7 year IBC anniversay

[juliet]

Especially for those of you newly diagnosed, I wanted to, hopefully, give some encouragement to those of you with IBC (and those who are also Her2 positive). I was offically diagnosed with IBC Dec. 22, 2001. It was a long haul to get a correct diagnosis with much wasted time and frustration on my husband's and my part as "any first year medical student would know this is a mastitis." (That quotation was from the head of surgery in our local hospital!) Fortunately, I left the NJ area and I was accepted into a trial at Dana Farber Cancer Inst. in Boston after I was deemed Her2 positive, and began with Navelbine/Herceptin, MRM, AC, Taxol/Herceptin, radiation/Herceptin, then Herceptin to round out the year's worth. (Herceptin was only used for metastatic cancer at that point). Protocols have somewhat changed, I know, but I have not had a recurrence!

[ElaineM]

Congratulations !! Way to go !!
Happy New Year !! Good health to you in 2009 and beyond !!

[Mary Anne in TX]

Congratulations, Juliet! You are an inspiration to all of us!

[Believe51]

Juliet, congratulations on breaking all the rules. I know this has not been an easy journey but girl....look at you now. You are the true inspiration I need today (and every day). Kudos My Sweet!!>>Believe51

[Shobha]

Thanks Juliet for sharing this with us. I really needed to hear it this morning. I often fall off the "postive thinking" wagon when I read some article that has statistics in it. Your post really helped me. Congratualtions!

[Believe51]

Shobha, although difficult please do not look at those statistics. Even with Ed's initial dx (6-9 months) and with the 'old' average stat (21 months) he has exceeded all expectations. Ed is another one of my inspirations, 28 months babe! Keep fighting My Friend and take baby steps, trudge forward with us. We are breaking the rules and I want you to join us. One day at a time, breathe and do not forget to keep one step ahead of it all. It is alright to fall off the 'positive thinking wagon' but we are just going to pick you up 'cause you are coming with us! Smile....we love you and we stand together in this!!>>Believe51

[Shobha]

Thank you, Marie. I do get incredible strength from this group. Ed is truly an inspiration for me and your fight for your husband makes me have faith in human spirit and endurance.

I promise to fight hard and stay positive :)

[Believe51]

Shobha, you are pretty amazing too!! It is tough at times to stay so positive with this aggressive disease. The realities sometimes have to be pushed away so that I can maintain a healthy outlook and stay sane. The laws of averages are meant to be broken, that in itself inspires me at moments. Hope you are feeling better today. Hugs>>Believe51

[vickie h]

Juliet, I was given a year to live at my diagnosis and felt so devastated at the time. I remember lying in the hospital, fighting back the tears as they spilled freely down my cheeks onto my blue hospital gown. That seems like ages ago now, five years later and still rising each morning in search of the sunnny smiles of my friends, husband and grandchildren. Statistics are just that...statistics. Your post gives me the gift of looking even further down that path, past the bends and turns, the twists and the turns, the darkness and light. Thank you, dear one for my New Year gift of hope and may I turn around and hand it to my sisters out there who are stepping across this threshold. Walk softly, compassionately, and with great hope and love in the days ahead. I'll meet you at the fork in the road ahead....Love, vickie

[Believe51]

Vickie, thanks for your reply, I always look forward to hearing whatever you have to say. Keep fighting the good fight My Dear>>Believe51

[jones7676]

Congratulations and thanks for the inspirations to people in a similar situations and just people fighting with all they have got.

[Midwest Alice]

I am new and I also have IBC. Your news is wonderful!!

[sherri]

Juliet,

You made my day, I was dx in Dec. 2004, I hope I'll write the same in 3 years.

Big hug,

[lexigirl]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful story. It gives us much hope.

Lexi

[schoolteacher]

Juliet,

Thank you for offering us hope.

Amelia

[madubois63]

Juliete, Congratulations!! My official date is January 12, 2000, so I'm a little before you. May you dance with NED until it doesn't matter anymore!!!