5 YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MY STORY OF HOPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Options
faithfulheart
faithfulheart Member Posts: 544
edited January 2015 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Hi everyone,

I don't come here much anymore, life got busy and I have been getting on with life.........

I promised that after my 5 year clearance of being cancer free,  I would write all of you,  especially those just starting there journey.......I will tell you about mine,  in great hopes that it will bring encouragement and hope!!

In Sept. 2009, laying in our king size bed with our 4 year old son and 8 year old daughter,  my husband and I were watching TV together,  all cuddled up like a normal thursday night..........Ohhh ,  but,  it was about to change...My sweet daughter rolled over and accidently hit the side of my left breast,   it hurt really bad......... not because she hit it so hard but,   because when I went down to rub it I felt a massive lump!!!  Now,  mind you I was 41 and I had just had a mammogram,  so I was not worried in the least........

My husband did not take it so lightly,  so off to the docs I went!!! after being looked at by my OBGYN ,  she said to me no worries...

99% a cyst...lets get a dx ultra sound just for your peace of mind....OK??  So thats what I did............ The day I went in to have my ultra sound done I took my husband,  I knew it would be nothing and we could go have a nice long lunch after to celebrate!!!!

However........after being on that cold table for about 10 min,  I knew life was never going to be the same!!! Just like that....

The tech look like she saw a ghost, and called for the doctor, who said we need to biopsy you now is that ok??   What??

I just had a mammogram?????  Can my Husband come in???  No we would prefer he did not...OK???  Dear Lord please help me??

I looked at them both and I said, I have little kids.....as if that would somehow change my outcome........As tears flowed down my face all I  could think about were my children,  so young they need me, this is not happening!!!   But, it so was!!!! 

By the time I left the office, what I knew was I had a big mass that looked to be cancer and lymph nodes that looked to have cancer in them too!!   I guess that lunch I had planned with hubby was off................I know my journey is sounding quite similar to a lot of you!

You all know the drill..........I saw a breast surgeon ,   and it began........MRI, CT, Pet Scans ect...........after a really strong Martini!!!!! I wrapped my brain around the fact that I  needed to fight and fight hard!!!  2 kids and a husband I have loved since I was 19..........I WILL NOT DIE!!!!!    So Nov 13, 2009,   I had a double Mast. and 17 lymph nodes removed..................recon with expanders put in.....10 hours later  I was out and looped up!!!! My whole family was there in the hospital room, I felt like I was watching my own funeral!!!!   Its crazy stuff what runs through your mind when you think you might die......but, I Survived the surgery,  step one.......step 2 the pathology report..

Well,  they originally said they only saw one maybe 2 nodes so thats not so bad, I guess.........when my BS walked in, she was making small talk , not like her,  she is a shoot from the hip kinda doc.......How many positive nodes I asked..........10, she said, and a 4.5 cm tumor...............so I am going to die right??   Wrong!!!  she said................she told me that  I would  have a very uphill battle in front of me but,  that this is very treatable and I am not going to die!!!!!!!!!!! OK..............I put on my war gear and went to battle, first, lets get that port in, we all love that part right?? then Let the 6 months of chemo begin..........ovaries out, implants in...........40 rounds of Rads....

Tamoxifen!!!!! That should cover it!!!!   We all know the emotional ups and downs, but, my faith keep me strong and I knew I would raise my little ones!!! 

Today, November 2014................My beautiful daughter Bella, is almost 14, and my handsome son Christian is almost 10, that little 4 year old I did not think I would see make his 1st communion is now my football star,  and every game I see is a gift from God!!! My husband BFF , Rock.......is still with me, by the grace of God we just celebrated our 25 years of marriage!!!!!! 

Is it easy, NO, Does it Suck Yes, is it doable???? Absolutely !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday, I saw my MO, He walked in with a huge smile and said 5 years!!!!!! and we both got tears!! He then held my hand and said, you are going to be ok.........you are going to live a long life...........Now,  I know  only God knows how long any of us has, but, to know that a stage lllC girls MO just told her that her life would be long..........to me that spells HOPE!!!!!!!!!  Hope for every person reading this way too long story...........If you are just starting your journey or in the middle or nearing the end of treatment........HOPE is such a beautiful thing!!!!!  I pray for all my sisters on this journey for only we know how severely  challenging it can be!!

