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Karen_C's avatar
Karen_C
Member
11 years ago

My Journey

My cancer journey began in 1986 at the age of 40.  After a mastectomy, chemo and ray treatment things soon got back to normal.  No Tamoxifen then.  After 20 happy years, a pain developed in my side.  Two days of painkillers with no improvement saw me at the doctors’. You can guess the rest – bone metastasis.  Such a shock, especially as I knew what that meant – no cure.

 

However some help was available – Femara, Tamoxifen and Exemestane have kept the cancer progressing, but slowly, still in my bones.

 

Now, some 8 ½ years later, I am starting on injections called Fulvestrant.  The chances of it helping are nowhere near as high as I would like, but luck has been with me so far.

 

Three years ago I was diagnosed with a blood cancer, M.D.S., probably caused by the ray treatment in 1987.  It is very mild and has not progressed.  If it wasn’t for all the regular blood tests over the years it wouldn’t have even been diagnosed.

 

These years have seen our children become adults and their children are also starting to mature and give my husband and I lots of joy.

 

It would take me forever to type this into my blog so I have enlisted the help of the youngest of our four sons.

 

My purpose in writing a blog is to give encouragement to those just entering this exclusive club.  I would love to hear how others are going with their treatments and how long they worked for them.

 

I send good wishes, prayers and hugs to you all.

 

Karen

4 Replies

  • Karen_C's avatar
    Karen_C
    Member
    10 years ago

    Dear Chris,Iwonder how things are going with you as it is now over 12 months since your diagnosis.Iam doing quite well,but the cancer is well established in my spine,ribs & pelvis.It hasn't settled anywhere else yet. A new drug has become available to me,so we keep hoping. Ilive near Albury Wodonga & we are getting a new cancer center.It is almost finished,so that will be lovely.Luckily we also have a good team of specialists. Istill have not mastered this computer, but am improving. Passwords & spaces are alessening problem ,but this is such a wonderful site when you need to feel not so alone. Bye for now, and good luck. Karen

     

     

  • Chixon's avatar
    Chixon
    Member
    11 years ago
    Thankyou so much for sharing your story. It has certainly given me much encouragement. I am 'new' to this ...diagnosed just 10 months ago..having had a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, followed by radiation . There have been so many positive improvements in the treatment of breast cancer....we can go on to leave long happy lives after diagnosis. My best wishes to you and your continued treatment. Enjoy your family and grandchildren...they give my husband and I much joy and happiness also. Cheers. Chris.x