Today is my two year anniversary!

kathleen1966

Last year, I didn't acknowledge my one year anniversary on here but I wanted to share that today is my two year anniversary of being diagnosed with stage IIIa cancer!  It really feels more like eight months ago for me.  I am grateful to have gotten this far and grateful to be connected with other women who have gone through a similar diagnosis.  Two years ago, I was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer.  One month later, I was stage IIIa cancer.  I had an over-all tumor of 7cm that turned out to be mostly DCIS with multiple focal points of invasive cancer with the largest tumor measuring 1.5 cm.  I had four positive nodes and Lymphatic invasion.  My "tumor" went right to the chest muscle and then stopped. I also had Paget's disease of the nipple. I can't actually say that I feel great.  I really don't.  I get very tired, can't seem to take off any extra weight I have, my hair is not exactly where it used to be and I feel a lot older than I did two years ago. But I am trying to move on...and there are days that I am very hopeful that I will be fine. The other days, I just feel I will deal with what-ever comes my way and I try to feel positive. I know that as each year passes, more and more treatments will be discovered for all of us who will be diagnosed with this disease and for those who are living their lives with breast cancer. I want to send my heartfelt empathy to newly diagnosed women, especially those with young children in the house. I hope for nothing but the best for all of us. That's all folks. 

everyminute

Congrats.  Wish it never happened to any of us.

I know I am known as the exercise pusher but it does really help with the nagging fatigue (not to mention weight).  Try to add a walk in daily, takes about 3 weeks to make it into a habit.  I'll bet you a dollar you will start feeling better.

(my friends son lives in Pittsburgh - you can send me your dollar via him!)

all kidding aside - not every day is good but, like you, I am grateful for every one I get.

kathleen1966

Thanks every minute!  I was doing some form of exercise every other day for well over a year. I did get out of the habit of doing this about four months ago.  Now, I am walking 2 mile walks with a friend twice a week. I would really love to get in the habit of doing this every day. It takes about 45 minutes to do the 2 miles. I was doing the elliptical for 30 minutes every other day during the winter. I think I would stay motivated if I had even seen a slight weight reduction. But really, I think I maybe lost 5 pounds or was at least maintaining my over-weightness. I need to lose 50 pounds!!! I was thin all my life but have had a real struggle with weight for the last 7 years.   But I have never walked every day nor have I exercised daily.  I am happy that you are saying it only takes three weeks to make it a habit. I know it would benefit me tremendously, not only with fatigue but also with depression.

jennyboog

Congratulations Kathleen!  You got me by only 2 days...I'll be celebrating 2 yrs on the 28th.  I'll be seeing you here 20 years from now...we got this girl!

kathleen1966

Yes we do!!!!!

Moderators

Congratulations Kathleen! We couldn't be happier for you. How are you going to celebrate your milestone?

Your Mods

kathleen1966

Thanks Moderators!  I have no real plans, other than to just have a normal day! I would like to go see the new Wes Anderson film!

Gitane

Happy 2 years to you, Kathleen.  I think it's normal to be still tired.  I know I was.  Exercise does help with fatigue and depression, especially the daily walking.  Lots of good thoughts going your way!

116

Yeah! for two years! I was still very tired then too, thought I would never feel better, but it does, I still feel like I am getting stronger again every year that passes!!!!

Momof2inME

Congratulations on 2 years Kathleen!!

Bugs

Congratulations!  Do SOMETHING to celebrate...it's a special day.  Kinda like a 2nd birthday!

CSMommy

Congratulations Kathleen! Your story is similar to mine, and it is inspiring and hopeful to hear from you. I hope you are able to find something to commemorate the day, because you deserve it.

Karina121293

Congratulations Kathleen!!!! I will get to the two year in a week... Same emotions, same feelings, same hopes... Here is to 20 and more for us!!!! 

Momine

Kathleen, congrats on the anniversary.



I have to second the exercise advice. It can be hard when you feel tired and out of sorts, but it really does help in all kinds of ways to get moving.



For weight loss, I would further recommend, if you have not tried it already, to cut out white carbs and sweetened drinks, including juice.

camillegal

Kathleen Congrats---it's good to hear.

katyand4

Congratulations Kathleen and wishing you continued good health!

diana50

Two years is a big deal; congrats kathleen. thanks for posting; people like to know how their breast cancer peeps are doing*  an anniversary is good to acknowledge*

keep on*

diana

MaxineO

Congratulations, Kathleen!  Even if things aren't what they used to be, it's great to be alive.  I wish you so many more good anniversaries!!

Elizabeth1959

I agree. It IS great to be alive. Congratulations to all 2 year survivors.

lexi4

Yay on your two year milestone, Kathleen!! I'll ditto what others have said. Daily exercise really does help with the aches and pains. Now I need to practice what I am preaching!

Lexi

faithfulheart

happy Day sweet Sistah!!!!!

kathleen1966

Thanks for all your support and well wishes!

pupfoster1

What a lovely post Kathleen, and CONGRATULATIONS!  I've been away and had taken some time "off the boards" for a while and just saw your post.  I feel the same as you.  It's aged me in so many ways, but I am very thankful to be here to complain about it---right?  Keep on keepin on girl!

Take care,

Sharon

overjoyed4life

Congrats Kathleen!!!!!! I also just pass my two years in June. We can do this!!!