Gabrielle diagnosed Dec 1999 - Still Here

Gabrielle · 12-11-2016, 11:27 AM

Hi friends....still here NED. Finishing 17 years after Dec 1999 diagnosis. The years have gone by quickly and am so grateful for each one. My husband and I are actually talking about retirement in 3 years and I never thought I'd live long enough to have that conversation. Was stage 3 with 9 positive nodes.

I've seen my 12 and 9 year old grow into adulthood, finish college and get good jobs. My daughter is getting married in May. Only we, in here, know what a gift that is.

I don't have special secrets for survival except that I was very aggressive about my treatment. I took a year of herceptin after the conventional chemo; opted for full mastectomy even for the non-cancerous breast and requested a hysterectomy a year after diagnosis (I was 45 then). I have no idea why I survived and other worthy women didn't. Cancer is mysterious.

I still work full time and teach part time. Go to the Y about 3x a week. My weight is normal and I eat everything: nothing is off limits including bacon and chocolate. 61 years old now.

God bless you all. Much love, Gabrielle

lkc Gumby · 12-11-2016, 03:12 PM

Hi Gabrielle, so glad to see your post, and know you are doing well. I am behind you by 5 years, and I too sought out aggressive treatment.
You know we are blessed and thankful everyday for bring so beyond this
Life changing experience. Wishing you a very blessed holiday season!

meo · 12-15-2016, 03:52 PM

Thanks so much for sharing! It gives hope to those of us in the early years of survivorhood to hear of the pioneers ahead of us.

You rock - even got a PhD!

Gabrielle · 12-31-2017, 08:21 PM

Happy 2018 friends. Still here, no recurrence. Keep the faith. Daughter married this year and we’ve moved to Florida. 18 years out, Stage III. God bless you all.

Gabrielle · 02-02-2019, 09:24 PM

Still here. God bless!

StephN · 02-22-2019, 07:33 PM

Glad you stopped in with a brief hello. Keep up the good work and enjoy your good health in Florida!

Ben88 · 09-19-2019, 05:39 AM

Thanks for sharing this awesome news.

Gabrielle · 12-15-2019, 05:47 PM

Hi friends,

Well, it will be 20 years in about a week. The memories of those first few days in 1999 are seared into my memory. I wish all those struggling with their initial diagnosis peace and strength as they set out on this journey. I was diagnosed Stage III, so don't give up hope.

For all of you, I wish you continued blessings. A few emotional setbacks this year for me but nothing I can't handle. About to be published for the first time in my academic career...that's an unexpected gift.

Much love and peace during the upcoming season. Keep the faith.

All the best,
Gabrielle