I've been living with breast cancer for 12 years after diagnosis with stage IV breast cancer, and for 15 years after first diagnosis.
When I was first diagnosed, I wanted to know people who had survived for a long time...and that was more so when I was diagnosed with stage IV.
Sometimes sharing with other long term survivors, especially with a stage IV diagnosis is difficult depending on where you live. I decided to share my thoughts and experiences through a blog on long term stage IV survivorship....
http://michigoose-longtermbcsurvivor.blogspot.com/
Life is good...albeit different!
I two have stage IV breast cancer . Mine went to the spine. L1 area. I had a collasped verterbrae. They put cement in this area. I did not even realize that it collasped. Had pain in the lower back. Had mri that showed the collaspe. Was told by the orthopedic Dr. that it had metastizied to the bone L1. I was devastated. had a good cry. then rolled up my sleeves & went to battle. I was first told I had cancer in the breast in July 1998. I had a lumpectomy in the right breast. All seemed to go fine for seven yrs. Then once again I was told in 2005 that it was back. Can't even tell you how that affected me. You already know. Had another lumpectomy. Then in only two yrs. 2007 it had once again returned. I had a Bi-lateral Mastectomy. I had reconstuction surgery as well. Well true to form it once again (after )a bi-lateral mastectomy returned in the bone, L1 area. the bone had collasped. I had to have another surgery. they put cement in the L1. The oncologist then put me on Femara . she said I will have to take it for life as well as a bone building IV to build my bones as the Femara destroys bone. I have been taking Femara for 2 months. I had a blind episode & had to come off it for two weeks now. My cancer feeds off hormones. So I have to take this therapy. We are to meet again wed. the 18th. of August to see what else I can try. She says if i do well on this therapy I can have 20 to 25 yrs. more. But at what cost. the Se of femara & the other drugs are staggering. I feel like a 100 yr. old lady at times. But when I have Good days I do thank the Lord & enjoy them. Like you say no one knows what it is like until you have been there yourself. I have been battleing this since 1998. Eleven yrs. now. I do not know what tomorrow holds. But I do know who is in Control of all our days. I find Strength in the Lord, family' friends. I have enjoyed reading your comments. I hope this gives others hope that there are still others who are (Still Here). God Bless all of you.
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for sharing your blog on life as a Stage IV breast cancer survivor. I've already laughed and winced, starting with your first post "The Little Taxols All in a Row" and moving on to "Silicone is My Friend."
I hope you'll keep us posted and write back soon.
Sarah
Thanks Sara....hmmm or is it Sarah....chemo brain after 12 years??? :) I hope to. I have lots more plans for more posts...and daily things come up....silly stuff...but I appreciate your comments. Lisa
Haha, good! Looking forward to reading more of your great posts.