Exceptional Responders

itzmeshel

I am so blessed to learn today I fall into a category literally called exceptional responders. Any others out there? How do you cope? Got any tricks for not being both elated and frustrated at the same time? I was 37 when I was diagnosed and I promise, every bit thankful for every healthy day since as I am here 16 years later. My one lesion was a single spot in a rib. Everyone around me thinks I am cured. Well other then my oncologist. I am becoming weary, exhausted of being exhausted. All the years of treatments and surgeries and scans and pills are getting me, and I feel like a jerk, cause yeah, I am lucky just to be here.

heidihill

i'm one of the lucky ones with 19 years behind me since they spotted one spinal lesion. I've also been done with treatments for some years. So yeah I'm no longer as exhausted due to that, on the other hand i'm now almost 70 and aging also saps your energy. We can't have everything, but we are indeed lucky! I get scans every two years only now. I still hate them. I am lucky to be getting old, woohoo!! Wishing you more energy and continued exceptional responses.

margarita12

itzmeshel and heidihill congratulations on this many years that you have been responding to therapies so well!

You are a source of inspiration and I wish the same for my mother who is in the first line of therapy with verzenios.

cugrad99

I had 9.5 years on my first line treatment (Ibrance). And I felt all those things, even survivors guilt when others I deemed more worthy didn't get more time. Then in August we found 2 small new bone mets and a PIK3CA mutation. I finish radiation and find out my new drug protocol this coming Tuesday, with fingers crossed for another 9 (or more). Stay vigilante!

moderators

Hi @itzmeshel, welcome to Breastcancer.org! And congratulations on 16 years. It’s okay to feel grateful for that time and still be tired of everything that comes with living with cancer. Those feelings can exist together. We're glad to see you're finding support and connection here with others who understand that mix of emotions.

We hope you’ll continue to share your experience and find others who can relate.

Best wishes,

From the Mods