Seventeen years with stage 4 today

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  • 3katz
    3katz Posts: 1,264
    edited January 2010

    WOW!!!! That is so great, Kathy! Thanks for sharing - it is very encouraging for the rest of us.

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  • LC815
    LC815 Posts: 730
    edited January 2010

    I love you, Kathy!  I haven't been to the boards lately because I felt so black and decided to live blindly for a few days.  Now, the day I sign back on, I read THIS!  This amazing story of YOU, a woman who is living her life with Stage IV and finding JOY.  Thank you for this wonderful gift you gave us all.

    Peace and JOY!!!

    Linda

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  • beastybabe
    beastybabe Posts: 196
    edited January 2010

    Amazing

    It is bloody awesome to hear from someone who is still with us after 15 years, I plan on making that my goal as well to live as long as possible and to never give up and to live life to its fullest.

    You have inspired me to do and be well and to listen to my body even when the doc says one thing I know that with a positive attutude I can live a long and productive life....yahooo

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  • kim40
    kim40 Posts: 904
    edited January 2010

    Congratulations Kathy!!!  Thank you for sharing!!

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  • Lowrider54
    Lowrider54 Posts: 2,721
    edited January 2010

    Kathy

    What an inspriation you are!  Thank you for your post - 17 years...WOW!  It gives hope to all of us...here's to double that and them some!   SHOUT IT OUT!  YIPPPEEE!

    Sharon

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  • Kathy36
    Kathy36 Posts: 85
    edited January 2010

    KellyC: All-right, I’m rocking!!

    Heatherpalmerton:  I’m shouting back GREAT for your two years.

    Tania_S, 3Katz, LC815, Kim40: Thank you so much.

    Faithand fifty: You will regain your footing, believe me, and your feet will carry you. You can do this.

    Spawn: Lots of good wishes to your mother.

    Denny123, Well, sh*t, girl, WOOHOO back to you. That’s fantastic. (Love the word she-ro—sounds to me like you are one.)

    Beastybabe:  It’s great if you can ride positive attitude all the way, though I find I can’t.  I think it’s a tall order for anyone on god’s earth: teenage girls, CEOs, even Buddhist monks.  So I just want to say, if you ever find yourself spilling, don’t worry: It won’t kill you. Wish you lots of years ahead, in every frame of mind. 

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  • infohh
    infohh Posts: 71
    edited January 2010

    Hi

    Yessss Joy is the cure. 

    May you all find joy and laughter

    HH

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  • Frapp
    Frapp Posts: 1,987
    edited January 2010

    Thank you, thank you, thank you.  I was just diagnosed stage 4 w/mets last month.  You and many others here have given me hope and have helped me to stay positive.  The words "thank you" just aren't enough to express what you all have given me.

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  • page0525
    page0525 Posts: 6
    edited January 2010

    Wow Kathy,

    Thank you, thank you for your post. I have searched and searched for someone who survived stage 4 bc beyond the predicted 5 year span. You have given me renewed hope. I am shouting along with you! THanks again!!!!!

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  • Monique42
    Monique42 Posts: 105
    edited January 2010

    Thank you for posting, I was depressed before I read your post. 17 yrs WOW!!!! You have given us new hope by posting here.   I seemed to have found new strength because of you. God bless with with + + + yrs to come for new adventures in your life.

    Monique

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  • cmhartley
    cmhartley Posts: 1,091
    edited January 2010

    Kathy, 

    How can I thank you for such an uplifting and encouraging post.  I was recently diagnosed with bone only mets and yeah everyone tells me not to worry that many women live 15yrs or more but it is really hard sometimes not to worry.  Then, I read all the posts on this site that are so scary, so discouraging about all the struggles so many of these brave women have to endure and I think to myself...what if I get to this point...can I endure also?   Your post brought tears to my eyes but encouragement to my heart.  

    Thank you!

    Cat

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  • nmiller
    nmiller Posts: 118
    edited January 2010

    Kathy,

    A huge congratulations for 17 years and counting!!!!   You are such an inspiration and I LOVE that your post was the first I read this morning!  I am 2 1/2 years into this journy, but I also have so much joy in my life (the world's most amazing husband, mom, sister and puppy, incredible friends, a job that I absolutely love, wonderful travel, and much more).  Certainly there are low moments, but the good so outweighs the bad.  I have so much to be thankful for that it is hard to feel sorry for myself.  I am certainly hoping to get to my own 17 year cancerversary (I will be 43 then!) and not to be greedy, but I would love many years beyond that too :).  Your post confirms my belief that anything is possible!  Thank you for such a wonderful start to my day!

    All my best!

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  • michelshelpformom
    michelshelpformom Posts: 36
    edited January 2010

    Congratulations my dear, what a blessing. What combination therapy were you on? Are you on something now?

