success stories - real life accounts of women who have survived breast cancer and managed to put it behind them

just thought I'd leave this holiday snap here ...

life goes on

left breast mastectomy with implant reconstruction July 2015

chemo from August to Christmas Eve 2015

shaved head, got a nice wig, hair now shoulder length but it took a while

I really struggled initially, partly because my diagnosis and treatment were ridden with errors and omissions and a surgeon that should have gone to spec savers ...

and partly because I just couldn't believe it was happening to me and I still have days when I wobble and wallow

I upped the 6000 steps to 10,000 steps and I've got my son doing a personal regime, not too strenuous and I feel a lot better 

so for anyone starting out, feeling fearful, check me out

hugs to all

Carolyn

xxxx

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-46785690

that's the full article but here's a couple of paragraphs.

At the age of 23, Kris Hallenga was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. On average people given this diagnosis live for two-and-a-half years, but 10 years later she wants people to know that it is possible to beat the odds.

When diagnosed with advanced breast cancer in 2009, she decided not to get angry, but instead set up a charity called CoppaFeel, to raise awareness of the disease among young people and encourage them to check their breasts regularly.

Her own doctor, Duncan Wheatley, says survival rates vary depending on the biology of the disease - some cancers can behave much worse than others even if they look the same. But there have also been scientific advances in the last 10 years, so quite a few of the drugs that Kris has been given were not around when she was first diagnosed.

"The treatment options are expanding," he says. "So [we can] treat breast cancer more as a chronic disease rather than something that kills you rapidly, in the same way you treat high blood pressure and heart problems as a chronic disease that you don't get rid of but you can keep people going."

Great thread and fantastic survival stories which give hope to all of us! I can't wait for the time when I too can share my own survival story and hopefully help someone going through the same thing.

Here's to many more heartwarming, inspirational, lovely, wonderful survivors!

Hi Caroline, I absolutely love this positive thread. The stories are so uplifting. I started treatment for Breast cancer October 2017 and finished November 2018. I was determined not to let this diagnosis change who I am. By nature I am a naturally easy going, happy, positive person and everyday I'm always laughing. No way was that going to change. I remember sitting through chemo with my sister by my side  laughing and talking with all the patients. I always looked forward to chemo day as it was more like a social outing and one big happy family. I have to say that for me personally I found the thought of ever having cancer worse than when I actually did get the disease. I met some like minded people who will be my friends for life. I have returned to my Teaching Assistant job in a Junior school. Those children have  been absolutely incredible with me, never underestimate the compassion and understanding from young children. I am so happy to be back with them and they keep me young. Sometimes I think "Did I really just go through cancer". The year 6 children did a question and answer session with me about my cancer, such amazing children. I am starting an advanced meditation course in September. Meditation played such an important part in my journey, I recommend it to everyone. I am having my final reconstruction operation in 2 weeks, I am not in the slightest bit nervous and embrace it as I have the rest of the journey. Big love everyone to a happy life. Tracey x

Hi,

Thanks for these positive stories. I'm starting chemo soon and have only heard horror stories that fill you with dread. 

Babs 1313

Hi Caroline, I've just posted a message but I also wanted to add that I do not take for granted the fact that my treatment has been successful. Had it been a different scenario I really don't know if I could have dealt with it the same. I have upmost respect and love to you all out there. We are all so different how we react to events in life and one never knows until it happens. Tracey x

Hi Babs, just spotted your message. Please don't fear the chemo because of what you have heard. I received 6 months of chemo and apart from feeling under the weather about 4 days after the chemo I didn't really have many problems at all. Just rest after chemo if possible and go with how your feeling. I had no reactions, thank goodness, apart from a slight temperature and sore throat twice, I was admitted overnight and given antibiotics. Remember each person reacts differently and I'm sure you will be fine. Its fear of the unknown and that's absolutely normal to feel that way. I bought myself a digital thermometer for home so I could keep check on my temperature. Also drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated after chemo. Anytime you need reassuring your welcome to message me. Remember Babs your in excellent hands. If you feel you need a sleep have a sleep. The first chemo is always the most nerve racking and the Nurses are aware you will feel anxious. Remember the chemo is your best friend, its fighting your battle and killing the cancer for you, that's how I looked at it. Big hug to you and let me know how it goes. Tracey x

Wow, I'm feeling quite downbeat now I have learnt here that once I have beaten my HER2 + breast cancer....a journey which I am only just beginning....I should expect it to return somewhere else. Are the success stories only those who were HER2 negative?

Xx

Hi

I haven't read the comments on this thread but please don't think that - many, many more women survive with no recurrence than don't and with the drugs for HER2+ now this type of breast cancer is completely survivable. With all cancers, no matter where they are, there is a chance of recurrence, and unfortunately the specialists can't predict who this will be, but my sister-in-law had breast cancer twice, the second time it was HER2+, and she was one of the women who trialled Herceptin in the UK - I can't remember how many years ago this was now but she is still here and well. I had a similar diagnosis 3 years ago and am fine too. Please don't let the negative thoughts overtake your positive attitude, I have always kept a positive attitude (not always easy at times) and do believe this helps enormously, if only on a mental health level.

Very best wishes for your journey, 

Jo xx

Herceptin is a game changer in breast cancer , I was stupidly hoping mine was as this drug as really changed outcomes ......my daughters mother in law lasted 18 years , 6 of them on herceptin after her 3 rd recurrance .......best wishes. X