Hi Maureen,
I'm in my 10th year of survival; Stage III, 9 positive nodes out of 21; IDC, 5.2 cm tumor, Her2-Neu, estrogen negative.
I was 44 at diagnosis; my kids were 9 and 12, then. Now, I'm writing this from work; my oldest is getting ready to graduate college and my youngest; high school.
You sound like you're getting great care. I didn't get reconstruction until my 6th year; no rush on that.
After your 6 months of Herceptin are up, request another 6 months. Our docs are life-lines but they're not gods. Fight like your life depends on it!
You're entitled. You don't get any points for being a "good" patient.
Very ok to rage, rage, against this disease. No points to be had, either, for being overly docile when anger is appropriate.
But, do put the cancer into the mental small box it deserves and look to the future. You'll be part of it.
Hugs,
-Gabrielle
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