5 Years NED

['lizbeth]

Five years and 2 days ago . . .

I had my final surgery to remove the axillary lymph nodes. Since then every scan and test has been NED.

Before the approval of Herceptin I had a 67% chance of recurrence. I have been taxaned, trastuzumabed and vaccinated. If I had had any idea that I would have been able to make 5 years without any more cancer I wouldn't have worried so much.

Whippee!

[LeahM]

In one month I will be a year since diagnosis. Hearing that you are 5 years NED and shouldn't have worried so much makes me breath easier.
Congrats!

['lizbeth]

Thanks Leah,

Yep, I worried - lots. I worked every angle I could find, and talk my doctors into. I never, ever want to do chemo again. That is why I'm so excited about TDM1 being approved for MBC.

I got the BRCA testings. I got TOP2A testing. I had acupuncture. I did Prescriptive exercise for Cancer Survivors and got my mets (breath measurement) above 12. I ate vegetables and avoided alcohol. I joined the GP2 vaccine trial. I joined the ENERGY study at UCSD. I studied massage therapy and am becoming a Holistic Health Practitioner. I'm trying to lose weight.

You know - if there had been a test to show that I wouldn't have had a recurrence - I'd have missed a lot of positive changes in my life.

[europa]

'lizbeth: You and I are a lot alike. ;)

I hound my Oncologist about all sorts of trials, tests, programs...you name it. But I think I'm done now that I'm on the vaccine trial and the MEtforming trial. Well, I am about to start a Ketogenic Diet...but that's a lifestyle change that I know will help me on a variety of levels.

[anna4969]

Lizbeth

Hooray for you. Such blessings to report!!! You have wonderful news and I am listening to your words " that if you had known you would have these 5 years, you wouldn't have worried so much" Boy oh boy, do I wish I could abide by that and stop the worrying. It is three years for me, though just had my last Herceptin in late January, so I am not completely sure if I can really call it 3 years. I just love to read your posts and always hear that you are doing wonderful as I did the GP2 also. I am thankful for it every single day and know it has great potential for us.

Be well fellow GP2 "er" and many, many more years of freedom from worry!!!!

[roz123]

ya!!!!!! so happy for you
5yrs is such a milestone - enjoy and celebrate

[Jackie07]

Congratulations!

[I wasn't the 'worrying' type - even after having a recurrence... :)]

[karen z]

Whippee!
I like it.
Many congratulations and blessings to you.
karen z

[KDR]

Congratulations!

Karen

[suzan w]

Congrats! Happy day!

[Joanne S]

lizbeth, Time to celebrate. That's wonderful news. So happy for you! My best wishes for continued NED forever... Hugs, Joanne

[tricia keegan]

Congratulation 'Lizbeth, five years is a huge achievement!

[Cannon]

Great news! Enjoy!

[Estelle]

Congrats! We sound a lot alike too, as I actively pursued trials. Here's to the next five, and the next, and the next, etc.

['lizbeth]

Thanks everyone!
Joanne, I love the balloons.

[Jean]

Lizbeth,
Congratulations on your 5 year milestone!
That is wonderful news.

Jean

['lizbeth]

Thanks Jean, and thanks for all the long messages in the beginning when I was a terrified newbie. You were right on about the cancer stuff and it was incredibly helpful.

This is an amazing group of women.

[SusanN]

Little late on HUGE CONGRATS...just want you to know what an inspiration you are to me!!! :)

[Adriana Mangus]

Hi Liz,

Little late but happy to hear the good news...


Take care,

Adriana

[Estelle]

Congrats, 'Lizbeth!! I find I worry less as time goes by.