Long time lumpectomy survivors

hkkw17

Hi everyone.. would like to hear from long time lumpectomy survivors ... please updatefor us newbies to give us hope and support .... thanking you all in advance !!

pennylane

Hi, I have not been here for a long time...So I guess I was meant to see your post and hopefully help you to exhale tonight! I was dx almost 14 years ago back in 2005 and had a lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation...I was very scared back then, and the only thing that comforted me was stories from long time survivors...So I hope this will help you feel a little more secure and confident that you have very amazing survival odds...Stage 1 (knock on wood) is a gift after the horror of dx...Please trust me...the bad thing will soon be a thing of the past...You have found an amazing support group here...Some brilliant, caring ladies will soon be here to cheer you on!...I promise you, you will soon be back in your beautiful life...best of luck, friend...

Sjacobs146

Thank you so much for posting pennylane. I'm four years out and still waiting for the other shoe to drop. Good to hear of someone who has been through treatment and hasn't had to deal with it again

hkkw17

thank you so much for replying back .... it’s becoming too difficult for me to get over this .. I keep on thinking about this non stop and just can’t get out of this !

AnjiPanji

It's been just under a year since my diagnosis so although it's all fairly new to me too, I believe what you're experiencing is normal. Initially there's barely time to think with all the appointments, information and personal challenges but afterwards, some days all I do is think to the point where it would be very easy to fall into a state of paranoia. I can say though that those days of all consuming worry do become less and life will regain some normalcy once again so hang in there, talk to family, friends or maybe your breast treatment centre can recommend professional guidance counselors to help you navigate through your fears. I hope it gets easier for you but know that most importantly you are not alone and I'm certain you will find a great deal of love, support and answers here from the many amazing women who have been exactly where you are right now. Wishing you love and strength as you find your way through this. X

Tmh0921

19 years and counting for me. I was diagnosed in 1999 at 27 years old.

edwards750

Wow TMH - 19 years! I will be 8 years out in August God willing. I had a lumpectomy and 33 radiation treatments.

Diane

Cowgirl13

10 years coming up in May!

hkkw17

thank you everyone for updating !! God bless you all with long and happy lives !!

dsgirl

10 years ago come July 2019, I am wondering if going for mammogram yearly and be examined by the doctor is still needed. I found my own lump. Had lumpectomy and 28 reg. rads, and 7 boosts.

Edited to add I am 78 years old.

Dsgirl

ruthbru

I was Stage II (lumpectomy, chemo, radiation), but think it's okay to chime in on the Stage I Forum to say that I'm 12 years out and doing fine. Better than ever, actually!

Flower216

Reading these messages tonight is just what I needed. I was diagnosed last September and just finished treatment last week. But now I am so anxious. I feel that during treatment I was doing something to fight this terrible disease, but now I am just waiting for my doctor follow up appts/testing, and praying the treatments worked. 

Thank you ladies....you are all amazing!!!!!!!

Claire_in_Seattle

Hi Flower....coming up on 10 years, and doing exceedingly well. My big life dilemma right now is how much I really want to work as have an extremely valuable skill set, but I can also see that my path ahead gets shorter with each passing year. This has nothing to do with having had breast cancer.

I am going for 13 Seattle-to-Portland Bicycle Classic rides in a row!! This is my boast, thought many are much stronger and faster than I am.

So plan for a long life. And good luck with your remaining treatment! - Claire 

momand2kids

Hi

lumpectomy, chemo and radiation here-- and almost 11 years out-- and living very well!!!! I have had two other cancer experiences since then (small and curable) and the experience of breast cancer really was helpful. I had a community (here), doctors, a better understanding of cancer, good habits in terms of meditation, exercise, etc. I am just about the healthiest person I know!!! I am planning to live a long and happy life!!!

Prahan

Happy to hear. I am 36 wondering how many years left for me in this planet. Even though stage 1, I feel scared. Currently taking Tamoxifen. As my ki67 is 3% I don't need chemo. Keep me updated

Cowgirl13

10 years out. Lumpectomy, chemo rads, and arimidex 8 years. Fortunately I don't worry about recurrence although if I had children I sure would. 73 and still riding horses and life is good

Prahan

Bump

bookgirl

I was diagnosed oct 2008, four rounds of chemo, 33 rounds of radiation, and finished in March 2019 just shy of 10 years of Tamoxifen.

quinnie

I am a 12 year survivor of lumpectomy/radiation in the R breast. Unfortunately last month was diagnosed with IDC in the L breast. I am choosing lumpectomy/radiation again. Never regretted my decision. Good Luck to all.

VeeHow

DCIS, Microinvasion IDC, ES+/PR+, HER-, Grade 2--—Surgical Biopsy, Lumpectomy, Partial Breast Radiation ..
won't take hormone suppressors due to health reasons. I'm 56 and wonder if it when/if it will come back. It’s helpful to see others who have long term recoveries.

jcp

momand2kids, are you off the hormone blockers now? I had to go off them after 10.5 years total bc of bones that kept getting worse osteoporosis. Its clears up the bones now

I really would like to be in something for fear of recurrence. How long are you staying.g on it? I heard tamoxifen was taken be one lady who I think is post menopausal bc of her bones. Tamoxifen is really supposed to help with premenopausal. JCP

jcp

VeeHow, I was dx in Sept 2005 at stage 1 grade 2 er and pr positive, her2neu negative. I've been okay since then. I did take hormone blockers for 10.5 years but had to stop bc it caused osteoporosis and it was getting worse I really wanted to stay in something though. But, yes, there is much hope for you! JCP

jcp

bookgirl are you young tamoxifen is generally tor premenopausal . I took 5ha5 my first 20 months and then bc I lost my periods they changed me to femara. Just curious bc I had to go off femara two years ago. I heard tamoxifen isn't as hard on bones. If you are postmenopausal then I would ask my dr why I cant go on that now,. Thank you! JCP

sandee107

12 year survivor here!

quinnie

12 year survivor of R breast DCIS. Unfortunately had IDC in L breast in March 2020. A survivor 2 times.