I'm livin' the dream: just hit LUCKY 13!

sugarplum

Yes, here I am again, hoping to entertain you with yet another of my cheesy annual posts. In the past year I've added a new battle scar to my laundry list which began in 2006: bilateral mastectomies, port placement, oophorectomy, right then left hip replacements, and last August a defibrillator implant. However, I remain profoundly grateful that I've lived long enough to become the bionic woman that I am today!

One happy coincidence this month was being interviewed by Breast Friends for their April 17th radio episode (link is below if you want to check it out!)

https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/114479/the-importance-of-support-in-overcoming-cancer

It contains among other things a shout-out to my wonderful peeps here at BC.org!

Hugs & hope to all - Julie

lkc

Congratulations Julie! Isn't it wonderful, the gift of getting older?

Lexica

Congrats!!! And thank you for coming back every year and posting!

mpv459

Sugarplum: Your story gives such hope.. and that is in short supply for me right now.. Wishing you the very best and many happy years.

LeesaD

Thank You so much for sharing Julie!!! Please keep coming back with updates!!!

hopefour

Thank you thank you for growing older!!! Its encouragement for us all!! If I remember right you are still on a Als?? Congrats on doing so well!!

TectonicShift

.

sugarplum

Thanks all! Hope, I am indeed still on Arimidex although it was quite a search to find an onc who would continue my prescription for me. Tec, Adriamycin is thought to be very likely the cause of my cardiomyopathy. I was warned before beginning treatment that there could be dire consequences down the road - but who has time to worry about that when you're fighting for your life?!

I appreciate all of you continuing to grow old with me...Julie

Claire_in_Seattle

I'll wave to you from my bicycle this July when on my way to Portland. Congrats on lucky 13!! 

After 15+ years of turmoil which also included a career change, a cross-country move, and a divorce, I am finally in a place where I can fully appreciate my blessings and enjoy life. All my plans have worked out, other than I would love to meet someone. I also have enough income to travel, and I am in the process of upgrading my apartment to be the place I always wanted. Not a major revision, but the touches that make the difference.

Years 10-13 should be fabulous! - Claire 

poisedandpink

Congrats!! Thank you for coming back to continue to share your story. If gives those like me still somewhat new to the journey so much hope!

LoveFromPhilly

hi friends!

Congratulations on all your achievements and living life without letting dang cancer take over!

Question for the crew: someone I know was just diagnosed stage 3 hormone + with lymph nodes lighting up. They told me they are only being prescribed Arimidex and not doing any chemo, surgery, or rads. Is this the new normal in terms of treatment? I am happy for her and also surprised to here that there isn’t more being done.

Thank you so much for allowing me to come visit your threaded!

Philly

Fritzmylove

IChangedMyName, that doesn't sound like the standard protocol for stage 3. Typically us stage 3ers get the kitchen sink of treatment. Chemo, surgery, rads, and hormone treatment if applicable.

LoveFromPhilly

thanks Fritz...yeah I thought that it sounded a bit under aggressive for her diagnosis.

I’m wondering if she maybe made some negotiations with her MO about treatment that she is comfortable accepting...I know how scary it is to face

Ausykaren

Hi Julie,

Howare you. I’m feeling sad. A lady I went through chemo with has passed away. She was Stage 3 inflammatory breast cancer. Certainly sent my anxiety up a notch. So sad.

Hugs to you

Karen

karen1956

Julie - I marked 13 years in February!!! Happy to be growing older...and with that comes a laundry list of Dx, but it beats the alternative

Ichanged - I don't know what current protocol is, but when I was Dx in 2006, bilat, chemo, rads, ooph, AIs - but I know that treatment is more individualized

Wishing everyone a great week-end.

Misstic

It is such a thing to see a stage IIIC fellow achieve 13 years survival. Thank you!

libby2002

Julie- have you come off the hormonal treatments or are you still on them at this point?

sugarplum

Hi libby - yes, I've been on Arimidex for the past 12 + years, although I had to go through 3 oncologists before I could find one to renew my prescription after the first 10. Have to watch my bone density as I was osteopenic even before my BC diagnosis, but other than that it's a non-issue (although I have seen my cholesterol level creeping up over the years - almost to 200 now).

The cardiologist doesn't seem to think the Arimidex is to blame for my current heart issues - he thinks Adriamycin is the likely culprit. Oh well - life is just a series of trade-offs, right?

Best to all - Julie

YATCOMW

Simply awesome......the years just keep adding up!!!!

Congratulations.......I love it.

Jacqueline

NancyD

Congratulations, Julie!!!!

victoriasecret

Congrats !