7 years for a Her2+ Cancer

kathleen1966

I reached my seven year milestone a few weeks ago on July 26th. I forgot! It's true. I hope that those recently diagnosed will also be able to forget years from now. Of course, we never forget. The date is insignificant. The lymphedema, missing breast, teeth issues, fatigue, depression, early menopause, relationship insecurities, disappointment at the loss of fertility. etc...remind us that we are more lucky to still be here than our side effects. I am very grateful for this luck and grateful for my family, my beautiful and now rebellious teenagers. They were 4 and 8 when I was diagnosed and are 12 and 15 now. My heart will always be with those going through this, those still fighting, those lost...love to all of you and love to those left behind. I hope that you get a dose of hope today.

NotVeryBrave

So good to hear! Thanks for the encouragement - it is much appreciated!

7of9

Thanks for the inspiration. Seeing the kids ages really helps too. My guy was 2 when I was diagnosed first time. He is now 8. I still am the only mom I know who never says "I wish time would slow down, or I wish he'd stay this little longer". Sadly I can't wait til he can drive. I know my being alive means more than taxi service for him but it keeps me focused on the practicality of living rather than the emotions. I checked out of most of those awhile ago (I leave leftovers to Ambien and Attivan). Here's hoping! Thank you!

SSInUK

Thanks Kathleen. Looks like you made it! kind and lovely words. Hey 7of9 . Mines about to turn 8 too and I so know what you mean. Though also greedy for every last second of her now. I know you went through megacrap with recurrence - but hey, you're over 5 years from first dx. That's something. Fingers crossed for 2 years from recurrence x

Denise-G

kathleen-thanks so much for the encouragement!! I will be 6 years in October! I like hearing about other women

who are farther out than I am!

ALL MY BEST wishes!! I certainly relate to all the SEs and things we are left with through the years!

kathleen1966

Thanks everyone. I never had a recurrence though. SSinUK You must have me mixed up with another Kathleen.

Kathleen26

Hi Kathleen, this is the "other Kathleen". You and I got started on this Stage III journey around the same time, and it's always good to see others doing well long term. It gives hope to all of us. I do not feel as though I am over it, but every year that passes makes it seem more possible that breast cancer may not be the end of me. I too have let anniversaries get by me, and that is the best sign that mentally I have moved past it, even if I know I may not be cured.

I hope for many more healthy years for you and all the other people here.

lkc

Kathleen 1966 congratulations on this wonderful milestone! So,happy for you from another stage 3, her2 er

Maryan

kathleen1966, I was reading your diagnosis and story and came across your post here and I am glad to hear that you are doing well and cancer free all the time, my diagnosis is similar as I have multi-centric aggressive type I have just turned 30and I have a 5 years old baby girl I wish I can live and raise her well . I am still doing the chemo treatment now and will do Bi- mastectomy after. Biggest fears are from recurrence but I hope for the best and it gives me so much hope when I read such inspiring posts. Thank you