But,   there is life after,  during and way beyond cancer!!!  Don't let your DX define you ever!!!  Now, I do not claim to be the poster child for being the perfect cancer survivor!!!!  I don't run marathons or hike 80 miles a week....but, I am active and eat pretty good, I do love my wine, I  just don't have as much as I used too.......but, all in all....I have found the blessing in this long journey, it is simple..........Love the people who love you, be peaceful and know you are ok....Kick fear in the ass,   its not real!!!! It has no power in less we give it power!!!!!  Do not waste time on thinking about what if's ...........stay in the day.....that is a big one......staying in your day,  your moment,  even just your hour sometimes is so key!!!!! 

I am grateful to God, my beautiful doctors..........This web site , that was there and still is  when nobody can get it but, another sister....... Thank you for listening to my long story.............. To me,   its a good story,   because I am here to tell it...............

God Bless all of you on your journeys..................stay strong,  have Hope.............and Thrive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

with so much love in my heart for all of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Steohanie...............................

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«1

Comments

  • Srh242
    Srh242 Member Posts: 328
    edited November 2014

    Love your story ! , Congratulations !!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ann273
    ann273 Member Posts: 209
    edited November 2014

    Congratulations Stephanie! Thank you for that beautiful post and wish you decades more of good health !! :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kiyasmom
    kiyasmom Member Posts: 6
    edited November 2014


    Wooooo Hoooooo !!! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited November 2014

    Congratulations on 5 years!

    Thank you so much for sharing your milestone here. We're sure that others will find it a story of inspiration and hope!

    Wishing you continued health and happiness.

    The Mods

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AmyQ
    AmyQ Member Posts: 2,182
    edited November 2014

    What a breath of fresh air and hope you just gifted to me and hopefully others.  Thanks so much for sharing.  Bless you and your family.

    Amy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • WinningSoFar
    WinningSoFar Member Posts: 951
    edited November 2014

    A great story, and well written too.   I'm inspired. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mamabee
    mamabee Member Posts: 546
    edited November 2014

    Congratulations! Thank you for coming back and letting us celebrate with you!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Blessings2011
    Blessings2011 Member Posts: 4,276
    edited November 2014

    faithfulheart - God bless you, AND your faithful heart!!! 

    May He bless you with many more amazing milestones in your life....

    Please do come back and share them with us!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lkc
    lkc Member Posts: 1,203
    edited November 2014

    Dearest Stephanie,

     I am so happy to read this. congratulations on this mega milestone and I agree with your MO you'll live a long life. It's such wonderful, joyous news.I know you are  Enjoying  life!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kessala
    Kessala Member Posts: 189
    edited November 2014


    Congratulations, faithfulheart, on your 5 year anniversary. 

    I will remind you to always pay attention to your body from now on.  Any unusual pains or problems should be noted and told to your doctor.  With your history of breast cancer, you can never ignore these things.

    Up to 30% (that's one in three patients) of early stage breast cancer patients (Stage 0 through Stage III) will go on to develop metastasis which is a spread of cancer beyond the breast.  This is called Stage IV.

    Stage IV might take 10 or 15 or 20 years or longer to appear.  Breast cancer likes to travel to bones, liver, lungs and the brain.

    Stage IV is not curable but it is treatable.  There are multiple medications that might slow or temporarily stun the cancer to provide a good quality of life for as long as possible.

    Doctors don't like to scare their breast cancer patients.  They might tell you to monitor your body for the rest of your life but they don't tell you it's because they're on the lookout for Stage IV.  

    I hope only the best for you, faithfulheart, but don't get too carried away about having crossed that 5 year mark.  No matter what your doctor told you, it doesn't mean you're cured.

    Kessala

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mary625
    mary625 Member Posts: 1,056
    edited November 2014

    Thanks you, Stephanie, for these words of hope. They ring beautifully in my ears as I too am a Stage IIIc, 10/16 nodes positive. It gives me a lot of hope!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • faithfulheart
    faithfulheart Member Posts: 544
    edited November 2014
    Dear Kessala,
    please in no way get the impression that I think I am cured........Thank you for pointed it out though...... Anyway, I have many friends in my life who r stage 4 and 10 years ago with my dx
    I also would have been considered stage 4...........I have lost friends from this dreadful disease and I never take for granted the fact that I am still here........My MO never gives me false hopes or puts time frames on anything.....You sound angry and I dont blame you , but, I am really just sharing my story with late stage 3 girls that need hope..... Oh my friend in stage 4 is 7 years from her original dx of stage 4 and is such an amazing inspiration to me.......she is in chemo on and off all the time, but, she thrives and lives life!! Thats what I wish for us all...No matter what stage your in Just be where you are doing the best you can.................please lets spread hope for all....that is why I posted.......so sorrry if I offended you in any way........I have had many scans and surgeries over the years.......lots of scares so, I know how it works.......I choose to believe its behind me for good......if it comes back God will give me the strength to handle it........