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  • Kathy36
    Kathy36 Posts: 85
    edited January 2010

    I've been on every hormonal there is, just about; different chemos; radiation; bone marrow transplant. Right now, Xeloda.

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  • shadow2356
    shadow2356 Posts: 393
    edited January 2010

    Congratulations!!!!! You are a true inspiration. Your story was something I very much needed to hear today.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2010

    Kathy..congrats on 17 years and go ahead and shout it from the roof tops!  You are an inspiration.

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  • Kathy36
    Kathy36 Posts: 85
    edited January 2010

    And a huge thanks back to everyone I didn't thank yet. These emails mean so much to me. 

     Cat: You'll learn how to do this as you go along. You can do this. It won't be whatever you're thinking now. Tell fear, if you can, to just shut up. The fact is, fear doesn't know any more than you do right now. Good luck. 

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  • Spoonchek
    Spoonchek Posts: 158
    edited January 2010

    I am crying with joy at reading your post!!!  I am so happy for you and for what your story means for the rest of us.  I've found it so difficult to sustain hope since my Stage IV diagnosis and your story means the world to me.  Congratulations on your persistence and your courage and God Bless you for sharing your words with the rest of us.  I wish you all the best and hugs to you!!

    Bravo!!

    Teri

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  • Lisa73
    Lisa73 Posts: 27
    edited January 2010

    You have given me such hope.  I was diagnosed last February and the doctor told me that I might have two years.  I have almost made it through the first year and I am "stable."  I had heard a very small percentage of women live NED, but I had never heard of anyone living so long with active disease, so thank you for sharing your story.

    There have been some tough times in the last year, but overall I find life worth living.  I have a wonderful husband and two little boys (3 and 1).  I am determined to be there to see my boys grow up, despite what my doctor says! 

    Whenever I am feeling down, I will think about your story.  Thank you so much.

    Lisa

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  • Makratz
    Makratz Posts: 12,678
    edited January 2010

    You are a true inspiration!!  I'm so happy to hear your scream!!  YOU GO GIRL!!!!!

    I wish you 100 more healthy and happy years!

    Thanks for sharing your story.

    Linda  :)

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  • susanmary
    susanmary Posts: 137
    edited January 2010
    Wonderful, wonderful news.Smile
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  • cancersuks
    cancersuks Posts: 258
    edited January 2010

    Thank you for the encouragement and inspiration!

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  • jeanne11
    jeanne11 Posts: 17
    edited January 2010

    Kathy,

    Thanks for posting this.  I have been in the dark place the last two days. I am fairly new to Stage IV breast cancer, but I am an eleven year survivor overall (diagnosed with Stage I in 1998).  I got some mixed test results yesterday.  I know there will be a lot of ups and downs along the way and different drug regimens to try.  Your story is really inspiring.  Congratulations!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2010

    Kathy...

    I echo the sentiments of all who have posted their congratulations, best wishes and support! It was truly exciting for me to see your original message. I adored your first book and asked for your recent one for Christmas. Since Santa seems to have forgotten, I'm heading out to buy it myself!

    Your life and your words, Kathy, are an amazing source of inspiration for your sisters, so keep on keepin' on, girl. YOU TOTALLY ROCK!!!

    ~Marin

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  • pee
    pee Posts: 456
    edited January 2010

    I sure needed to read this today.  My cancer is out of remission and I start the old routine again.  Your post just reminded me that I am not going to die tomorrow.. or the next day... or the next.  

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  • mother66
    mother66 Posts: 2
    edited January 2010

    Praise The LORD,I am so happy for you.I had my last radition treatment on 11/16/09.i still have side effects but reading your story I wont even mention or think about my side effects.GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU.

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  • Fidelia
    Fidelia Posts: 397
    edited January 2010

    Dear kathy36 - again thank you - you are so right to remind us all to rely on our instincts - I had begun to forget that important guide through the maze that this disease creates - following your calling is the only real response for something like this. I am going to read about dreaming in Hindi and help rebuild some of my recently shattered dreams :)

    Fidelia

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  • anamary1
    anamary1 Posts: 66
    edited January 2010

    Wow, you are so awesome. I know you have inspired me and given me so much hope. I really feel uncertain at times. I sit and wonder, how long will I be here? But thankyou for sharing your story with us and congrats on being such a couragous fighter and making it this far.

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  • Carol2004
    Carol2004 Posts: 4
    edited January 2010

    You are so inspiring.  I have Stage IV bc for over 2 years now.  Have had success with current treatment but tumor marker has gone up so go for scan Jan 26.  nervous and scared but your story renews my faith and spirit.  God Bless. 

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  • Think_Pink88
    Think_Pink88 Posts: 10
    edited January 2010

    That is GREAT news to hear Kathy :). You definetly inspire hope, which without I think I could very well go crazy!! Thanks for sharing your story!!!!

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