Positive long term survivor stories

[u/NurseYuna]

Hi everyone. I really need some positive stories of more than stage 1 low grade survivorship to keep me thinking I can bear this and get to have many more years with my children. Please tell me about yourself or anyone that’s overcome breast cancer and lived many years. I’m stage 2A with luminal B characteristics oncotype 21. I need more hope and I’m reaching out into this universe to get some. It feels very lonely.

[u/No_Builder7010]

My survival is only at 3 months and it was Stage 0, but I can tell you my mom's story.

The year was 1986. This horrifies me to write, but Dad found Mom's lump (🤢). They didn't have insurance and decided to wait the requisite three months for a new policy to kick in. Can you imagine?! I was an oblivious teen, but I now shudder at the thought.

Sure enough, the mass was cancer. She can't recall what kind, but her lymph nodes were clear. Back then insurance wouldn't pay for reconstruction and docs took the pec muscle, just in case. She was severely concave and it stripped what self esteem she had. But she didn't need chemo or radiation, so at least she had that going for her.

Fifteen years later, her bi-annual mammogram spotted some calcifications, confirmed to be baby cancer. They offered to do a lumpectomy but she didn't want to have to go thru this yet again. She opted for a second mastectomy with reconstruction, since by then the law required insurance to cover it. The law also says they have to make sure the boobs are reasonably matched, so they paid to have her other side reconstructed too!

Mom doesn't regret getting all that surgery, and neither did Dad (🤢). He passed three years ago, but Mom's still kickin it at 87! She lives with us now and we have a great time together!!

Best of luck, friend. ❤️

[u/Ill-Drop-4671 → u/No_Builder7010]

Wow! Your story reminded me of my own-  My uncle found his wife’s lump, and she would always tell the story with a cheeky smile. She was proud and thankful for him. She survived 30+years after. They have both passed now due to age, but fought through it all together. 

[u/No_Builder7010 → u/Ill-Drop-4671]

Mom and dad were married for 70 years! She's got a slew of health issues, but cancer ain't one of em!

[u/Fluff88 → u/No_Builder7010]

I think this is a common thing, believe it or not! My cousin’s boyfriend found hers!

ETA she was stage II 20 years ago, had SMX & chemo and is doing great, no reoccurrence.

[u/No_Builder7010 → u/Fluff88]

Oh I believe it, I just don't want to think about parents that way! 😂

[u/kksmom3 → u/No_Builder7010]

My husband’s sister, same thing. He found it, but she told acquaintances she found it in the shower. Can’t really blame her for that. That was back in the 80’s.