BCO members for 10 or more years - read their inspiring stories!

Hello everyone....I pray I can be an encouragement to those of you are just beginning this journey called Breast Cancer. Trust me, I _{KNOW how frightening it can be. I know because 12 1/2 years ago I heard the words, “Mary Jo, I’m sorry to have to tell you this but you have invasive ductal carcinoma!” WHAT? Me? Healthy 45 year old Mary Jo. “No way,” I told my doctor. “There is nothing wrong with me.” And so the story begins. I was diagnosed with stage 2B Her 2+++/ER PR negative breast cancer. Mastectomy of right breast 5 weeks after diagnosed. They found 1 lymph node positive. Three and half weeks after surgery chemo began and also herceptin shortly thereafter. Herceptin continued for 1 year. I had a mammogram on my other breast after chemo was over and no kidding, they found something suspicious on the chest wall. We opted to have my other breast removed and thankfully there was no cancer BUT I’ve never regretted having the breast removed. I fretted and worried for the first couple years.....what if? If it happens once, why not again? What can I DO to control this ever happening again? You see, control was a big thing for me. I mean, I wanted to control this never happening again. Right? Don’t we all want that? Sadly, we have no control and until we come to accept that we truly can’t live our lives with happiness and peace. As I said, it took me a couple years until I got to a point where I realized only God had any control over my life and for His reasons He allowed breast cancer to touch my life. He showed me that my life had a purpose and wnd while I was still here I needed to file each day for that day. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. No one. Each day I was healthy was my day to enjoy and not waste worrying about tomorrow. Finally, life began after breast cancer. Twelve and a half years later, I am healthy, happy and at peace with not being in control and realizing that one day, when God’s purpose for me is fulfilled, it will be time to go Home to Heaven. For now I will enjoy each day the Lord gives me with my hubby of 39 years and my children and 5 grandchildren. God bless each of you, my sisters on the journey. I pray God’s Peace to each of you}

marejo- thank you for sharing such a great story! So happy you are living a wonderful life - you’re an inspiration. And thanks for sharing the lovely pic!!

Vanessa

Has anyone out there, after a lumpectomy, have no recurrences for 10 years or longer??

Marejo ..thank you for sharing ..what a wonderful, inspiring story..I can see the love when I look at the beautiful photo of you and Hubby 💕

Marejo,

thank you so much for sharing your story. I have the same hormone status as you and have not read that many stories of others with this status. Seeing how long you have been NED is so encouraging. Wishing you continued good health and happiness.