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nonna1642 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nonna1642 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov 15 2013 at 10:18pm
Hi, Paulak62,
 
Congrats on being 12 years out.  It makes us under 5 years out feel much better.  I hope your new test come out benign and are still cancer free.  I also have a lot of Microcalcifications  in my remaining breast..  Also have had it for years in my removed breast since 1992.  Also had abnormal mammograms ever since then up until my mastectomy in 2010.  Take care.
 
nonna1642
 
Dx: age 70 IDC TNBC Grade 3 5/10 left mastectomy Stage IIB 5.1 cm no reconstruction followed by chemo of Taxotore & Cytoxin then radiation
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote snugltz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov 20 2013 at 12:49am
Hi.  Just came from the doctor.  3 1/2 years NED.  Praise the Lord!!!I just read an article on triple negative and it said several studies show that after 3 years the chance of recurrence drops greatly.  My triple negative specialist at Stanford also said that plus said after 5 years it rarely comes back.  Also other studies have shown that.  Although there is still a very small possibility it can. of course, but it is quite small.   But my oncologist today, who has a very large and busy practice said she had NEVER seen a triple negative come back after 3 years.  So for all of us that is a lovely thing to hear.  Think we can all use a ray of sunshine having this awful disease.
1 cm, 0/2 neg nodes, lumpectomy 6/16/10, cytoxin/taxotere 4x every three weeks, rad start 11/8 33X
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lillie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov 20 2013 at 9:04am
Hello Snugltz, (Jolene)
 
So good to hear from you again; and with such good news.  Amen! Praise the Lord!!!!  3 1/2 years, what a wonderful milestone to share.
 
Please touch base with us occasionally and let us know how you are.  Your're correct, ALL OF US CAN USE THOSE RAYS OF SUNSHINE!!!
 
Love and God Bless,
Lillie
Dx 6/06 age 65,IDC-TNBC
Stage IIb,Gr3,2cm,BRCA-
6/06 L/Mast/w/SNB,1of3 Nodes+
6/06 Axl. 9 nodes-
8/8 thru 11/15 Chemo (Clin-Trial) DD A/Cx4 -- DD taxol+gemzar x4
No Rads.
No RECON - 11/2018-12 yrs NED
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mhalm Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov 20 2013 at 10:23am
I have not posted for awhile, we have 3 kids and life gets crazy. I'm sure we all know that feeling. I was just thinking the other day about being a survivor. I wanted to come on and see how everyone is doing. On Jan 4th, 2014 I will be a 4 year survivor. I can't believe it's 4 years!! It's good to see all the survivors, stay strong and keep fightin' Mary
DX 1/5/10, Stage I gr 3 TNBC
Lumpectomy 1/15/10 6mm tumor
45 yrs old (46 now)
1 round Taxotere (allergic)
3 rounds AC
33 rounds radiation
3 kids, 14, 10, and 6 married 19 yrs
BRCA 1/2-
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mindy555 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mindy555 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov 24 2013 at 8:25pm
ALL Survivors & Thrivers...

Seems like ages since I've visited the site.  This has been the most encouraging thread.  I love seeing newbies and not-so newbies gather plenty of hope from all living past their dx,-- whether it's 2 years or 20 years.

I don't really count the time.  Not yet anyway.  I try my best to live in the day.  I was dx'ed mid July '11, sought several opinions, both surgeons and oncologists.  I ultimately went with the tx plan and many appointments with an MO and breast oncology surgeon @ MDA.  I maintained a local oncologist at home who I like very much.  Neoadjuvant therapy began Oct '11 and BMX was in March 2012.  It really hasn't been that long if I count from surgery.  But every day has been a true gift.  Staying in the moment helps me focus on all for which to be grateful.

I still believe it's a roll of the dice.   A positive attitude makes life better in every possible way, IMO. But it isn't a guarantee of anything.  Life holds no guarantees... like an action/suspense movie.. where you don't know what will happen next.  I choose to remain positive as much as possible because I want to enjoy the time I have left.. whatever that is.  I love my friends and family...If I couldn't find humor I'd be sunk. I was raised by parents with a warped humor and it's been passed on through every generation.  Thank goodness  Being miserable is no way to live.   There's a lot of truth in the saying "laughter is the best medicine."  It may not cure you, but it gets you through. On the other hand a gut-wrenching cry is cathartic too.  Do it, then try to move forward with gratitude.

