Recurrence and metastasis numbers?

Where did you read that stage 3 has about a 70% complete cure rate? I remember that a 5 year relative survival rate is about 70% at stage 3

I haven't seen the 'Stats' you have, but the type (IBC, IDC , ILC) comes into play every bit (or more so) than the Stage alone.

All types of BC are not the same - we are each individuals within those different DX s. The 'Stats' are not the same for any type. IDC is by far the most common, followed by ILC with IBC being only between 1% - 5% of all DXd types of BC.

There are so many different things that come into play. For me - being Stage IIIc IBC, when I hit a year post DX, all my Drs told me they never expected me to make it a year. The 'Stats' for making if 5 years lumped together for 'BC' are 87%. But for IBC are 1 of 4 will make it 5 yrs (25%). Well, next Aug, I'll be 8 yrs since DX and still NED.

The Stage is certainly part of the DX, but only part of the DX.

I've never heard, anywhere, that there is a "complete cure" for any BC.

.

.

I have read somewhere' (don't remember the site) that once a DX of BC no matter how you die ' you will be added to BC 'stats'. In other words - if I get hit by lightening while riding my few spot App. gelding because I was DXd 7+ yrs ago (and still NED), my death will be added to the 'stats' of BC deaths.

.

We're promised trails and tribulations…sadly it would seem your wife has had more then her share. But, what a complete Blessing you are by being so engaged in her care and support…this I am sure is such a witness to her of the depth of your love for her! I have a friend who's husband juices veggies, makes smoothies and walks with her each day since she ended treatment…its a joy to see. Take care of yourself as well as your wife!

I came across this thread by accident and kept reading. I was reclassified stage III A, and I have always have considered myself stage four because it spread out of my breast and nodes to liver, A very small spot, that they ultimately ending up removing along with a mastectomy and node removal completely in my left arm. Had some AC and abraxane chemo, and it really did a number on my body. Helped some I suppose, but ended up spreading to a few places in my back and pelvic area. I recently had another scan and it's contained to the bones and no soft tissue or organs at all. I see some caretakers here and am specially interested in how you are effected and how you feel being on the other side of this horrible disease. I think I am lacking in understanding that part of it because I can't see past my own grief and sense of self loss and destruction to my physical appearance. I don't want to not be aware of how it feels to be the caretaker and view it from other views of people who are actually are on living through it themselves. I can't learn from my Fiancé, even though he is the beat in my heart along with my kids. I need to look deeper into that part of things because I don't want to not see how difficult that part must be as well. I have terrible insecurity issues since his has happened and I don't know how to even begin to have him understand how I feel such a sense of loss like I've already been given the exact day of my death. I'm not living life at all by any means. I'm mentally suffering with loss and I am a broken woman. None of this is easy or makes any sense. ~M~

I agree with that completely. I just don't know how. I'm stuck in this wormhole and I don't have. A ladder out. I've seen so many stories of couples that loose each other and the marriage during something like this and I've already been deserted by most of my family, I just don't want to do the wrong thing and say the the wrong thing to make him leave me. I have no self esteem or even clear thinking sometimes it seems to answer a completely logical question. I don't want to loose myself either and I'm starting to think that is what has happened. ~M~

We live in a great neighborhood....very tight knit community of neighbors.....when I was diagnosed I am sure everyone thought with my stats that I would be the first one to go.....I was diagnosed at 46.

Instead....over the course of the last ten years........one neighbor at 55 died of a heart attack..........one neighbor died due to complications with diabetes at 53......one neighbor died of leukemia.......the other has early onset Alzheimers and moved into a facility..not sure if he is still around.

It just makes you realize that really......none of us know......I am sure all of the above thought they would outlive me by years......instead this month I will hit 13 years with the worst possible prognosis out there. It's a crap shoot. .....All we can do is live every day the best we can. We do get a unique perspective over our mortality (along with the fear).....it should just make us try to make each day count.

Your wife is very lucky to have you. Your quest to find those answers.....we've all searched.....when can we actually breathe again? When can we be sure we are "done"? Unfortunately they just aren't there. I say plan your future.....make big plans......push this cancer behind you.

Jacqueline

I love your posts Jacqueline. That's the best advice. Keep posting.

7of9, well said. At the moment I'm just scared of not being around to mother my beautiful kids. Although in the main I am positive (especially around them), active, and willing my way to my next cancerversary, I do have down days and days when the fear is higher. I feel like the ocean and the waves wash in and out with the various emotions.

I love coming to this site and wrapping myself up with all the posts from fellow BC warriors.