8 Years on

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Aussie-Sharon
Aussie-Sharon Member Posts: 65
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

Hi All

I haven't posted for quite a few years (2006) and I forgot my password and my email changed, so I've created a new user name, nearly the same:) I am now into my 8th year since my BC diagnosis in 2002 just after I turned 40.  I had mastecomy, reconstruction with lap dorsi & silicone gel implant; 8 rounds of chemo 6 weeks radiotherapy and Herceptin in it's trial period 3 weekly for 12 months, I'm so pleased it is now widely available for those newly diagnosed early breast cancer ladies with Her2 receptors. 

I've read a few posts wanting those 10years out to add comments, I'll come back in a couple of years and give you an update.

I've done so many amazing things since I was diagnosed and I think I'm a little braver when it comes to being a bit daring, I've dived on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland and saw a shark, I've gone out in a glass box off the side of the tallest building in Oz, I've climbed Sydney Harbour Bridge and even managed to abseil off a cliff...but I did cry on at the theme park ride "Tower of Terror" I would love to get out on that glass walk over the Grand Canyon...one day:) My list of things to do because I can keeps growing...my biggest thrill has to my boys who are now men and I am so happy to have experienced their development of growing from 12 & 13 year old boys to young men in their 20s.  8 years ago I really wasn't sure if I'd be around for their school balls and learner driver permits let alone their 21st birthdays.

Hope you all keep well and regards Sharon

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  • HES112
    HES112 Member Posts: 29
    edited October 2010

    Sharon,

    Thanks for giving all the HER2 ladies hopeKiss...So glad to hear your wonderful news, you made my day!  Hope

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  • blondie45
    blondie45 Member Posts: 580
    edited October 2010

    First off, congrats on all the things you have done, especially going 8 years. Yippeeeeeee!  When you said you got herceptin 3 weekly for 12 months do you mean once every 3 weeks for 12 months?

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  • lexi4
    lexi4 Member Posts: 1,074
    edited October 2010

    So happy that you continue to be well!! Thanks for coming back to share with us!

    Lexi

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  • Aussie-Sharon
    Aussie-Sharon Member Posts: 65
    edited October 2010

    Sorry, yes I was given Herceptin once every three weeks for 12 months.  It meant travelling 750km to the nearest treatment centre but it was worth all those trips that's for sure.

      I was on the Hera trial it was either Herceptin once every week or once every three weeks or no Herceptin, I remember being very anxious I would get the arm with no Herceptin but I was one of the fortunate ones.  Weekly I think would have been way to difficult as travelling that distance and leaving the family behind every week would have been very stressful.  Lucky I did not have to deal with that choice.

    Cheers Sharon

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  • elena1
    elena1 Member Posts: 41
    edited October 2010

    HOORAY!!!!!      thanks forTHE HOPE.....Words of Gold

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  • Twinmom77
    Twinmom77 Member Posts: 303
    edited October 2010

    Congrats on 8 years!!  And thank you so much for posting.  Although I don't get too worried anymore (much!), I still clearly remember being at the point where I was terrified I wouldn't get to see my babies graduate from high school.  Seeing stories like yours give me a little more hope that I'll be taking care of my grandkids someday!

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  • lovetosail
    lovetosail Member Posts: 544
    edited October 2010

    Thanks for the uplifting post, and congrats on 8 years!

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  • Diane1960
    Diane1960 Member Posts: 32
    edited October 2010

    Thank you, Aussie-Sharon for giving me hope! 

    My 67 year-old mother was recently diagnosed with  Stage1 IDC, 1.3 cm, Grade 3, 0/3 lymph nodes, not sure of the ER/PR status, HER2+ BC.  After 2 lumpectomies with no clear margins she had a mastectomy a month ago.  She will start chemo on Nov 4th - 6 cycles of Taxotere/Cytoxan and Herceptin for 1 year.  After reading about the high recurrence rate of HER2+ breast cancer, I have been so terrified that I could lose my mom in the next few years.  I have been so consumed with these thoughts that I've had trouble sleeping and going about my everyday life.  My mom's cancer is very similar to yours and reading your story has given me hope that my mom will still be here in another 8 years.

    God Bless you all!

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  • Aussie-Sharon
    Aussie-Sharon Member Posts: 65
    edited October 2010

    Thanks for all the replies.  I try hard not to dwell on reoccurence rates these days, I am just body aware, do my checks and try to stay positive and healthy.  I figure we are the lucky ones as we have been diagnosed, treated or undergoing treatment and being checked regularly.  I like having friends that are positive people in general...I'm still heavily involved with Breast Cancer and attend the monthly support network meetings, it's easy to be around women who just know:)

    All the best to all...laugh lots and remember to say I love you often.

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  • CherylQ
    CherylQ Member Posts: 117
    edited October 2010

    Thank you for the support, we ladies with HER2+ status it is nice to hear how you did with BC.  I am on the TCH x6 and Herceptin x19 followed by rads for 7-8 weeks daily.

    I also have a bucket list, which includes a Aussie trip.

    Peace and laughter,

    Cheryl

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  • 3jaysmom
    3jaysmom Member Posts: 4,266
    edited October 2010
    aussie sharon, i just wanted to add my thanks here. i've done everything they've told me, they said no to herceptin, so im out a year from chemo next month. it was so great to hear you have been doing so much. what a bucket list!! im still having problems from 2nd surgery; so nowhere near to doing any of my list yet. that you're here, and your'e boys are men is # 1 in my book, as the 3 jays are now men, also. one is giving me beautiful grandchildren that im trying to spend as much time with as possible. thats #1 on my list . again, congrats; and thanks for coming back and giving us hope/ inspiration.  light and love,    3jaysmom
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