At my last appt. my local onc said, "well, it's been two years."  I kind of let that remark slide by... put more emphasis on THE NOW.  Maybe it's my age, but there's a lot to be said for quality of life. My time is more productive trying to live well..  and help make life better not only for me, but for my friends, family and those in need.  There's nothing better than showing kindness & compassion for others.

No matter our tx plan differences, stage at dx, or longevity thus far.. we're forever in this together.  Live for today and do those things you've always wanted to do which challenge you in a good way.  We've already gone through this disease and managed to come out on the other side.. even though we have our battle scars.

Congrats to all you wonderful brave ladies and gents.  Our partners/caretakers who've stuck beside us deserve as much if not much more credit.  It's tough & they too are our co-survivors.

This disease may have robbed us in certain ways,  I figure it doesn't deserve to have that much power over me to rob me and mine of the simple joys in life.. or as Steve has always said... "try to find the beauty in something each day."  If I allow it to contaminate my thoughts consistently or cower to fear.... it wins. And then what's to be gained?  I take the power back and refuse to be a victim. I'm a victor.  I'd be fibbing if I said I'll never have dark moments.. days.   But people without ever being dx'ed w/ this aggressive disease have their own dire problems, too.  Life throws obstacles at all of us.  No one lives without challenges or comes away totally unscathed.  Hopefully we're much stronger now.  I know it's a lousy way to get there, but such is life.  I can certainly think of much worse things than what I've endured thus far.  Anyone who has lost a child, or even has kids understands.

Wow, didn't mean to turn this into a gloomy post.  Just remember, there's always someone that has it tougher.. and DO grab on to all the joy you so deserve.  Life is fleeting for us all.

xxxx

Dx July 2011 56 yo
Stage I IDC,TN,Grade 3
Grew to Stage IIa- No ev of node involve- BRCA1+ chondroid metaplasia
Daughter also BRCA1+
Mass grew on Taxol
FEC 6x better
BMX 3/19/12 pCR NED
BSO 6/2012
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mindy555 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mindy555 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov 24 2013 at 8:50pm
Oh Lillie!

I meant to tell you how beautiful you look in your new picture!!!  Looking GREAT! xxx
Dx July 2011 56 yo
Stage I IDC,TN,Grade 3
Grew to Stage IIa- No ev of node involve- BRCA1+ chondroid metaplasia
Daughter also BRCA1+
Mass grew on Taxol
FEC 6x better
BMX 3/19/12 pCR NED
BSO 6/2012
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Natalie View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Natalie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov 26 2013 at 9:39pm
Mindy,

Glad to see you have stopped by, when I first came to the group you were one of the members along with Donna & Lille that I saw a lot of posts from and felt the love knowlege and support emitting from each of yas (sorry if I missed someone else) and felt great comfort in it.

What you wrote above certainly put it into prospective on so many levels. Thank you Mindy...
I love to laugh and I too have a warped sense of humor thanks to my family also, with a bit of sarcasm to give it that added flavor needed. I love goofy too.

Seize the Day,
Natalie
TNBC stage1 size 1.8, grade3 no nodes 4/11 Lumpectomy 5/11 4cycles DD A/C 4cycles DD Taxol. Double Mastectomy 12/11 BRCA all neg
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Wade View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Wade Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov 27 2013 at 7:26am
Hi Deb and Mindy and all,

It's great to hear from you all again. Here's wishing everyone a great Thanksgiving!

