I know there are others out there like me, but I have not had the privilege of meeting one. You see I was not diagnosed 5 years ago or ten years ago, but 27 years ago! At the time, I was a young 33 year old woman with a four year old daughter. I was horrified to learn that I was Stage 3 and had a large tumor and 4 lymph nodes. I did everything I could: mastectomy, radiation, chemotherapy and years of tamoxifen.
I then experienced an unexpected remission of 18 years. When my cancer returned in my ribs, I had a difficult time getting a diagnosis. We knew there were broken ribs, but all of my scans were unclear as to the cause and it had been so long since my original diagnosis.... Finally, in 2009, I had a bone biopsy. My original breast cancer was back and had metastasized to my right ribs and lung.
Treatment again and then remission again. In 2012, my cancer once again reared its ugly head; this time in my liver. Another biopsy and, for the first time, my cancer tested her2neu positive,
Now, I am back in remission again. Recently, my four year old daughter turned 32 and was married. I would never have believed her mom would be there. But there I was, so happy and proud.
My message is one of hope and determination. Determination to stay the course with treatments and keep fighting. Cancer is the sneakiest, meanest enemy we have - keep fighting!
Slidell, LA
