[sarah]

Great post Denise and be NED, we like Ned!
the stats fit me, 1st time 50 yrs old, 2nd invasive 55. (no Herceptin 1st time around in the USA in 1999 for me despite the fact I brought it up to everyone)
However I believe that there are more treatments available now (certainly if I'd been given Herceptin the 1st time around, I may not have had a recurrence????) and more treatments on the way. I just hope that they are quickly available, affordable and that they are not just drugs that can make companies a lot of money. I am hopeful. I know I am alive today because of Herceptin and Dr. Slamon and my french oncologist and the French system of health care that didn't ask me to pay for something I couldn't afford, in fact when I was diagnosed in France, the first question they asked me was had the paperwork been done so that I would be covered a 100% instead of only 80%. I had no idea what they were talking about but they checked on it and said yes the paperwork was in and that I shouldn't worry about anything except getting well! what a difference with the first time which was in the USA and that call to the insurance company in the USA which left me, a business woman, in tears. Luckily I have a good husband who told me, that's the last call you make. just tell me which hospital and what doctor you want but what if I hadn't had him??? In France, no problem because there is no fight and you can choose your doctor and hospital and in fact I've changed both. I only wish that everywhere had this system. Being sick is hard enough.
I'm not sure a cure will ever be there but I do believe strongly in my heart that we can all stay alive and live a good life for a long time and I know I don't have to say to anyone on this site that every day is precious and to be enjoyed and to love our families and friends and forgive them quickly for any hurts they inflict unknowingly. I'm here almost 10 years more than I thought and boy do I enjoy it!!!! boring doesn't exist!
health and happiness
love sarah