6 year Survivor

Dear NONI,

Steve, yes actually I did go as far as to get my blood drawn but then my health provider did not accept and wanted $4000 to complete the test. We had a family discussion and all decided against it. I am sure we carry a gene, might not even be related to the 2 genes that were identified. You know Steve, you might be correct but I don't know that I agree 100%. If we prove to not be positive for the Brac gene what would that really prove, would that not give us a false sense of security. It is what it is and being a 23 year survivor is really why I came here, or am I now a 24 year survivor??? Please don't change this into a discussion that is not positive for those who come here looking for some really great news. My daughter is now 40 and to have her ovaries removed and to go into menaupause is just not an option just yet. How about some quality of life issues. I know you mean well and you are a dear person, hope you don't take offense but lets try to be a little possitive  and not change what was intented to be a little upbeat. "G-d forbid I am positive", that really sounds pretty scary to those women who are, sounds to me like we are all positive for some gene .

Sorry, I guess the study dealt on with BRAC 1 ant not both.

Thanks for reminding us that many, many people survive tnbc.  It helps a ton to hear your stories!

Love,
Laura

Thank you all for the hope you have given me. I am 37 yrs old and was diagnosed in 5/10. I was a stage IIB, 2/11 lymph nodes positive. Had a lumpectomy and have 2 more treatments of chemo followed by radiation. I am a very positive, optimistic person but sometimes that reality sets in that this may come back. I am prepared for the worst but hope for the best. I would like to be able to come on this forum yrs from now and say I have been cancer free. I don't know what the future holds for me but you all have taken some of the scare out of it. Congrats to all of you!!
Nicole

Will join in here. I Will be 14 years come Xmas from my 1st TNBC and just passed the 4 year mark from my 2nd TNBC.  The fear do suside with the year but never fully go.

Good wishes to all going thru tx at present.

Okay, my dear ladies, let me continue to be upbeat. I have been in this breast cancer business now for 24 years and yes I lost a few of my support group back then, but let me add only 2. There was 24 girls and 22 are still alive and thriving. Ladies I can go on and on with survivor stories so, so many more that survive then succumb to this desease. The dear ladies that come here are either new or are the ones that are here because they might be in trouble and are here for support and this certainly is a great place to come for that, however this is not the place for sissys, your going to hear some bad stuff that's going to make you crazy. Well let's keep focus on some good stories. A neighbor of mine back in the early 80's, she was probably in her late 40's when diagnosed, she was stage3, many positive nodes, just like Raine. Well she is in her 80's now. I no longer live in that neighborhood but love to pass and see her still out in the garden. My girlfriends Mom was diagnosed back in the 60's when we were in junior high and she live to be 87 and passed from just old age. Back then they did radical mastectomies and no chemo and just sent you on your way. Have you ever been in a group of women and find out how many survivors are just standing next to you, IT'S AMAZING. I am 64 years young and still work, in my office of 15 women 2 of us have had breast cancer and almost every one has been affected by a sister, mother or friend that has been affected. Lot of women but all still healthy. If you come to these boards you are going to hear the contrary BUT IT IS NOT THE MAJORITY.

Noni:

Wow, love this thread.  Many congratulations to all of you.  This is truly inspiring!

Thank you so much Noni!  Your post is music to our newly diagnosed ears.  Many of us are still reeling in panic from hearing that we have tnbc.  It has consumed most of my thoughts is some way or another.  My eating this or that, vitamins or not, plan a trip for next year or wait and see...,  son engaged( will I still be here), reconstruct or not, is this pain a recurrance or not, etc.  I am so sick of it!  I come to these boards daily, sometimes 2-3 times, looking for info, here, there everywhere.   I feel like a ticking bomb at times.  Don't get me wrong, I have a great life, but it is always tick, tick , ticking in the backround of my mind. Granted, sometimes it's, wow, that feels better today,  so ,Ok, cross that thought out. Maybe I will be alright.  Wow, that scan was ned, so maybe I will be alright.  I will do my best to have more of those' I am going to be alright' thoughts.  Nov. 2 is the one year anniversary of finishing my radiation and being done with treatments.   I can hardly believe it.  Thank you for taking the time to come here and post your positive outlook.  It did me a world of good!