What part of survivorship surprised you most?

moderators
moderators Posts: 10,640
in Life After Breast Cancer Treatment: Now What?

Please share your experiences with survivorship. What has been the most surprising/difficult/inspiring aspect of your life since finishing your breast cancer treatment? What do you wish you had known or been prepared for before transitioning into this next phase of your life after cancer?

Comments

  • vadwad
    vadwad Posts: 1

    It’s been 13 years since my mastectomy and 11 years since a small recurrence that led to a lumpectomy. I had all 12 lymph nodes removed from my left arm and went through 8 weeks of radiation. Out of nowhere, I recently started feeling a burning sensation in that breast. After an MRI and ultrasound, everything came back clear — still cancer‑free.

    My doctor thinks the burning is from long‑term radiation effects and fat necrosis. It’s reassuring, but the sensation really caught me off guard.

    Is anyone else dealing with similar late‑onset symptoms years after treatment?

  • pqueen.2025
    pqueen.2025 Posts: 3

    ”caught early” grade 1, stage 1. I am surprised and sad that after surgery my breast was so lopsided, after being told I did not need plastic surgeon for this small tumor. Then I had plastic surgery about 6 months after I completed radiation and it’s awful! My nipple is pointing almost to the side. I am so sad and mad! I wish I had never had any surgery. I feel like a freak.

  • kks_11
    kks_11 Posts: 229

    Two-time survivor here. I'm genuinely surprised at how long it's taking me to recover the second time around. It's all manageable and "normal" (per my onc), but the fatigue, brain fog, and daily pain just keeps lingering. I try not to let it scare me or slow me down - I'm here to freaking live my life! This has been a hard week and I'm trying to show myself grace.

  • moderators
    moderators Posts: 10,640

    Sending hugs @kks_11! Hoping the end of the week has good things in store for you and you can enjoy the weekend, and that next week is better for you.

    Thanks for chiming in!❤️

  • m0mmyof3
    m0mmyof3 Posts: 10,494

    Its 13 years since the diagnosis and I keep telling myself keep pushing as I have a lot to live for. In my journey when I come across someone who is where I was I tell them to never give up and don't let cancer define who they are.

  • golfinggal189
    golfinggal189 Posts: 2

    i had weekly taxol and herceptin for 12 weeks followed my 15 treatments of radiation. I am now just on Herceptin injections until April 2027 every 21 days. I should feel good I got through chemo and radiation, but instead I just want to cry all the time…….any suggestions

  • moderators
    moderators Posts: 10,640

    Welcome, @golfinggal189! We're so sorry you find yourself here, but we're glad you've joined this community. What you've described is very common - many people aren't able to process the full emotional weight of what a cancer diagnosis and treatment can bring while they are in active treatment, they're just focused on getting through each day. Often, it's not until they are on the other side of it that it really starts to sink in.

    Having a good support system, both in person and here in this community, can definitely help. We're here to talk and listen and just support you through this, as you navigate this "after" stage and learn how to be in this new normal.

    The Mods

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