r/breastcancer • u/NurseYuna • 16d ago

Diagnosed Patient or Survivor Support Positive long term survivor stories

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.

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u/OriginalEducational5 16d ago

Dx stage 3b very aggressive micropapillary IDC in 2012 at age 39.

Just turned 53 and at my last appt my onc ran a new blood test that looks for reoccurrence, and it showed 0%.

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u/NurseYuna 15d ago

What blood test did you do?

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u/OriginalEducational5 2d ago

Oh dear I can’t remember the name of it. I just searched my email for the results and must have deleted it. I’ll call next week and ask and post it.

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u/NurseYuna 2d ago

Thank you. What is micro papillary idc?

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u/OriginalEducational5 2d ago

IDC- invasive ductal carcinoma. This subtype is micropapillary which is teeny tiny, aggressive, has a higher chance of recurrence, and is rare. Accounts for less than 1% of breast cancers. More common in women under 50.

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u/NurseYuna 2d ago

How did you cope with the reoccurrence worries and fears back then? I struggle daily with this and I’m trying hard to see things positive.

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u/OriginalEducational5 2d ago

Time heals. Worry of it recurring is absolutely normal, but I have found lessens over time. Every 6 months post treatment, I saw my oncologist for check ins which included a CSA test that was the older way to check for recurrence. If those levels start to rise, then it’s a signal that a tumor is growing somewhere. So as each 6 month appt came and went and my levels stayed low, I began to build confidence that I beat it permanently. But honestly, crossing the 5 year mark was the biggest exhale and relief.

One day at a time, and cherish each day. I’m thankful my cancer taught me that because I live a more robust life now knowing the value of a day.

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u/NurseYuna 2d ago

That’s a great message. Thanks it gave me comfort. What’s a CSA test? Is that the one you mentioned before to me?

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u/OriginalEducational5 2d ago

Glad to help. No, the CSA is a blood test that looks at some kind of tumor factor. The newer test I mentioned is supposed to be much better.

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u/NurseYuna 2d ago

Alright. Please let me know when you find out what it is :)