    May God Bless you on your journey Kessala..............
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • peacestrength
    peacestrength Member Posts: 690
    edited November 2014

    Thanks, Stephanie!   Hugs to you and appreciate you sharing.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SharonMH
    SharonMH Member Posts: 353
    edited November 2014
    • Hi Stephanie, So glad to hear about your 5 years. Glad that you are doing so well. SharonMH
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • faithfulheart
    faithfulheart Member Posts: 544
    edited November 2014
    Thank you Mods.....
    Uplifting posts only!!!!! I really thank you for keeping this a safe place...thank you for removing my
    post too.......I did not want to sound defensive in my response to the initial negative post.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited November 2014

    STEPHANIE!

    Wow, how similar we are right? I just saw your awesome post! It's amazing isn't it? I am so glad you are doing well. I do miss our chats as I don't come here as often either. PM me and we can share emails or Facebook if you do that.

    Love to you,

    Sharon :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • YATCOMW
    YATCOMW Member Posts: 664
    edited November 2014
    5 years is huge.....congratulations!!!!

    Jacqueline
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lily55
    Lily55 Member Posts: 3,534
    edited November 2014

    congratulations! Thank you for sharing...here's to the next 5 ! Xx

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Janetanned
    Janetanned Member Posts: 532
    edited November 2014


    Thank you so much for this message!  I am three years out and haven't been able to really relax.  I keep looking over my shoulder.  You give me hope.  I promise to come back in two years if I have a similar story to tell.

    And of course, CONGRATULATIONS!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • yogamama
    yogamama Member Posts: 39
    edited November 2014

    Thank you so much for sharing! I'm so happy for you and your family! I hope to reading your story of 10 years while writing my 5 year survival story for inspiration! Celebrating YOU!!!!!


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • diana50
    diana50 Member Posts: 2,134
    edited November 2014

    great news* awesome. thanks for posting*

    hugs

    diana

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SpunkyGirl
    SpunkyGirl Member Posts: 1,568
    edited November 2014

    Yeah, baby! That's the stuff I like to see! We all need hope, and we keep providing it to each other right here! Thank you for this awesome post, Faithful. We all have similar stories. I was just thinking today that on my tenth anniversary that I am going to post a story and picture on Facebook of me when I had no hair. It's a big step because I don't like to remind myself of those dark days, but I want to give people hope. God bless us all in our journeys.

    Bobbie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BlownOffCourse
    BlownOffCourse Member Posts: 37
    edited November 2014

    Thank you so much for posting this, I really needed to hear it right now. Even though I'm nearing the end of what seems to be a very effective treatment course, for some reason lately I seem to be allowing negative thoughts and worries creep in.

    Again, thank you so much for sharing.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SpunkyGirl
    SpunkyGirl Member Posts: 1,568
    edited November 2014

    That's so normal, SDM. Negative thoughts do creep in, but over time you will learn to deal with them. We are all here for each other

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kdrez
    kdrez Member Posts: 65
    edited November 2014

    Put a big smile on my face.  :)   Thanks for the positive inspiration, just the positive vibes and energy I needed for my soul.  Many blessings on this incredible journey.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • new_direction
    new_direction Member Posts: 449
    edited November 2014

    Thank you for your story it made me smile.
    Thanks for giving hope to us all.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kimber3006
    kimber3006 Member Posts: 586
    edited November 2014

    Great post! Congrats!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • weesa
    weesa Member Posts: 707
    edited November 2014

    Wonderful, --love the energy I got from reading your post and all the responses. You know, it is funny, here I am many calendar years beyond you, yet reading your post makes me feel safer, less anxious.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hopefour
    hopefour Member Posts: 459
    edited November 2014
    faithfulheart....thank you for taking so much time in sharing your story in an effort to comfort us, encourage us and cheer us on... you did!!! Had a comment made to me this weekend that wasn't meant to hurt, but the reference to my breast cancer took me by surprise and left me feeling isolated with fear. Your right, coming here is where I find comfort and understanding. Thank you again!!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gitane
    Gitane Member Posts: 1,885
    edited November 2014
    Came here tonight knowing that you all would be supporting one another, and in so doing, support me. I'm so happy to read your story, Faithfulheart, and also to see the posts by people here after many years. Thank you, everyone.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories