I read this news report yesterday and was encouraged by the good News

Posted by nlb122 @nlb122, Jun 15, 2023

Most early-stage breast cancer patients will be long-term survivors – study https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jun/13/most-early-stage-breast-cancer-patients-will-be-long-term-survivors-study
Recent overview of treatment success

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gina5009 | @gina5009 | Jun 18, 2023

In reply to @kods "Can you share any studies? I hear about this anecdotally but have not found research on..." + (show)

I send you a hug and I hope some additional information. I had breast cancer at 36, I am now 92. My breast was removed in 1968 and the second one two years later (no cancer). I did not receive radiation, chemo, Tamoxifin etc. None of this was available at this time. My tumor was approximately 2 inchs and I do not know anything further about it. Biopsies did not have or report this type of information. They removed 14 lymphs nodes all of which were negative for cancer. But here Iam, and I am sure you will be writing to someone at the same age. Stop worrying, you have a lifetime ahead of you. Smile and enjoy every moment of it.
Gina 5009

Miriam, Volunteer Mentor | @mir123 | Jun 18, 2023

In reply to @gldilli "I’m not great at copying links on my iPad. Two articles I read were on VeryWell.com..." + (show)

The recurrence article is good! Thank you. I think a woman's attitude might be tied to her age. I'm 69, with kidney disease, diabetes, etc. etc. 5 years looks good and 10 years looks wildly optimistic considering everything. 30 years is out of the question! In a way "cure" might not be the model, but it is good news in terms of staying alive.

nlb122 | @nlb122 | Jun 18, 2023

So many ladies with such positive stories. It makes my heart (and breast) sing!

gldilli | @gldilli | Jun 18, 2023

I totally agree about the attitude. I am 63 and only 18 months into my journey. Before Nov 2021 I considered myself pretty healthy; no meds for anything. My tumor was small (7mm) so I still think that I have another 30 years in me, the good Lord willing. But I sometimes have a hard time balancing optimism with worrying about reoccurrence. Women only have a 12% chance of getting cancer. I somehow ended up in the 12%. My unofficial chance of late reoccurrence is 10% based on one of the online calculators. That number is too high in my mind.

nlb122 | @nlb122 | Jun 18, 2023

I was told by my surgeon that I have a 2% chance of the cancer recurring, but still feel vulnerable every single day. I guess the realization that we are in any category, however slight, is a hard thing to get used to. As you say, I never thought I would be among those diagnosed, but here I am. Lucky in many ways, thankful for treatment, grateful that I have tolerable side effects, but still not quite a believer. I will keep trying with a positive attitude and good people around me. Onward!