All the best,
Wade
Wife DX 5/2011@52 2.5x3.1cm;6/2011 DD A/C 4x,Abraxane 4x; Lumpectomy, SN biopsy 10/2011; 10/27/2011 NED; Rads start 11-22-2011, Rads fin 1-11-2012; 10-2013 NED; 07-18-2014 NED; November 2018 NED
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nonna1642 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nonna1642 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov 28 2013 at 9:07pm
Happy Thanksgiving to all you TNBC survivors out there and to your families I wish the same.  May we continue to have no NED on our checkups.  You are so right Mindy about having a positive attitude.  That is what got me through mine.  Be thankful for every day.Hug
 
Nonna
Dx: age 70 IDC TNBC Grade 3 5/10 left mastectomy Stage IIB 5.1 cm no reconstruction followed by chemo of Taxotore & Cytoxin then radiation
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stephsaulnier Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Dec 04 2013 at 1:56pm
I just wrote a whole reply and my phone went biserk and I lost it. Probably a sign I should not be whining as much! Well I was basically wondering if any of you have had not great path reports. I had four rounds of AC then surgery and I'm currently doing the taxol. My path report showed "minimal response to chemo" and extensive lymphatic invasion and blood vessel involvement. I am driving my oncologist crazy. I am so convinced that mine was too aggressive to even have a chance of it not coming back. I'm afraid it's already looming around somewhere and not caring about the chemo.
And sueez, thank you and I may call. And sorry about bringing my paranoia to this post. I have a 5 and 2 year old and so scared of leaving them.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lillie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Dec 04 2013 at 8:31pm
Dear Stephanie,
Don't worry about whining to us, and your certainly are not paranoid.   It sounds as though you have had less than the best scenario with your TNBC journey, so far. 
What stage is your cancer?
Any lymph nodes involved?
What kind of surgery?  mastectomy or lumpectomy?
What size was your tumor initially?
 
Sounds as though you need to get a second opinion, or discuss more treatment options with your oncologist.  I don't blame you for driving him/her crazy.  If things don't seem right to you, please seek another opinion.  You sound like a brave person who is seeking help.  I hope we here on this site can offer you some hope.
 
Prayers and God Bless,
Lillie
Dx 6/06 age 65,IDC-TNBC
Stage IIb,Gr3,2cm,BRCA-
6/06 L/Mast/w/SNB,1of3 Nodes+
6/06 Axl. 9 nodes-
8/8 thru 11/15 Chemo (Clin-Trial) DD A/Cx4 -- DD taxol+gemzar x4
No Rads.
No RECON - 11/2018-12 yrs NED
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Lillie View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lillie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Dec 04 2013 at 8:38pm
Dear Stephanie,
I looked back in the posts and found your first post.  You have already answered all the questions I asked, so please excuse my asking again. 
 
I also responded to you earlier, and every word I said was true.  I do believe that you need to seek another opinion, as a different, or more chemo may be necessary.
 
Good luck sweetie and keep us posted.
 
God Bless,
Lillie
Dx 6/06 age 65,IDC-TNBC
Stage IIb,Gr3,2cm,BRCA-
6/06 L/Mast/w/SNB,1of3 Nodes+
6/06 Axl. 9 nodes-
8/8 thru 11/15 Chemo (Clin-Trial) DD A/Cx4 -- DD taxol+gemzar x4
No Rads.
No RECON - 11/2018-12 yrs NED
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stephsaulnier Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Dec 04 2013 at 8:46pm
Thanks Lillie. I have since seeked a second opinion and they pretty much said they would treat me the same. They said everything I have done and will be doing is what they would do. And they also agreed that scans after treatment is over will only add more radiation and they say that it's been proven that outcomes are no different if you treat someone 6 months earlier because of a scan or later because of symptoms. So I am kind of relieved I am on the right track yet hearing from a new set of doctors that my cancer basically sucks and I am doing all I can is a little stressing. I was hoping for "well we have this additional chemo" or something!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kitkat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Dec 06 2013 at 10:45pm
I have not checked in in awhile. I was the one who had asked for survivors.

I have been fight stage 4 since January 2013, with mets, 4 to my lungs, was on Xeloda, tumors grew to 7 and doubled in size!!! Then had 2 rounds of Doxil, awful stuff for me and tumors kept growing. About to have my 5th round of taxol, carbo and herceptin. I had lung biopsy in sept and now at least 1 of the tumors is her2 + !! Which is why iam on herceptin.   My scan from yesterday showed 2 tumors shrinking, 1 small mass gone. I still have numerous tumors, all under 2.5 cm. this last round, I got really depressed...when my husband called to check on me, I just started crying!   

