Over 6 years out

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Ok …I’m now over 6 years out from the most terrifyling experience of my life…

 

Initially I was told’low grade, small tumour, no need for chemo’ that changed to grade 3 tumour, bigger than expected, and 3 out of 24 nodes involved…chemo a must…

 

I planned my funeral after googling far too much…and sitting in the chair waiting for my first chemo…just wanted to run…but then thought ‘if all these kids can go thro’ this…then I can too’.

 

It honestly wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be…the worst part for me was befriending some folks going thro’ chemo with me & they didn’t make it…some just gave up…and that’s so sad…it’s not pleasant, no, but just keep your head down and get through the treatment…it’s worth it.

 

Now? I’m over 6 years out…my hospital bag (and my wig) are still on top of the wardrobe (I won’t tempt providence)…

 

What’s happened in those 6 years? If I’m honest it took a year or 18 months before I felt OK…but it didn’t take that long to start looking at my social life again…I was out…

 

I have an admission too…I forgot my 6 year anniversary…that’s got to be good news…

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Dear Maltomlin

From an old timer too.  So happy to see your post and I know it’ll provide a lot of help to others.  I had a similar diagnosis as you and had my ups and downs but 7 years on …

 

Congratulations on your 6 years.

 

Hugs

 

Ruby

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Thank you for posting that, it always helps to have a glimpse of normal life beyond treatment.

 

I had my second FEC (of 6) just last week, having earlier had a WLE and SNB, expecting just radiotherapy + anti-estrogen tablets for a while. Surgeons are increasingly for conserving tissue and limiting damage wherever possible, so it was a shock for me that the one lymph node my surgeon took was positive. So far, I seem to be dealing with this better than many, with the support of relatives and brilliant neighbours, having managed life independently from my early days.

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6 year anniversary for me too. Chemo was grueling but had great support from oncology dept my family were amazing. Wig also on top of wardrobe.