireland😉
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God bless you sister !!! So happy to here !!!!
Yes but the shoes !!!!❤️❤️❤️💕💕💕💕💕
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Oh my goodness. You have made me smile and cry this morning. I’m off shoe shopping. And this weekend I’m going to make a memory with my kid. Insoired🍷🍷
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wow and wow! Here's to 15 more!
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So very inspiring. I needed this today. Thanks for sharing.
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How did I miss this!!! Congratulations to you, Jacqueline on 15 years!!! I always love your posts and am so grateful for you always encouraging words! Thank you for always taking the time too come back and cheer us on!!
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Thank you for sharing this...I came here looking for some uplift, and got some.
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I need to read this today! Thank you so much for sharing and continuing to come back and give those of us still in treatment hope!
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