New here and would like to offer some hope

juneaudenali

Hi everyone,
I have been lurking on this board for a few months now. I was diagnosed in January, had double mastecomy, 4 FEC and just started Taxatere, Carboplatin and Herceptin, I am stage 3a, 36 years old with three wonderful boys (8, 6 and 3). I have been so scared and devastated and feel like I am doomed! The more I read about her2neu the more I freak out!!! The first oncologist I went to see treated me like I was already half dead. I ran out of his office crying and ended up with a great doctor.
My new oncologist has quite a few patients, that are doing just fine. She even had one call me, who was also stage 3 (7 pos.nodes), she is out 9 years! Our oncologist prescribed her herceptin off label because she knew it was a good thing even back then.
As I crave positive stories I am sure you guys are as well, so I thought I'd share!
Peace,
Dagmar

stacey2930

Okay here's a very positive story. My sister was diagnosed with IDC very aggressive tumor with 2 positive nodes in 1989 she was 38 years old. She had chemotherapy. 18 years later she is STILL cancer free, living in her dream home in Tennessee. I was diagnosed in 05 with IDC.. Hope I'm as lucky:)) stacey

juneaudenali

Stacey, that is so wonderful for your sister!!! Thank you for posting that. I hope you will be that lucky, too, heck, all of us!
Just reading around on these boards makes me feel so much better, such wonderful women here!
Thank you,Dagmar

lexi4

Thanks for sharing your encouraging stories. I have been feeling teary lately and they do help!

Hugs,
Lexi

BeeMack

I too am a relative "newbie" and want to be here to give hope and encouragement. I call myself a BC overcomer even though I have just had my MRM April 19. I went in a T2, N1, MO, and the end reports were T2 N2 MO..I 'think" I moved up to stage IIIA from 2B because of the nodes. Tumor was 3CM ER/PR/HER-2Neu +++. POSITIVE is one of the main keys to overcoming...so I will be delighted to hop in with positive. How many of you all have done the "Shrink the Whale" activity? I told my cancer support nurse at the hospital about it...she was going to come to this site and do it herself! It sure helps put things in perspective.

I love you ladies and I don't even "know" you.

Becky

nitewind

"Shrink the Whale"?? Sounds like something I'd like to hear more about.

BeeMack

Teary is good too Lexi. I "allow" tears a couple of times a week. I am post MRM and was bemoaning my "non cleavage" last night. But I also have to laugh about my "falsie" popping up out of my blouse in the mall the other day. Use the pocket, use the pocket...LOL. Humor goes a long way, as well as hearing great survival stories..overcomer stories. They are all around us!

Here's a big hug for my Sisters of Hope.

Btw...Shrink the whale can be found on this site...excellent perspective excercise!

KEEP THE FAITH and KEEP THE SMILE.

lexi4

Thanks Beck. I am normally pretty strong, but this past few days I have really felt emotional. I have been having some unusual aches here and there and of course asume the worse. But, I know a good cry is cleansing...just getting tired of messing up my mascara..LOL

Thanks for the hug, hugs back.

Lexi

josied0

Lexi-

I was dx 12/05 and I find I am very emotional and often...although I am strong and positive...sometimes I get in my bathtub and scream under water and sometime I almost stomp my feet through the tub I fear...thank goodness I live in an old house with strong iron tubs...ouch!!! I have a 4 year old so I try not to scream in front of him too much !!! It can be aches, lonliness, I struggle with "when am I going to get back to being myself"....and I am really just coming to realize I will not go back...I will only move forward and although things will be different I will be stronger and better and able to help others so much more!! Fists up.....cry and cleanse then count your wonderful blessings.....lots of hugs....JoAnna