Checking in 10 Years Later...

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Christina
Christina Member Posts: 4
edited June 2014 in Young With Breast Cancer

When I was dx'd back in 2003 @ age 32 with stage II, ER/PR+ IDC, I truly did not believe I would be around to see 2013. These message boards helped me get through the darker days, and as I read many of the recent posts they remind me so much of my own experience. My heart goes out to everyone in the midst of all the turmoil a BC diagnosis brings. Everyone's experience is unique, but I hope sharing my story might help someone in some small way.

Because I have a strong family history of BC (mother and maternal grandmother), I opted for bilateral mast with immediate reconstruction. I did 4 rounds of AC while on Lupron and took Tamoxifen for 2-1/2 years before going off to try for my first baby @ age 36. I agonized over this since I was certain my fertility was being severely compromised and the clock was ticking. After 6 unsuccessful months of trying, I made another agonizing decision to seek fertility treatment, which has risks. After finding a not so great FSH level, 4 unsuccessful inseminations led to IVF with ICSI, which was successful on the 2nd try. I had my beautiful baby girl at age 37 and she is now 5-1/2. Since hormones were now a no-no and the likelihood of conceiving was so low, we decided to forego any birth control after my daughter was born. Well, here I am at age 42, now with a beautiful, healthy 9-month old son conceived 100% naturally! So the moral of story is, even if the odds seem against you, you just never know...

I have kept my BC experience fairly private over the years, sharing only with those closest to my heart and those on a need-to-know basis. So my most recent challenges have been mainly fending off the breastfeeding police who question my "choice" to formula feed. If they only knew ;)

Wishing you all love, strength and perseverance for the journey ahead.

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited January 2013

    It's wonderful to hear such a great story.  Congrats on both your little blessings!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited January 2013

    Christina --

    Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story!! Taking the time to stop by and share your happy ending will truly make a difference for so many.

    Congrats on your two little ones and here's to 2013 and many, many more!

    --The Mods

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  • borntosurvive
    borntosurvive Member Posts: 213
    edited January 2013

    THANK YOU for posting this.  I was diagnosed at age 33 with 2 little ones and that was a year ago.  I am SO scared that I won't be here to watch them grow up.  Your post has given me hope. 

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  • momof3boys
    momof3boys Member Posts: 896
    edited January 2013

    Wow! Christina, that's an amazing story. You are to be commended for all you've gone thru and how you've persevered and got the family that you desired. At times, during my treatment, I've had to remind myself that when I was diagnosed at age 43, I already had my boys (they were 16, 9 and 7), and I was so fortunate in that respect. I'm amazed and humbled with the women on here, like you, that go on to have babies! Congratulations and continued good health to you!! XO

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  • DiDel
    DiDel Member Posts: 1,329
    edited January 2013

    What a beautiful post..thanks for sharing your story. Congrats on 10 years NED and so many blessings that followed.

    Wishing you continued health!!

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  • fenella
    fenella Member Posts: 93
    edited January 2013

    What an inspiration post. I have not been diagnosed but I'm being watched and tested, as a mum of 2 young boys the thought of what if is very scary. You read such horror stories about Breast Cancer in young women it's great to see a story like yours. I will hold on to this story. Thank you so much.

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  • politicomama
    politicomama Member Posts: 187
    edited January 2013

    Thank you, thank you, thank you, so much for posting this.  I was diagnosed at 32 in October, and at first I did great, now I am just wandering through treatment depressed. 

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  • agapornis
    agapornis Member Posts: 67
    edited January 2013

    Congratulations on your babies, and thank you for sharing your inspiring story. So happy to hear beautiful stories.

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  • Christina
    Christina Member Posts: 4
    edited January 2013

    Thanks everyone... it is good to connect with people who share similar experiences. I was angry and depressed for a long time during and after treatment. My 6-month onc visits and any "weird" cough or pain still have the potential to set off a mild panic. I feel stronger, but still fragile. I appreciate my life and everything in it so much more.

    BC is not first and foremost on my mind these days, but it's always quietly lurking in the background... I just lost a dear friend to ovarian cancer so it's stirred up a lot of memories. Treasure every moment you have!!

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  • AgentMo
    AgentMo Member Posts: 72
    edited January 2013

    Thanks Christina for checking in.

    May I ask one question: where your lymph nodes affected?

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  • Christina
    Christina Member Posts: 4
    edited January 2013

    AgentMo: They removed 14 lymph nodes and none were affected. I did have lymphovascular invasion. My tumor was 2.1cm, Grade 2, ER/PR+, HER2-.

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  • Shari0707
    Shari0707 Member Posts: 448
    edited February 2013

    I just cried reading this.. Thanks for coming back and posting and showing us young ladies that WE DO have our lives ahead of us..🎉🎊💝

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  • MrsH
    MrsH Member Posts: 96
    edited February 2013

    Wow! It's inspiring to hear life goes on - and so beautifully. Congratulations on your beautiful family!

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  • Doragirl34
    Doragirl34 Member Posts: 49
    edited February 2013

    Beautiful story, and I loved the ending. It's difficult to be so young with this disease. You just made me feel positive and excited to look forward.

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  • new_direction
    new_direction Member Posts: 449
    edited March 2013

    thanks for this

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