Celebrating the End of My Breast Cancer Treatment Journey

You’re very fortunate that it wasn’t worse than that. I had mine. I had a mammogram a year ago. I didn’t really do South Brecks exams because of biopsy left me a little lumpy I should’ve I think. I probably would’ve found it a little sooner, but mine was stage one hormone positive, taking letrozole now I had five treatments of radiation other than being tired and just not having my energy like I used to. It’s not been too bad. I am really trying to eat healthy. I have a lot of different advice from different folks. Not sure what direction to go. I am trying to cut down on my sugar is too hard to eliminate it entirely. I’m trying to eat more protein and veggies and fruit. I’ve had people tell me that sour tea is good. I’ve tried that I’ve had other people tell me that I need to eat a high meat diet with no carbs and high fat. I can’t handle that, I try to salmon meals couple times a week

I waited 3 years in between mammograms. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 invasive ductal cancer with lymph node involvement. I had 8 out of 15 nodes positive for cancer. I also have extensive lymphovascular invasion. I have no genetic predisposition. I was very well endowed so after they removed my 2.5 inch tumor in the 6 and 7o’clock position, I was able to have a segmented mastectomy with bilateral breast reduction. I had 16 rounds/6 months of chemotherapy and 20 radiation treatments. I’m talking with my oncologist about starting Anastrozole and Verzenio. I’m praying that I tolerate these well without too many side effects or complications.

You have to do what you feel is right for you at the time. Congratulations on completing your radiation treatment. I too decided to persevere my breasts because I have no genetic predisposition. I’m also 58. Like you said, remain positive and take things one day at a time.

Thank you for all your responses. almost everyone’s experience is slightly different but we are all in a similar situation. I guess we have to have trust in our doctors and try to eat healthier and exercise, but not let it take over our lives. Once again , we have to do our best and try to think positive, it helps!❤️💜❤️💜❤️💜❤️💜

Yes I agree it is difficult to know what to do as I have gotten different kinds kinds of advice most has been good I have a appointment with my oncology this week for a follow up.

I got my diagnosis on my 65th BD in December. Had a lumpectomy in February and they found cancer in my other breast that I had a reduction done on. Just 5 days ago had other breast re exexsized for clear margins and limp nodes. Right was stage 1 and left was so small it wasn’t even seen in breast MRI. They told me to consider mastectomy. I chose not to as they result long term is the same because of no other factors. Don’t question yourself because it doesn’t do any good. Everyone I know that had lumpectomy were all good and still alive 10-20-30-50 yrs later. It’s a personal choice. Hang in there

Suzanne the outcome is the same at the stage you and I are at. Lumpectomy is less invasive and has the same long term results, so it’s a personal decision. I had a lumpectomy on my right breast and did a reduction of my left for symmetry. Thanks because they found 2 different cancers in my left breast so I had a lumpectomy on my left and starting radiation in a few weeks. Again personal preference, outcome the same. Onco score low on both and no history. 🤷‍♀️ Don’t second guess yourself. Heal and hold on to everyone that supports you

Well I 69 and go annually for mammo - late Nov was mammo - I was notified that I need to come back for ultrasound which led to a biopsy. Well the SPOT that was found was do small, my surgeon praised the radiologist for finding it. After several ultrasounds , MRIs and biopsies. I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy which showed a positive node that did not spread and area was negative. Do annual mammo’s are important !!! No one told me anything specific about my diet - just eat healthy. I have my f/u’s with radiologic and medical biologists in first week of may , so we shall see,,,🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

I have my post surgery and radiation mammogram today

Congrats 👏 on completing radiation. I will be doing that after my surgery as well.

I had stage one breast cancer a year ago. I got it taken out in December of last year. Did radiation and k . Am still a little sore. Trying to keep a bra that fits

I was just diagnosed at age 51. I had a clean mammogram in December but discovered a small lump 4 months later. It was also Invasive Ductal Carcinoma stage 1. Had it not been close to my skin I never would have felt it. I also opted for the Lumpectomy and radiation. Had the Lumpectomy yesterday. They also removed a few lymphnodes so waiting for lab results. I must have my IUD removed on Friday due to the hormones. I will begin radiation in a few weeks and be on 5 years of a hormone blocker. I'm feeling pretty good about things right now. You are right, this doesn't define who we are. Stay strong and keep your spirits up. We're still breathing so there is lots of life to live! Take it all in...I'm certainly going to try!

Yes I agree

Shakevia - 🙏🏻🙏🏻best of luck sounds like you’re on the right path 🤞🏻

I wonder if IUDs and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has anything to do with getting breast cancer. Both my sister and I got breast cancer. No history in the family. Tested negative for the gene thing. Both BCs 100 percent hormone related.

Congratulations on completing your radiation treatment - what an incredible milestone to reach! The questions about treatment choices are completely natural, and many people in this community have wrestled with similar decisions about lumpectomy versus mastectomy. Each person's situation is unique, which is why getting that second opinion was such a wise step. Your positive mindset and strength throughout this journey can be truly inspiring to others who are facing similar challenges.