28 year survivor to say hello

nonijones333

Hi Ladies and of course breast cancer husband. Your post was wonderful with all that good STUFF that the ladies need to hear so i thought I would carry on with more good news. I replyed 2 years ago as a 26 year survivor with my long story. I am brac 1 positive had lumpectomy in 1986 stage 1 with no chemo. Again back in 1986 no nodes no chemo. Cancer never returned to that breast but 18 years later another breast cancer to the other breast, stage 2 and again I refused chemo. Six months after me my 34 year old daughter was diagnosed with cancer in both breasts, ya she had chemo but no taxol. Red flag so both tested for the brac gene and no surprises here, both of us are brac 1 positive. I am sneaking this note at work during my lunch, still working at 68 and feel fabulous. I don't have the date for my second breast cancer, forgot (isn't that great). Think it was at the end of 2003 and my daughter 2004?? WELL we both are alive and living a wonderful life. I eat what i want, which consists of a lot of pasta, as i am Italian and drink my wine everynight. Both of us do stay away from processed foods so on a whole i think we do eat well.  My daughter excercises everyday, myself I am taking it easy, earned my stripes love coming home after work and enjoying my wine and cheese and enjoying good conversation with my dear husband of 47 years. Coming to these boards for great support is wonderful but you will rarely hear from the millions of survivors who go on to live normal lives. Many of us old gals don't even bother to come go to these boards sothat is why i am here, TO TELL YOU ALL, AGAIN BY NO MEANS IS THIS A DEATH SENTENCE. Don't waste to much time focusing on cancer, to many wonderful things to do and enjoy.  I don't believe a word of what they say about triple negative...shoot they are not doing their job finding what to do with us so they throw up there hands and say were aggressive with poor prognosis, lol.  Now that both my daughter and I are so far out of this mess, i can tell you saying I'm cured is awesome which can't be said for all. So stop and think, i had that so called aggressive cancer with only radiation back in 1986 and a double mastectomy in 2003 and i am still here. You might call me stupid but i had no clue what i was dealing with, today i probably would have chemo. Ignorance is bliss, but you girls are doing far more then i did and even have a better chance.  I feel all your pain and wish i could give each and everyone of you the biggest hug. I hope this post is the next best thing. Back to work xxx ooo

 

Moderators

Thank you, nonijones, for sharing your wonderful, inspiring story! We wish you many more years of good health and happiness.

The Mods

Maureen1

Thanks so much for sharing your story...it is wonderful to hear that you are living a full and happy life 28 years after diagnosis!! And, great to know that you were able to continue to enjoy quality of life things like a good glass of wine:) Positive stories like yours give me hope and are a timely reminder to enjoy life and not let worrying about recurrence become the center of my life. Thanks again, I hope you and your daughter continue to have many more years of happiness:) Maureen

hopefulmomof3

Nonijones333-it is great that you took the time to post! Thank you! I was just diagnosed last week with TN BC. I'm 36 years old and trying hard to stay positive. Some day s are better than others. I refuse to give in to this BC! Your story is so inspirational. I really do wish there was less emphasis on how "aggressive" this type of BC is. I've been an optimist all my life and I refuse to stop now. Once again,  Thank you for checking in. It really does make a difference to us newbies.

Hugs! !