Can someone explain what I'm "reading" to me? Please.

There is a great book out called "Breast Cancer Recurrence & Advanced Disease--Comprehensive Expert Guidance" by two doctors and two PhD's.  It explains how chance of recurrence is so specific that generalized statistics are misleading.  It also has ways to  help prevent recurrence, as well as a lot of interesting information presented in an understandable way.  Rather than surf the Internet, you should get this book (Barnes and Noble or Amazon have it). 

Rachel - the statistics are all over the place.  Even BC.org states that 40-70% of women with positive nodes will recur.  That scared the crap out of me!  And being Stage III, we are especially vulnerable to those numbers. 

But the truth is, the only statistic that matters is 0% or 100%.  It either comes back, or it doesn't.  I know how hard that is to accept, I definitely struggle with "numbers" myself.  In fact, I posted something very similar when I was first diagnosed.  I finally agreed with myself to listen to my MO, and have stopped reading about recurrence rates, especially since mine are so darn bad.  Now I just try and remind myself that I am not a statistic - I am me, and no one really knows what my cancer might do.

Hugs to you. 

Rachel,

I agree that the reoccurence rates you got from your Onc are your stats with full treatment plan.  The odds that are on the Sloan Kettering site are woman with no treatment at original diagnosis.  You are right that all the huge amounts of information out there can be overwhelming and scary.  It's good to find information but remember it isn't always a reflection of our personal situation.

Hang in there.  It's a wild ride you are on but we will help you through.

Hugs,

Jackie

grandhillmom

thanks for ther recommendation on the book; i just downloaded into my kindle.

i agree with the REAL statistic:  it is either 0% or 100%   if you can wrap your emotions and thinking around this concept; it does take the worry out..and you spend less time in the "what if arena....or always checking stats"  cancer is an individual disease; even tho there are stages...and node numbers...and size of tumor...etc....each of us have our OWN chemistry...and response to treatment...etc. 

just never give up.  keep on*

Rachel, Your DH sounds like a good guy to try to decipher that information for you. I didn't go online for a long time after I got dx'ed and went through tx because I knew I would absolutely freak myself out - I'm a worrier anyway - Take care - I think we are getting to the point where more survive than don't - at least that is my story and I'm sticking to it!

I am one of those 1% girls. DCIS 9 yrs ago, mets to bones a little more than a year ago.   My oncologist did not recommend tamoxifen at that time. I have to wonder if it would have made a difference.  I have always taken care of myself, eating healthy, exercising.  If anything I would attribute the stresses in life to contributing to my progression. I am stable right now, working and enjoying life.  I don't know what will happen tomorrow but today I am good!

I guess my advice is to take any stage of this stuff seriously.  Be vigilant but don't get obsessive about this.  Live each day and do the things you want to do.  None of us know what bad stuff will come our way so it makes sense to not sweat the small stuff, make sure your loved ones know how you feel, visit the places you want to go, be the person you want to be.  I hope none of you are ever in my shoes.  Take care and bless you all