I think I am reading too much :(
Morning everyone. I am reasonably new to this cancer world and still in the overwhelmed stage. I had a right breast mastectomy on NYE and the pathology report showed nothing in lymph nodes, but small...
Forum Discussion
Hi Looeeze,
I don’t post on here much anymore but just wanted to share my experience because it might help you to feel a bit more hopeful. I was 47 at diagnosis and had never been as active as I would have liked. I had hormone positive invasive breast cancer in left breast and 5 nodes, 3 of those extensively. I had a mastectomy, 6 months of chemo, radiotherapy and have been on either Tamoxifen or Femara since November 2013. Also had ovaries removed at 49.
I used my diagnosis as motivation to live a healthier lifestyle and have been very active ever since. Bush walking long distances and weightlifting to minimize the effects of Femara on my bone density. I lost 9 kg in the first 12 months after active treatment and for my 3 year anniversary of diagnosis, my husband and I trekked to Everest Base Camp to raise money for the Cancer Council. It was the most amazing experience of my life and I know that it would not have happened if not for my change in direction and priorities. I went on a second trek the following year and felt even fitter and healthier.
It has got tougher the longer I have been on the hormone treatments and injuries to tendons have plagued me in the past 2 years. After discussion with my oncologist last week she has decided that 7 years and 3 months of hormone treatment will be enough for me. She is very aware of the balance between treatment and the impact on the rest of your health.
I am looking forward to keeping myself as active and healthy as I can as I go forward. It will be my 8th year anniversary since diagnosis in May and I hope to be enjoying life long into the future. My experience is that leading an active life is possible on hormone treatment and good communication with your oncologist can help to minimize the impact on the rest of your health. She made changes to my treatment to ensure I could keep both cancer free and have a good quality of life.
I don’t post on here much anymore but just wanted to share my experience because it might help you to feel a bit more hopeful. I was 47 at diagnosis and had never been as active as I would have liked. I had hormone positive invasive breast cancer in left breast and 5 nodes, 3 of those extensively. I had a mastectomy, 6 months of chemo, radiotherapy and have been on either Tamoxifen or Femara since November 2013. Also had ovaries removed at 49.
I used my diagnosis as motivation to live a healthier lifestyle and have been very active ever since. Bush walking long distances and weightlifting to minimize the effects of Femara on my bone density. I lost 9 kg in the first 12 months after active treatment and for my 3 year anniversary of diagnosis, my husband and I trekked to Everest Base Camp to raise money for the Cancer Council. It was the most amazing experience of my life and I know that it would not have happened if not for my change in direction and priorities. I went on a second trek the following year and felt even fitter and healthier.
It has got tougher the longer I have been on the hormone treatments and injuries to tendons have plagued me in the past 2 years. After discussion with my oncologist last week she has decided that 7 years and 3 months of hormone treatment will be enough for me. She is very aware of the balance between treatment and the impact on the rest of your health.
I am looking forward to keeping myself as active and healthy as I can as I go forward. It will be my 8th year anniversary since diagnosis in May and I hope to be enjoying life long into the future. My experience is that leading an active life is possible on hormone treatment and good communication with your oncologist can help to minimize the impact on the rest of your health. She made changes to my treatment to ensure I could keep both cancer free and have a good quality of life.
Over the last few years I have come across many women who have been living well after breast cancer. We just don’t always hear about them. Wishing you the best of luck with your treatment and I hope you get back to enjoying your active life as soon as you can. Take care. Deanne x