My Own Experience with Treatment

At age 40, I was diagnosed with Stage 3C breast cancer in January 2005.  The cancer was wrapped around my chest wall.

I found treatment for it at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama and I had little hope (personally) of seeing 41.

I would like to quote another poster:

The lady who "doesn't buy into it."

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I agree with her.

Everything that she said (particularly in her initial paragraphs).

I spent 2+ years either in treatment or in raging side effects / pain from that treatment.

I puked in a bucket.

Alot.

I crawled out of the bed and screamed when my aching feet came in contact with the ground.

I popped painkillers like they were tic tacs.

My life was dominated by doctors and doctor visits and scans and I could have papered my bathroom walls with prescription pads.

I had seven surgeries.

I prayed for death.

However, I did what I had to do to stay alive.

What she describes IS what I experienced. 

Cancer treatment was HARD.  The recovery was WORSE.

And, yes.  Today, now...I do have lingering consequences of cancer treatment.  And, there are very nice prescription medicines that I take regularly.

And, yes...here comes the HOWEVER:

1.  However, I was diagnosed with regionally advanced breast cancer.  (not common)

2.  I'm not dead yet.

3.  The other day, I looked at my pretty slim co-worker who is about my age and I said, "You know, Miss Marsha, I don't know a single (advanced) cancer patient on earth who would refuse the deal that I have been given."

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You're going to suffer treatment (and, I cannot tell a lie...it was hell.).  Then, you're going to live for (6+) years and the real downside is going to be that you're going to have to buy some bigger pants cuz that 35 pounds ain't going away.

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I did not expect to see my first post-cancer Christmas...much less #6.

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Oh, and there is another downside that I forgot to mention...I bought and paid for my burial arrangements...I could have made alot more money if I had INVESTED it.

tl