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Somehow I missed this thread. I've just read it all, and all I can say is "WOW!!" No wonder I feel so much empathy and love for those on this website. You are all so incredible. I just have to add my 2 cents worth, since as most of you know I am a 23 year survivor of BC. I don't know how to do my personal history column at the end of each post, so will briefly repeat it here:
Diagnosed at age 56 in 1985 with early stage BC. Bilateral mastectomy + reconsturcton (silicone) No chemo
Mets to T-9 and T-10 vertebra in 1990 (within 5 years) No chemo, used diet change, psychonueroimmunology (hypnosis and meditation), plus 5 years of Tamoxifen. My last MRI in 1995 report stated "HEALED metastatic breast cancer)
I took that literally and "forgot" about BC for 15 years. Lived very active personal and professional life
Heart attack in 2004+ CT showed BC mets to lungs, now her2. In hospital 1 month due to heart attack and pnuemonia then treatment with herceptin and navelbine for 6 months. Herceptin alone for 9 more months. Heart affected (ef=30), triple bypass, 2006.
Moved 3 times; finally settled and stable in S. Utah, a wonderful area; last 3 PET's=NED (Latest PET in June 2008)
I am now 78 years old (will be 79 Dec. 9), looking forward to being 80 in Dec. 2009. I have severe fibromyalgia, so I have to ignore pain. I faithfully take diovan and coreg cr , which has greatly helped the cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. I also take femara and fuerosimide and the suplement Reliv. I eat mostly vegetarian, try to exercise some. My ef is now over 50. I live life to the fullest, am writing my life story, am very active in my church, enjoy my wonderful husband , 9 children, 32 grands and 32+ great grands. Life is good. I don't have extra energy to worry about BC, will probably die of a heart attack anyway, but life is still so much fun I plan to be around awhile, and no matter what, LIVE every day.
I don't know where I fit into the statistics, since my onc gave me less than a year when I started herceptin. I just laughed at him and said "Watch me!" I have cashed in my life insurance. That was fun.
I still think this website is one of the best things that has happened to me. I appreciate Joe and Christine so much, and I love and appreciate each one of you. As I read your posts I visualize each one of you and pray for you. I know how dibilitating fear is, but I remind myself that "fear and faith cannot co-exist" so I concentrate on faith.
Sorry this is so long, but I want to add one more thing, my latest favorite quote to live by. It's from the CancerCrusade:
When you come to the edge of all the light you know and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things will happen: there will be something solid for you to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly. (Patrick Overton)
I believe that. And I love you all. Hugs, Tricia
Last edited by TriciaK; 08-05-2008 at 12:22 PM..
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Years NED
Hybrid Mode
