Calling 40-45 yrs old 5 years out

jackboo09

Hi ladies

Am looking to hear from women who were diagnosed around age 40 and are 5 years out or more, Im very hung up about my relatively young age and I could do with some inspiration.

Hugs

Liz (Jackboo)

Moderators

Hi Jackboo!

There's some really wonderfully inspiring stories on our 5 Years Survivors thread in the Acknowledging Our Community forum!

Happy reading!!

--The Mods

Dutchie

Hi! I fit your criteria perfectly...diagnosed at 39 and now 44. I'm living a full and active life! If there is anything you want to know about me I'd be happy to share.

lovujja

Dutchie,

Thank you very much for sharing your stories. I was diagnosed with BC last year and coming monday i will be done with teatment: chemo, surgery and radiation. I am 41 now and have two little kids. It felt so sad on the begining and still feel sad some time  but i am trying to stay positive and do right things. If you can share your life style (food, exercise) and teatment that will be great.

crazyride43

Liz, I am 43 and still going through my treatment so I completely understand how easy it is to get caught up with thoughts about how young we are and what the future holds.  What has helped me stay positive is hearing from friends of friends along the way that were diagnosed in their late 30's - mid 40's and are now 15+ years out.   One of them said "I honestly don't think about it much anymore...it's just a distant memory".  Another one had several lymph nodes involved, and her words of wisdom were "I wish I had known all those years ago that I would still be fine 15+ years later...I wouldn't have worried so much!".  Then there's my own mother, who only had a lumpectomy and refused all other treatment after being diagnosed at only 41 (her doctors thought she was crazy at the time!), and she's still cancer free 22 years later.  Ironically her biggest health issue these days is high blood pressure and she worries more about having a stroke than cancer!  

The one message that really sticks with me is not to worry so much.  It takes up a lot of time and emotional energy, and won't influence the outcome.  I know everyone's diagnosis and prognosis is different, but at the end of the day all I feel I can do is get the best treatment possible and then focus on being as healthy and happy as possible.  I don't always succeed, but that's my goal!

Dutchie - you are such an inspiration.  I can just feel your positive spirit jumping through the screen!

Whatashocker3

Crazyride, thank-you so much for your words. For your friend to say she wish she didn't waste her time with worry, rang a bell with me. The thing is you have surgery, chemo then rads and are kept busy with all that. Once your done active treatment and your waiting for your hair to grow...... you have nothing to do but think. I go back to work on a integrated bases starting Sept 1, so maybe I won't have as much think time.



Thanks again! I don't know that many ladies that have had bc personally,so perhaps I am feeling a little like an ostrich???

lovujja

Crazyride,

Thank you very much for sharing very uplifting story. I am just 41 and i was diagnosed with BC when i was 40 yrs. But all those treatment and horrible experience of chemo is behind me. I am trying to be positive as much as i can. I am more careful about my time, diet and what i do. 

yellowfarmhouse

HI,

Dx at age 39 ( almost 40 ).  I'm 7.5 years out. 

Wendy

Abby20

How great to hear this inspiring stories! I had the same thing in mind Jakboo09 and I was happy to hear that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I am 36 years old, diagnosed a month a go and still overwhelmed by the whole thing..

Gai

I was diagnosed at 38, I am now 50!

I am also happier than I have ever been in my life

Gai