Would like to hear from node POSITIVE survivors out there!

PaminFL

I am just wondering how many node positive survivors there are out there.  I'd like to hear your stories of battling this beast and wheather you've had reoccurance or not.  If so, to where and how long after treatment did the reoccurance happen, and how did you know it had spread somewhere else?  Did you have any symptoms?  I'm almost at the end of my treatment and I'm getting really anxious and scared.  Once treatment ends, I think I'm always going to feel like the bomb is getting ready to drop.  How do you calm that fear?

Thanks!

Pam

Estepp

Pam, I am right there with you... I look forward to seeing the responses you get! For all of us ending our treatments soon ....

SoCalLisa

I was diagnosed node positive over eight years ago...

I did chemo, and had one year of tamoxifen and four of arimidex...I finished up with the

arimidex almost three years ago now...you probably never get over the little nagging

doubts, but you will learn to live with them...

LizM

I was also diagnosed with node positive disease over 3 years ago.  I had dd AC/T, Tamoxifen and rads, oophorectomy, Arimidex and now Femara.  It took me almost 3 years to think I might just make it.  I still have fears of recurrence but nothing like right after I completed treatment.  It does get better with time.  How do I calm the fear?  I come here when I am fearful to communicate with others who understand and I volunteer at my cancer center helping other newly diagnosed women.  It helps me to stay involved in the cause.  I also try to eat healthy, exercise, take my meds and realize I have done and am doing everything I possibly can to prevent a recurrence.  If it happens, it won't be because of something I did or didn't do. 

LindaLou53

I am 8.5 years out from a Stage II IDC diagnosis with micromets to the sentinel nodes.  Had lumpectomy, Adriamycin/Cytoxan and Taxol chemo, 37 radiation treatments and Tamoxifen.  I am now just over 3 years out from a second unrelated breast cancer, Stage IIIC ILC with 23/23 nodes positive.  Had bilateral mastectomy, Taxotere and Xeloda chemo, 28 rads, on Aromasin and IV Zometa.

I have no illusions about being at high risk for recurrence, but at least one thing cancer has taught me is that all any of us can count on is right now...today. So I try to continue my life doing the things that matter most to me and finding something every day to smile about. I really only start dwelling on the "what ifs" a few days before scan time, otherwise life keeps me very busy with many non-cancer related projects.  I feel very blessed to be able to enjoy what equates to a "normal" life in many ways, in spite of the years of treatments and cancer aftermath.

peachespm

Pam,

I can sympathize. I am Stage3 ER/PR positive and her negative I had a biopsy on my lymph node that was 5 cm had Auxillary lymph node biopsy 9/18. I just finished chemo AC 4 rounds and 4 rounds of Taxol. Jan 2 was my last chemo date.I loved my dr and loved the nurses adn even had a cry the last day in the drs. office. My daughter had to leave because her boss forgot that I was in treatment and I just cried my heart out. That comes from knowing you are ending you tx, it is an elated feeling but also an insecure feeling.  I am getting ready to start radiation, and aramidex. Unlike most there was no primary so I am intact. As I go into radiation I too have my little demons as I call them. I keep them to myself and tell no one not even the people closest to me. If anyone saw me they would think my attitude is wonderful. How do I cope??? Easy I got tired of feeling tired and decided not to focus on the negative and from the beginning I have always had a positive attitude. When ask how I can be this way I just tell everyone the cancer did not effect my brain just my body. I also keep busy. I read; make my greeting cards and do things I did before all this started. An active mind does not have a chance to dwell on the what if's. Trust me  it is scary having all these tests and not finding a primary, and knowing one has to exist since I have invasive ductal. I just have a strong faith. Do not let anyone tell you not to e nervous, if they do they do not know this side of the rainbow. If you have a bracelet or a pin wear it and every once in awhile driving down the road or sitting in a chair grab it and realize YOU are a survivor and belong to a strong network of sisters going through the same turmoils as you and the ups and down and you are not alone. The other thing that I storngly advise is go to the chat room. I was dx July 29,08 and they are my stongest support system. In the room you can voice your fears; you can cry(and have lots of hugs and sympathy) and then you can laugh and stay up until all hours. Sweetie are not alone and if you come into the room I will most definitely make you feel welcome.