Forum Discussion
I made my 5 year milestone from my 2nd diagnosis :)
Hey All!
Been a very long time since I've posted in the main Forum, however I felt it important to share this. My first diagnosis was in 2011, I underwent a lumpectomy, radiation and tamoxifen. 4yrs later at my routine yearly checkup, I was diagnosed with a recurrence in the scar tissue of the lumpectomy :( it was a 2.5cm tumor ER+ Stage 2, Grade 3 aggressive. I had a lumpectomy, chemo and put on Arimidex in January 2016. 1yr later due to my Oncologists recommendation and Genetic Testing which was negative, I had a single mastectomy/diep flap reconstruction in Feb 2017.
To say the path over the past 9 years has been incredibly soul destroying on every possible level, I know that every single one of you here will identify with that. It was a long road to recovery, my world was ripped apart at 2nd diagnosis and I honestly didn't know how my life would ever be the same or remotely normal again.
To be able to say I hit 5yrs for the road I have traveled is enormous, in so many ways. Not only did I recover I'd say to possibly 90% capacity, I've been back at work full time now for 2yrs, it is tough at times yes. I have just bought a new home after moving across Melbourne 2yrs ago and got a new job. I start 2020, not just with a blessing that I made it to this, I bought a new home but I also got a promotion. If anyone told me 5yrs ago this is where I would be? I would not have believed it...how could anyone?? I didn't feel anything was possible anymore and I didnt know how this experience was going to redefine who I was or where I was going.
To anyone out there beginning this road, hang in there, whatever feeds your soul..DO THAT! nurture you and honor every bit of you along the way, this is what I learnt. Life is a blessing, a gift, Ive never taken it for granted and I still don't know what is ahead...but today I will celebrate because I worked so hard to get here.
Don't give up...one step at a time and don't ever apologize when you fall...just make sure you get back up.. You can all do this...keep going..
Hugs xoxo M
Been a very long time since I've posted in the main Forum, however I felt it important to share this. My first diagnosis was in 2011, I underwent a lumpectomy, radiation and tamoxifen. 4yrs later at my routine yearly checkup, I was diagnosed with a recurrence in the scar tissue of the lumpectomy :( it was a 2.5cm tumor ER+ Stage 2, Grade 3 aggressive. I had a lumpectomy, chemo and put on Arimidex in January 2016. 1yr later due to my Oncologists recommendation and Genetic Testing which was negative, I had a single mastectomy/diep flap reconstruction in Feb 2017.
To say the path over the past 9 years has been incredibly soul destroying on every possible level, I know that every single one of you here will identify with that. It was a long road to recovery, my world was ripped apart at 2nd diagnosis and I honestly didn't know how my life would ever be the same or remotely normal again.
To be able to say I hit 5yrs for the road I have traveled is enormous, in so many ways. Not only did I recover I'd say to possibly 90% capacity, I've been back at work full time now for 2yrs, it is tough at times yes. I have just bought a new home after moving across Melbourne 2yrs ago and got a new job. I start 2020, not just with a blessing that I made it to this, I bought a new home but I also got a promotion. If anyone told me 5yrs ago this is where I would be? I would not have believed it...how could anyone?? I didn't feel anything was possible anymore and I didnt know how this experience was going to redefine who I was or where I was going.
To anyone out there beginning this road, hang in there, whatever feeds your soul..DO THAT! nurture you and honor every bit of you along the way, this is what I learnt. Life is a blessing, a gift, Ive never taken it for granted and I still don't know what is ahead...but today I will celebrate because I worked so hard to get here.
Don't give up...one step at a time and don't ever apologize when you fall...just make sure you get back up.. You can all do this...keep going..
Hugs xoxo M
21 Replies
- Woohoo congratulations @melclarity
im only at the start of my journey but hearing stories like yours are inspiring
You should be damn proud of everything you’ve done :) - Great to read a good news story. Well done!
- Wow, congrat's @melclarity an inspiration for anyone travelling this path. xo
- Yeah @melclarity - we're gonna live beyond 100!
- @arpie @Giovanna_BCNA @nikkid @Anne65 @Keeping_positive1 @CarmelS @poodlejules thank you!!
@arpie I'd usually ask after seeing the Oncologist then do 6 weeks off and go back on. So I'd say I probably do this at least twice a year, I'm on Aromasin. It does help, I do have the added bonus of being on Prolia which gives added protection strangely. Its one of those funny things, does the Aromasin actually help? who knows or am I just lucky, as I had a recurrence on Tamoxifen, so the jury is out lol. For my sanity moreso I need the breaks, I would say any Oncologist wouldnt recommend this however.
@nikkid you are the BEST! I love it 55 oooh though I'd be over 100 yikes! lol
@Keeping_positive1 thank you, this is why I wanted to post, it is damn hard for anyone going through it, but sometimes good things happen too, I just wanted to encourage everyone to keep going.
@Anne65 I think if anything I have complete humility, I take nothing for granted and I acknowledge that whilst our paths are different, all going through this is damn HARD!
@CarmelS Great about the 9 years, I do hope somehow you find a way to the finish line with your Recon, it is important to feel there's an ending at some point, I agree.
@poodlejules Thanks! Happy 2020! to you too!
Hugs everyone xoxoxo
M - Congrats , and happy 2020, I love hearing these stories, onward and upwards x
- Well done @melclarity. Life does continue & you sound like you're doing it well. You've just bought to the front of my brain that it will be 9 years for me soon. ....(& still I chase the elusive finish line for my breast recon )
Well done & carry on.
Carmel :) - @melclarity after reading some of your previous posts, I can tell you have met your challenges with grace and positivity, even though it has been tough going on your own. You are truly an inspiration to all here that struggle with the unknown future. Thank you so much for sharing. Best wishes to you always.
- @melclarity you continue to be my inspiration. Congratulations...Let's look at 55 years more :)
- @melclarity What an achievement & amazing milestone. Congrats to you & you should be so proud of yourself for sharing your story & finding that strength within to keep battling through & coming out on top. I wish you continued strength & love. Take care xx
