Remission or "cured"?

KMQW2010 - Stage II - III boderline (node involvement), modified single mascetomy, chemo, Tamoxifin - cancer-free for 10 years 6 months.  Recurrence 10 years 6 months out from completion of chemo (or 11 years 2 months from surgical removal).  Stage iv - mets to bone only, hormonals and biphosponates.  Pain, emotional and mental health managed with medication.  One year out, second hormonal - slight progression, scans in 2 months.

after i had 6 nodes removed and all 6 came back negative YAY.i looked the dr in the eye and said.ARE YOU TELLING ME RIGHT NOW THERE IS NO CANCER IN MY BODY...her answer was YES.so back to the original question REMISSION OR CURED????? I really dont feel cured.i do feel like im in remission.i think each dr.feels differently.I wish i had the answer.all i know i dont feel cured.

Laurie_R....I am not sure how much 'fund raising' goes on for the testing but there are many groups throughout the country that offer free mamograms and will fund additional testing if necessary.  In addition, there is help available during treatment as well.  The gap I have found is after treatment ends.  It is something that is being discussed on the forum about fund raising and charities.  Head on over and chime in - I sure they will appreciate any and all input!

Of interest is an article I happened upon when searching to see if my letter had been posted...there is a campaign going on concerning raising awareness of stage iv and we are writing letters to our local papers...I was trying to see if mine had been published yet and came across a most interesting article.  Following the release on Sept 24th of the 'off-on' gene,  there seems to be increasing interest in the 'genetic' factor - both of the individual but the tumor itself.  It is not specific to breast cancer but cancer as a whole - a disease with many faces.  http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/103878023.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUvDE7aL_V_BD77:DiiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUr

I found it to follow that by answering some key questions as seen in the article, the research could move forward in a direction - a single direction - with renewed vigor that a cure is attainable. 

I enjoyed reading this thread and learning about everyone's point of view.

We all have our own perspective on the disease and its probability of recurrence. We have to believe in what we are doing is right for us and  live life to its fullest while maintaining a healthy diet, exercise etc etc. and believe that the cancer has gone and won't come back. If it does, I will deal with it.

The above philosophy took many months to establish and sink in!

Hugs to everyone,

Glenis

Hi everyone...I see this is an old thread. The term NED, no evidence of disease, is the appropriate one these days. The only way you know you are cured would be when you die of something else. There is new evidence that BC can recur many years after initial diagnosis, especially hormone positive. So call it what you want but these are the facts. Good luck to all.