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Re: What has cancer given you? The good and the bad?
I agree with most everything that all of you have said, except for a small quibble with the language.
I don't really think of it, in my own mind, as what cancer has "given" me. It's more along the line of what I took, or gleaned, from the experience (and I'm full of gratitude for all that has been taken or gleaned). To me, that slightly more active tense paints us as less victims or passive recipients and more as active participants. As the years go on, that seems important to me, although early-on I didn't distinguish or quibble in this manner.
Debbie Laxague
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3/01 ~ Age 49. Occult primary announced by large (6cm) axillary node, found by my husband.
4/01 ~ Bilateral mastectomies (LMRM, R elective simple) - 1.2cm IDC was found at pathology. 5 of 11 axillary nodes positive, largest = 6cm. Stage IIIA
ERPR 5%/1% (re-done later at Baylor, both negative at zero).
HER2neu positive by IHC and FISH (8.89).
Lymphovascular invasion, grade 3, 8/9 modified SBR.
TX: Control of arm of NSABP's B-31 adjuvant Herceptin trial (no Herceptin, inducing a severe case of Herceptin-envy): A/C x 4 and Taxol x 4 q3weeks, then rads. Raging infection of entire chest after small revision of mastectomy scar after completing tx (significance unknown). Arimidex for two years, stopped after second pathology opinion.
2017: Mild and manageable lymphedema and some cognitive issues.
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