Today is my two year anniversary!

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kathleen1966
kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Last year, I didn't acknowledge my one year anniversary on here but I wanted to share that today is my two year anniversary of being diagnosed with stage IIIa cancer!  It really feels more like eight months ago for me.  I am grateful to have gotten this far and grateful to be connected with other women who have gone through a similar diagnosis.  Two years ago, I was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer.  One month later, I was stage IIIa cancer.  I had an over-all tumor of 7cm that turned out to be mostly DCIS with multiple focal points of invasive cancer with the largest tumor measuring 1.5 cm.  I had four positive nodes and Lymphatic invasion.  My "tumor" went right to the chest muscle and then stopped. I also had Paget's disease of the nipple. I can't actually say that I feel great.  I really don't.  I get very tired, can't seem to take off any extra weight I have, my hair is not exactly where it used to be and I feel a lot older than I did two years ago. But I am trying to move on...and there are days that I am very hopeful that I will be fine. The other days, I just feel I will deal with what-ever comes my way and I try to feel positive. I know that as each year passes, more and more treatments will be discovered for all of us who will be diagnosed with this disease and for those who are living their lives with breast cancer. I want to send my heartfelt empathy to newly diagnosed women, especially those with young children in the house. I hope for nothing but the best for all of us. That's all folks. 

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  • everyminute
    everyminute Member Posts: 1,805
    edited July 2012

    Congrats.  Wish it never happened to any of us.

    I know I am known as the exercise pusher but it does really help with the nagging fatigue (not to mention weight).  Try to add a walk in daily, takes about 3 weeks to make it into a habit.  I'll bet you a dollar you will start feeling better.

    (my friends son lives in Pittsburgh - you can send me your dollar via him!)

    all kidding aside - not every day is good but, like you, I am grateful for every one I get.

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  • kathleen1966
    kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
    edited July 2012

    Thanks every minute!  I was doing some form of exercise every other day for well over a year. I did get out of the habit of doing this about four months ago.  Now, I am walking 2 mile walks with a friend twice a week. I would really love to get in the habit of doing this every day. It takes about 45 minutes to do the 2 miles. I was doing the elliptical for 30 minutes every other day during the winter. I think I would stay motivated if I had even seen a slight weight reduction. But really, I think I maybe lost 5 pounds or was at least maintaining my over-weightness. I need to lose 50 pounds!!! I was thin all my life but have had a real struggle with weight for the last 7 years.   But I have never walked every day nor have I exercised daily.  I am happy that you are saying it only takes three weeks to make it a habit. I know it would benefit me tremendously, not only with fatigue but also with depression.

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  • jennyboog
    jennyboog Member Posts: 1,322
    edited July 2012

    Congratulations Kathleen!  You got me by only 2 days...I'll be celebrating 2 yrs on the 28th.  I'll be seeing you here 20 years from now...we got this girl!

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  • kathleen1966
    kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
    edited July 2012

    Yes we do!!!!!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2012

    Congratulations Kathleen! We couldn't be happier for you. How are you going to celebrate your milestone?

    Your Mods

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  • kathleen1966
    kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
    edited July 2012

    Thanks Moderators!  I have no real plans, other than to just have a normal day! I would like to go see the new Wes Anderson film!

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  • Gitane
    Gitane Member Posts: 1,885
    edited July 2012

    Happy 2 years to you, Kathleen.  I think it's normal to be still tired.  I know I was.  Exercise does help with fatigue and depression, especially the daily walking.  Lots of good thoughts going your way!

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  • 116
    116 Member Posts: 108
    edited December 2012

    Yeah! for two years! I was still very tired then too, thought I would never feel better, but it does, I still feel like I am getting stronger again every year that passes!!!!

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  • Momof2inME
    Momof2inME Member Posts: 683
    edited July 2012

    Congratulations on 2 years Kathleen!!

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  • Bugs
    Bugs Member Posts: 1,719
    edited July 2012

    Congratulations!  Do SOMETHING to celebrate...it's a special day.  Kinda like a 2nd birthday!

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  • CSMommy
    CSMommy Member Posts: 95
    edited July 2012

    Congratulations Kathleen! Your story is similar to mine, and it is inspiring and hopeful to hear from you. I hope you are able to find something to commemorate the day, because you deserve it.

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  • Karina121293
    Karina121293 Member Posts: 370
    edited July 2012

    Congratulations Kathleen!!!! I will get to the two year in a week... Same emotions, same feelings, same hopes... Here is to 20 and more for us!!!! 

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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited July 2012

    Kathleen, congrats on the anniversary.



    I have to second the exercise advice. It can be hard when you feel tired and out of sorts, but it really does help in all kinds of ways to get moving.



    For weight loss, I would further recommend, if you have not tried it already, to cut out white carbs and sweetened drinks, including juice.

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  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 16,882
    edited July 2012

    Kathleen Congrats---it's good to hear.

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  • katyand4
    katyand4 Member Posts: 171
    edited July 2012

    Congratulations Kathleen and wishing you continued good health!

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  • diana50
    diana50 Member Posts: 2,134
    edited July 2012

    Two years is a big deal; congrats kathleen. thanks for posting; people like to know how their breast cancer peeps are doing*  an anniversary is good to acknowledge*

    keep on*

    dianaCool

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  • MaxineO
    MaxineO Member Posts: 555
    edited July 2012

    Congratulations, Kathleen!  Even if things aren't what they used to be, it's great to be alive.  I wish you so many more good anniversaries!!

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  • Elizabeth1959
    Elizabeth1959 Member Posts: 346
    edited July 2012

    I agree. It IS great to be alive. Congratulations to all 2 year survivors.

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  • lexi4
    lexi4 Member Posts: 1,074
    edited July 2012

    Yay on your two year milestone, Kathleen!! I'll ditto what others have said. Daily exercise really does help with the aches and pains. Now I need to practice what I am preaching!

    Lexi

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  • faithfulheart
    faithfulheart Member Posts: 544
    edited July 2012

    happy Day sweet Sistah!!!!!

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  • kathleen1966
    kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
    edited July 2012

    Thanks for all your support and well wishes!

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited July 2012

    What a lovely post Kathleen, and CONGRATULATIONS!  I've been away and had taken some time "off the boards" for a while and just saw your post.  I feel the same as you.  It's aged me in so many ways, but I am very thankful to be here to complain about it---right?  Keep on keepin on girl!

    Take care,

    Sharon

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  • overjoyed4life
    overjoyed4life Member Posts: 239
    edited August 2012

    Congrats Kathleen!!!!!! I also just pass my two years in June. We can do this!!!

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