Given the time of year, I want to share some joy and much happiness. I have been living with Secondary Breast Cancer for 8 years. I am HER2 Positive and my body has been through the mill many times with bone and brain metastases. This is my reality which I now embrace as part of me and consequently I enjoy every day and moment. Sure I am now experiencing some long term problems such as nerve damage due to years of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery but I am taking it in my stride. My wonderful medical team have kept me going this long with a good quality of life.
I have advanced cancer, however, incurable does not mean untreatable. With the development of HER2-targeted therapies I have treatment options which I believe has lengthened my life and given me quality of life. Earlier this year I started on Kadcyla paying the first three doses as its not yet on the PBS. Kadcyla belongs to a group of medicines known as anti-neoplastic (or anti-cancer) agent, designed to target and deliver the anti-cancer emtansine directly inside HER2-positive cancer cells to stop the growth and spread of the cancer. Thus far this drug has done wonders for me. I have never felt better! My bone and brain metastases are in check. I really hope this drug becomes available on the PBS very soon so everyone can access it.
It’s bizarre, I have never felt better. To such an extent that I planned a wonderful European holiday with my husband and close friends. We spent time in Paris, went on a Mediterranean cruise and finished in Venice for a few days before coming home. I would not have entertained the notion of travelling that far in 2013 and here we are 2014 having the time of our lives. This was followed up by a fantastic surprise 60th Birthday party for my husband John and my Brother-in-Law Jon this weekend. My husband still has a smile on his face.
I have a book I refer to every day called Pausitivity and this verse pretty much sums up how I am feeling right now:-
“When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.” Jean Shinoa Bolen
Here I am feeling great, looking forward to Christmas with my family and friends. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas for 2014.
Karen Cowley
BCNA Consumer Advocate
Secondary Breast Cancer Survivor
Lover of Life