Had gene mutations done in sept. Showed I had TP53, was wondering if any of you had this awful gene....I have the wild TP53, not the inherited one....thank goodness!   Sorry to vent :(
Dx 6-10 stage 1, grade 3, 1.2 cm tumor w microvascular invasion, CTx4. 25 rads w 7 boost. 1-13 stage 4 w 4-1 cm tumors to lungs. Xeloda 1500x 2 a day, ct scan 3-29, 50% shrinkage! Hopin and praying
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mindy555 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Dec 04 2014 at 5:03pm
Bump Heart
Dx July 2011 56 yo
Stage I IDC,TN,Grade 3
Grew to Stage IIa- No ev of node involve- BRCA1+ chondroid metaplasia
Daughter also BRCA1+
Mass grew on Taxol
FEC 6x better
BMX 3/19/12 pCR NED
BSO 6/2012
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mindy555 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mindy555 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Dec 04 2014 at 5:03pm
Bumpity Bump Thumbs Up
Dx July 2011 56 yo
Stage I IDC,TN,Grade 3
Grew to Stage IIa- No ev of node involve- BRCA1+ chondroid metaplasia
Daughter also BRCA1+
Mass grew on Taxol
FEC 6x better
BMX 3/19/12 pCR NED
BSO 6/2012
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mindy555 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mindy555 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Dec 04 2014 at 5:08pm
Esto golpea.  Mi zona favorita del Foro!


Trusting bablefish on this one - correct me if you speak Spanish!



Dx July 2011 56 yo
Stage I IDC,TN,Grade 3
Grew to Stage IIa- No ev of node involve- BRCA1+ chondroid metaplasia
Daughter also BRCA1+
Mass grew on Taxol
FEC 6x better
BMX 3/19/12 pCR NED
BSO 6/2012
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mindy555 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mindy555 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Dec 04 2014 at 5:12pm
Okay, I'll post my progress.  I passed the 3 year mark for diagnoses last July.  I'll be 3 years out from my last chemo Feb 12th?  - the date I use since it killed the cancer before I had a bilateral mastectomy.

Happy Days!  You ALL have been my anchor and life-line.  Can't imagine not being apart of this marvelous community, even though I'm not here as often.

Love to all. Heart
Dx July 2011 56 yo
Stage I IDC,TN,Grade 3
Grew to Stage IIa- No ev of node involve- BRCA1+ chondroid metaplasia
Daughter also BRCA1+
Mass grew on Taxol
FEC 6x better
BMX 3/19/12 pCR NED
BSO 6/2012
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mindy555 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mindy555 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Dec 04 2014 at 5:27pm
I graduated to 6 month check-ups, which is fine with me.  It's the only time I really think about cancer in the same way I used to.. then I become a little anxious.

My appointments consist of labs,  full check up of breasts & nodes, talking about new therapies and benefits.  Then I'm free to ask about anything and everything.  My doctor knows I'm in touch with my body.  I do take several supplements & come by it naturally.  My 96 year old maternal grandfather, the same man wonderful role model who carried the BRCA1+ gene was a big believer in supplementing what we don't get in our diets.  But I eat well too.  Exercise once or twice a day.  Skip a day here and there.  

No scans or CTCs - tumor markers at exams.

I've always been a road biker.. think I'll take up running.  My knees are still in good shape.  Next birthday I'll hit the sexy? (debatable) sixties.  For now I can say I'm still in my 50s!
Dx July 2011 56 yo
Stage I IDC,TN,Grade 3
Grew to Stage IIa- No ev of node involve- BRCA1+ chondroid metaplasia
Daughter also BRCA1+
Mass grew on Taxol
FEC 6x better
BMX 3/19/12 pCR NED
BSO 6/2012
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sabinecalifornia Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Dec 05 2014 at 5:46pm
Congratulations Mindy. I hit the 3 year mark in August this year, 3 years after my lumpectomy. I also graduated to 6 month check-ups, had yearly mammograms and CT scans.

Love the life you live.
Live the life you love.

Sabine
DX TNBC 7/11 @ age 50, Stage 2A Grade 3, 1/19, LE/AD 8/11, BRCA1/2 neg.,
4 A/C, 10 Taxol, 2 Abraxane due to allerg. react. to Taxol, fin 3/12. 33 Rads 6/12. NED CT 8/12, 10/13, 10/14
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