5 years can be a big milestone. Some people like to check back in and let people know how they are doing. If you are coming up to your five year anniversary, post your update here.
Hi Guys - I’ve used this forum over the last 5 years loads of times and on some occasions its been a life saver in itself.
Well here I am 5 years next week past my diagnosis date. I’m full of life, Had lumpectomy, completion mastectomy then FEC x 6 followed by herceptin for 1 year (every 3 weeks) - After 2 years a saw a wonderful plastic surgeon, at Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust. She was amazing and over the last 2 years has given me back as close to a breast as I could have hoped for.
I’v lost over 2 stones in weight since my treatment finished and am now feeling fit and full of life.
The magnificent 5 years is now approaching for me and i’m feeling very emotional about my journey. - Keep going to all you out there who are still in the thros of treatment etc - there is light at the end of the tunnel and you will get through it.
Hope this thread helps all of you, like you’v all helped me over the last 5 years.
Thanks again and luv to all
Clemy X
Thank you you posted just when I needed to hear good stuff. Thankuou
Brilliant post.
So glad you are enjoying life after what you’ve been through.
Well done to you from Welsh girl x
Clemy Thanks just what I needed to hear, only part way through my own treatments. Well done and hope all continues well for you. Brill. Regards
Jackie
Thanks Clemy,
Just what I need to keep me going.
Joxx
Thanks for posting Clemy,
It’s good to here positive news like yours, you keep our spirits up.
Congrats on your 5 years!!!
Best Wishes,
Isabelle xxx
Dear Clemy,
So good to hear your news. Congrats on the 5 years! Glad you are fit and full of life, keep it up and enjoy!
Love Julie
Hi
I passed my five year mark last April, I had a lumpectomy, rads, mastectomy, chemo then elected to have an oophrectomy I am now coming up to my 5 year mark on finishing Arimidex.
At the time I felt like I was on this terrifying big dipper ride that would never end. Slowly you do move forward after your treatment and my Uncle used to say to me that everything passes, good and bad things, I didnt understand fully what he was saying at the time, but I do now.
When I had the courage, I used to look at the postings on the site but it took a long time before I could join in as I was too frightened of everything.
I used the mentoring service that was offerd by BCC and the lady used to call me when I had had my chemo it was wonderful just to be able to talk to someone who had gone through the same thing as me, even though you have your family close by it just isnt the same.
I also found going to the 2 day Breast Cancer Care residential course fantastic, that too helped me to gently take one step forward.
I wish all those well joining this club(not one that we would want to join by choice) just be very kind to yourself, take one day (even hour) sometimes at a time, try not to be too frightened and keep keeping thinking that it will all pass.
I still come on here because even now I get little jitters every now and again and its lovely to know that I have friends who totally understand all the fears that I have and I can always reach out to if needed.
Much love
xx
I am only 3 weeks post chemo and have just started Tamoxifen and Herceptin but intend to keep posting as it really helps others to hear the success stories. Thanks.
So pleased for you lancslass and clemy. I always find positive news so inspiring. Thanks.
what a fab post - very much appreciated.
Lynn
2 great posts to fill me with hope for the future thank you x
hi everyone
I was diagnosed April 2004 - so have passed 6 year mark!
Although my cancer had spread to lymph nodes, and was Grade 3, since finishing treatment I have been fine with no sign of recurrence.
I have very much enjoyed my life since then, and achieved a few personal goals. Towards the end of treatment I took up yoga (I was always very unfit before). I have made slow but steady progress and can now stand on my head!
Sarah
Hi Sarah
That is so great to hear. Thanks for posting. Good luck with achieving more of your goals. Debx
Coming up to the 5 year mark in september. Had lumpectomy and radiotherapy at the time. Further cancer diagnosis 3 years later, unrelated in the kidney. Had total nephrectomy. Doing good with no evidence of spread. Still on tamoxifen with associated side effects but working part time at nursing and on 2nd july got married again, in las vegas. He has been my rock and supported me through the bad times. Looking forward to only good times!! Just proves there can be life after cancer. Best wishes to you all, whatever stage of the journey you are on!!
Annie x
Don’t really belong in this thread but on the strength of 5x4 I thought I would! I have never been one for remembering anniversaries specially where cancer is concerned but I checked through my notes today and it is 20 years ago today that my GP found something suspicious. I was there for a regular 6-month check 'cos I was on HRT and she asked if I knew I had the ‘lump’. It was more a mass that she could feel but it didn’t feel right to her. I wonder how long it would have been before I had noticed it if I hadn’t had that appointment.
It has been an rollercoaster for me! From that first dx in 1990 I lasted 7 years (always thought it was 5 until I checked those notes) so I had recurrences in 1997 and then again in 1998 and 1999 then secondaries in 2002. I hope this will give encouragement to some that even with a very aggressive form of bc some of us survive it for many years.
Dawn
xx
Hi Ladies,
It’s good to hear postive postings which do really fill you with encouragement.
Lots of Luck to everyone.
Dotty 2
Hi
Keep going girls! I am nearly 10 years post diagnosis, stage 2, grade 1, 10 lymphs cancerous. Surgery, chemo, radio, tamoxifen, arimidex. At the time of diagnosis and treatment was terrified and didn’t think I would be here 10 years on!!! Seen my kids leave school, go to uni, get married etc… brilliant! So keep your chins up you ladies going through treatment at the moment - it does work! xx
Vicky’s now 34 and approaching her 5 year anniversary in a couple of weeks time. She was diagnosed at the onset with Grade 4, primary tumour was approximately 7cmx7cm (not a typo and has increased over time), no lymph node involvement and secondaries in her bones & pituitary gland (causing diabetes insipidus which she had for 5 months before the diagnosis).
She’s had 2 major spinal surgeries to replace and then sure up the T12 vertebrae; more radiotherapy than I can remember; Tamoxifen; Arimidex; Zoladex; FEC x6; Vinorelbine x2; Taxotere x6 and should be starting Capecitabine shortly - whew…
She’s still going though and although she can find it difficult at times, she has no plans on going anywhere just yet despite finding out at the last oncologists appointment that it had spread to her liver.
I think her unofficial motto is - never give up, never surrender (and yes, that is from GalaxyQuest 
)
So keep going and don’t let anyone tell you your time is up.