saw oncologist today

Hi, diana50, could you tell us if you had hormonal therapy and for how long?

Best, best wishes!

Diana, glad that all seems to be going well for you still!

I remember when I first started posting here, and I looked at peoples signature lines and Dx dates, and I couldn't understand how people 2, 3, 4 years out were still worried about reoccuring. Ha! Now I am 2 years out of Chemo and I still feel like I am just starting out.  Obviously the acute fear is gone, but the worry, well, I don't think it ever leaves us.

As you say, the likelihood of reoccuring after 9 years is pretty low, but it isn't zero. So, all you can do is continue to do what you are doing, which sounds pretty good to me.

this is a beautiful post. thank you for sharing.

so happy for your 9 years...may you go for many more multiples of 9!

xo

janyce

Diana - I just am hitting 3 years next month.  I had an appt this week and I was hoping they were going to say something like "3 years is a good benchmark" or something.  She didn't - she said "With your history, you will be on some form of AI or TAM for at least 10 years" 

While I knew that, I could have used a little optimisim, hope.  So I left feeling like you did - sigh.

Strangely, however.  I was put on 6 month visits at the 2 year mark.  And frankly if it wasnt for the zometa for osteopenia/porosis I think they would push me to annual. I do get annual breast MRIS and normal CBC blood work, no tumor markers and no scans.

Bottom line - they have no idea if somehting will or will not happen - whether they see us every six months, three months, or annually.  We are our best advocates if something doesnt feel right, in between appts . Docs get paid to find problems - it's our job not to have any for them to find :0)

You are doing great Diana - and you know it!   That is all that matters.

PS - I met a woman recently 33 year survivor - Stage 3 "lots of positive nodes" and another woman 19 years - also stage 3, and another 23 years - also stage 3.  Guess what they all have in common - daily exercise!!!!

I'm on an every-four-months schedule. I work full-time and it's a bit of an imposition to have to take three vacation days a year just for a dr's visit. But I do feel good about having him check things that often.

Orginally my onc said every 3 months for the first 3 years, then 6 months for year 4 and 5, and yearly after 5 years. I am hitting 3 years and he has had me on 4 month checkups for the last year. I was sad when he said now that he is planning the 4 month checkups until year 5 and then we may go to 6 months. First, I hate the cost because I have to pay for these check ups and even more I hate the mental stress I have before these appointments. I hate the reminder of my cancer that comes with each check up. I know it will be a life time thing but I so very much want to forget about it all.

Hi Diana50

 Congrats on 9 years and on your positive attitude!!  I wonder if you've been on AI's and what your experience has been with them.  I am stage III like you, with positive nodes, but have ILC instead of IDC and see you're ER+. Thanks for any sharing you feel like doing!

Hi Diana,

Congrats on 9 years. I'm a total newbie and my 3 month visits weird me out. It's ironic -- if my onc. looks too closely I'm freaked. If I think he's not looking closely enough I freak. And then I'm ticked off with myself because I really want this to be like the flu -- you know, you go to the dr., they give you the meds. and tada you're fine and no one gives you another thought.

I just want to thank you for being here for all of us. You have been that port in the storm for me.

Hugs,

Rachel 

Hey, Diana, I need to confess something--I hang onto every word you write here. In some kind of weirdness that is brought on by this unpredictable disease, I always figure if you're okay, I'm okay. So...it was great to read you are more than okay!

From a fellow, ' 02-er, Weesa

Karen,

Your post made me laugh. Between me and DH, I am so totally sick of Dr. appts, so I'm not shy about skipping or not making any that don't do us any good.  Don't worry, girls, I don't skip the big ones, but I've pared it all down to keep my sanity...

Love

Bobbie

Hi Diana,

I totally agree with you each day is a gift, that's why it's called : "present" .

You are a testimony to living life to the fullest.

Hey - is there something different about me that I'm only seeing the onc every 6 months, after only one year out from treatment?  They just keep telling me they won't see me any more often unless I "have symptoms" -- um EXCUSE ME -- I never had any symptoms in the first place !!! 

Diana: just adding my comments to your list of admirers - I, too feel such a connection because of our similar stats, not to mention your many amazing posts over the years.  My onc is also "wait & see" - just does blood tests every six months. I've had a few bone scans due to back/hip pain (thank goodness those don't involve drinking barium!).

I've always had issues with panic/anxiety, so haven't ever been able to shake the feeling of doom that follows me around every day. My challenge is to focus on all the positives I still enjoy (walking my poodle, going to stay at Mom's this weekend, and of course - Ben & Jerry)! 

All the best to all of us - mothers or not...

Julie