Stage 3A
Diagnosed with big 7.5 tumor, lymph nodes involved. ER+PR+HER2- just finished AC chemo, did one taxol 11 weeks to go. I know I have a long road ahead, and I’m very frightened!! Any positive stories out there
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Hi Piperdo71
Sorry to hear you have joined the least popular club in town. The early days are very tough indeed. It does get better but it takes a while.
Are you able to share a bit more about your pathology (IDC/ILC, tumour grade, number of nodes)?
Try and take one day at a time or else it becomes too overwhelming.
I tried to walk outdoors most days during chemo - it really helped calm me and there is some evidence exercise may increase the effect of the chemotherapy.
There is a thread entitled 'large tumours' a few pages in from this one on the stage 3 board. I must have read it a hundred times! Lots of positive stories there. Also look up the Success Stories thread started by Carmelle.
I know someone who had 30+ positive nodes, massive tumour, triple positive 13+ years ago. She is fine. Totally fine.
Also a lady who diagnosed in the 1980s, no idea about her pathology but she was told it was 'very bad'. In her 80s now I think, no further issues.
And finally a friend of my mum's diagnosed mid 90s. Multiple node involvement. We don't remember her having chemo. In her 70s, busy with her dogs and grandchildren, just living life.
At the start I felt like I could never escape from the horror of my pathology. I don't feel like that any more. I have accepted it and although I do still think about it, I no longer have 'cancer radio' playing in my head. I live my life and I hope for the best.
Good luck with the rest of your treatment. Keep reaching out, we are here for you.
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Diagnosed 4/20/25 ER90% PR95% grade 2 HER 2 - low Ki67 7.5 tumor, and 9 positive nodes. I’m so terrified of recurrence. My life has just stopped and this is all that runs through my brain.
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I do have ILC
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sorry my prognostic stage1
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Yes, prognostic stage 1B and low Ki 67 all of which is good.
What age are you?
Do you think you've had it for a while? I know ILC can be sneaky. Mine was there for ages. It was missed on a scan. This was both awful and reassuring. It had ample opportunity to spread but seemingly hadn't.
Some tumours are just not the travelling kind. I was told mine was 'not showing much interest in going anywhere' (as far as they could tell).
I read recently that large low proliferation/low oncotype tumours are unlikely to spread regardless of nodal status.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360301623054822
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@piperdo71 We hear you! Getting a diagnosis like this — especially while you’re still in treatment — can feel like your whole world has stopped. Many people describe the first months after diagnosis and during chemo as the absolute hardest part emotionally.
Right now, you’re still in the middle of chemo. It’s common for anxiety to peak at this stage; you don’t yet have the “safety net” of finishing treatment or starting hormone therapy. Most people find that once they move into the maintenance phase (endocrine therapy, regular follow-ups), their sense of control and normalcy starts to return.
@starbridge gave some really good points.
Some things that can help you cope with the fear now:- Consider talking with a therapist who specializes in cancer survivorship. They may be able to teach concrete ways to manage fear of recurrence.
- Connect with peer support — either online with our virtual support groups, or locally. Hearing from people with similar diagnoses who are years out and doing well can be powerful.
- Self-compassion practices: simple breathing, mindfulness, or short walks can help calm your nervous system when thoughts spiral.
You’re doing the hard work right now that will give you the best chance at long-term health. It’s okay to feel terrified; it doesn’t mean you’re not strong or that you won’t get through this. With time, treatment, and support, the panic you’re feeling can ease and make space for hope again. We're all here for you.
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I was wondering, is there any survivor stories out there.
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Yes - my wife is an amazing survivor. Diagnosed in 2019. Stage 3c - 12.9 cm tumor, 11/13 nodes, intramammory positive node treated with radiation, both breasts ended up having involvement after reconstruction found more cells in the other breast. We have scans this week so always on edge with the 6 month scan but 6 amazing years post shocking diagnosis as we couldn't find many with tumors as large as hers and I searched the web extensively every night post diagnsis. Multiple doctors kept saying it was "just density" and then one the major hospitals realized that what they were looking at on the mammogram as density was the size of the tumor. The whole "snowball in a snowstorm" effect. A breast MRI lit it up and was the only thing that helped get to diagnosis. It's been a wild road but she's still here and truly thriving and is my inspiration on a daily basis. I post this to say "there is hope" and never stop believing that you are more than a statistic. My hope is adding some pieces of her story gives you encouragement today.
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@dadof3ohio - Thank you so much for coming back to share this update. Stories like yours bring hope to so many here 💝
We’ll be keeping you both in our thoughts and wishing for the best scan results. Please keep us posted!
Gentle hugs,
The Mods0 -
I am still here after a similar diagnosis 5 years ago, but have to admit that it weighs on me everyday. I would strongly recommend seeking out counseling.
I am less focused on it these days than I was in the beginning, so it does get easier.
If your Oncologist hasn't already mentioned it, make sure that you discuss taking Verzenio for 2 years after you complete radiation. It is supposed to reduce the risk of recurrance in cases like ours. Hugs to you.. I 100% know how it feels.
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Positive update from my wife - scans were clear! We were tracking on a few new nodules that showed up in one lung 6 months ago. The verdict was they were either from infection or metastastisis. Looks like it was infection as they went away so we're really happy! It will be 7 years in March of 2026 so we're doing better than expected considering where she started from. I think the treatment matters and also keeping a healthy lifestyle via exercise. Excercise seems to be a huge boost to keeping cancer away based on all the studies we've seen. She opted for hormonal supression plus anastrazole versus tamoxifen based on the data showing a small benefit for anastrazole. Going to stay on at least 10 years. A few years ago her oncologist also suggested she go on Ibrance as she had difficulty with Verzenio. Even though the data was mixed in terms of benefit for pre-stage 4 but advanced cancer in 3, her doctor was a believer and I'm beginning to be one too. Good luck everyone - we're elated with today's news!
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That’s such wonderful news! Thanks so much for sharing. Stories like this bring a lot of hope to others here.
Best,
The Mods
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