Six (6) Years of Living Well with Metastatic Breast Cancer!

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Tina2
Tina2 Member Posts: 2,943

It's the sixth anniversary of my first treatment for breast cancer that had advanced to my lungs. The stunning diagnosis arrived shortly after my spouse and I had retired, anticipating a long life of leisure and travel stretching out before us.

Renegade cells lurking in my body for decades had other plans.

I've been on Faslodex all this time, thanks to a wise oncologist who stays on top of what's happening in the field. One-hundred and forty five injections later, I'm not only still here but also doing well. Yes, I have aches and pains and problems, but they pale in comparison to those endured by many others here.

My spouse is ceaselessly supportive. I have good friends. I am busy and active in my community---supporting and advocating for arts and humanities organizations, children's education and human rights. I enjoy expanding my horizons through reading, theatre and travel.

I know I am the proverbial Lucky Duck.

So, while I may whine and moan here and there, at heart I am grateful beyond words for my good fortune.


Tina2 (AKA The Human Pincushion)



Comments

  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited July 2017

    Just a quick and heartfelt congrats. I'm at my dad's for a few weeks and he has no internet service 😬. Here's to many, many more!

  • AnimalCrackers
    AnimalCrackers Member Posts: 701
    edited July 2017

    Woo Hoo Tina2!  When I first joined this forum 2.5 years ago I was desperate to find stage iv stories of longevity to help calm my fears.  Although I am no longer desperate for those stories (acceptance and understanding settles in and the panic dissipates over time),  I still love to hear them and am inspired by them.  I hope more people chime in with reports of many good years living with this disease and still going strong!  It's a nice boost to the day!

    Thanks for sharing!

  • pajim
    pajim Member Posts: 2,785
    edited July 2017

    Tina, you should be proud to be the Lucky Duck. Quack quack! Congratulations on six years! Here's to many many more.

    Pam

  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited July 2017

    Tina2, thank you so much for sharing! Wishing you many, many more years. (And a new pill form of Faslodex.)

  • melmcbee
    melmcbee Member Posts: 1,119
    edited July 2017

    Thank you for sharing this Tina. It inspires me and gives me peace. Praying for many more years.

  • AnimalCrackers
    AnimalCrackers Member Posts: 701
    edited July 2017

    Hey Shetlandpony - as you know I am on a trial with a pill form SERD and it is going very well so far!  I believe there is another trial also with a different pill form SERD but I don't know how that one is going.  Hopefully the pill option will coming to a theater near you soon!

  • illimae
    illimae Member Posts: 5,710
    edited July 2017

    Congrats Tina! I love hearing good news.

  • Stllivin
    Stllivin Member Posts: 103
    edited July 2017

    Congratulations! So happy for you! Wishing you many, many more!

  • ABeautifulSunset
    ABeautifulSunset Member Posts: 990
    edited July 2017

    Tina, I am right behind you. My first treatment was the first week of August, six years ago. My de novo mets came in the form of a spot on a bone. I did very well on faslodex for almost 4 years. The difference is i went and had multiple reconstructions that were very hard on my body and, imho, Is why it came back again. Spent two two years on Ibrance and now doing well on Xeloda. Tina, I think you are going to be around a very very long long time.

    Six year sister, Stefanie

  • Kandy
    Kandy Member Posts: 1,461
    edited July 2017

    Definitely doing the happy dance for you!!!! I'm praying for this lucky streak to never end for you. Enjoy every moment.

  • Stllivin
    Stllivin Member Posts: 103
    edited July 2017

    Congratulations! So happy for you! Wishing you many, many more!

  • sharmal
    sharmal Member Posts: 55
    edited July 2017

    Congratulations Tina, I am very happy for you. I wish many more healthy years for you to Inspire and guide people here. God bless you.

  • Heidihill
    Heidihill Member Posts: 5,476
    edited July 2017

    Congratulations and keep trucking. As older sister (in line with Stefajoys meaning), I can say it is looking very good for you. 

  • Bright55
    Bright55 Member Posts: 176
    edited July 2017

    wonderful your news has given me and club mbc a big boost

    Huggs Bright

  • 50sgirl
    50sgirl Member Posts: 2,527
    edited July 2017

    Tina, WOOHOO! Six years on faslodex? WOW! WOW, WOW! You are not only a human pincushion, you are one of those Exceptional Responders that we all strive to be. I am joining Kandy in the happy dance for you. I look forward to seeing your updated posts year after year after year.....!

    I love reading posts that report such good news. It gives me renewed hope. Thank you.

    Big, big hugs from, Lynne

  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited July 2017

    Tina, congras on being an exceptional responder! Very happy for you.


  • bigbhome
    bigbhome Member Posts: 840
    edited July 2017

    Yay Tina!! So happy for you! Keep it up!

    Hugs and prayers

    Claudia

  • Sadiesservant
    Sadiesservant Member Posts: 1,995
    edited July 2017

    Fabulous reason yo celebrate Tina! Thank you for sharing as the good news stories, particularly those involving the lungs, are still very important to me! Looking forward to celebrating your 12th anniversary.

  • stagefree
    stagefree Member Posts: 2,780
    edited July 2017

    dearest Tina,

    All congrats to you and here's to many more!!! You are such a valuable soul to be around with, I a feel blessed to have met you, though through a crappy way.

    Love & hugs

    Ebru

  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited July 2017

    :: quack quack::

    Really happy that your rear end is still willing to back up to that needle. Congratulations!

    *susan*

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