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I was origianally dx with Stage II- 10 years ago.Did adrymycin/cytoxin chemo and was fine til Jan 2003 when i had a reocurrance to my lungs-Having worked in the medical field all my life I knew Stage IV meant "no cure-just treatment" which is the information my onc gave me. I began tx with taxotere and herceptin and it it did its job- My lung nodules have been"stable" since almost a year ago. In Aug of 2003 I was diagnosed with mets to the brain with 6 lesions-too many for GK my onc said so I did WBR- he said it would give me an extra 6 months-I changed oncs-he was not willing to do follow up scans- said once it went to the brain there was nothing to do unless I had symptoms. My new onc is much kinder- very realistic -answers my quesetions and willing to work with me in terms of treatments,tests We both know my "prognisis".I battle one thing at a time- Recently I had a scare thinking this had moved into mu CNS so I had a lumabar puncture. Thankfully it ws negative. Another angel on my shoulder!
-There are statistics all over the place and they are all very grim when it comes to Stage IV- - I ignore them! Yes we know Stage IV is "not curable" but by gosh it is treatable!And everyday they are coming around with new ideas and treatments!
I have learned we cant always choose our battles but we always have a choice how to fight them and for me there is no question but to keep those gloves on and fight as long and hard as the Good Lord gives me time! I use every ounce of energy to the good and dont look back on what "coulda been" That is such a waste! I thank God for every day I wake up enjoy the good days with my family and friends and roll with the punches on the bad, knowing tomorrow is a new day.
So gals- everyone get together ,keep the faith and prayers for each other. We are a tough bunchand will be making history and setting expamples for those to come. So hang in there- Patty D
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