Next month, I mark 43 years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Posted by rjp27 @rjp27, Jul 20, 2025

Next month, I mark 43 years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am very thankful for all the things I’ve experienced during these bonus years. Newly diagnosed people have often crossed my path, and I have had the privilege of encouraging them with not only my longevity but also quality of life. Any other longterm survivors out there?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

anatomary | @anatomary | Jul 24, 2025

LOL - you never know! I am in Grand Haven which is in Western Michigan. My folks are in Saginaw, which is more eastern, but kind of mid mitten. If you didn't know, Michiganders use the general shape of a mitten with the thumb pointing to the right for Geo-location. I'm an academic and have been to Arizona for conferences - I'll let you know if/when I plan for a conference out west. I hope your grandson enjoys his new work location - as far as cost of living Michigan is a very reasonable place to live; though it is more expensive around some of our larger cities (Detroit, Lansing, Traverse City). Lots to photograph here if he's into nature photography...

rjp27 | @rjp27 | Jul 24, 2025

In reply to @anatomary "I'm in Michigan; where are you? You never know...." + (show)

Arizona. My grandson just moved to Michigan as a base for his work as a professional photographer. So I hope to visit him there….

anatomary | @anatomary | Jul 24, 2025

I'm in Michigan; where are you? You never know....

myoga | @myoga | Jul 24, 2025

In reply to @anatomary "You never know...maybe you will make it to 101!" + (show)

😂 and we’ll meet for coffee?

anatomary | @anatomary | Jul 23, 2025

In reply to @myoga "Congratulations! You're an inspiration! I don't think I will have that chance to announce that 40..." + (show)

You never know...maybe you will make it to 101!

rjp27 | @rjp27 | Jul 23, 2025

In reply to @mlhaeger "Yes I’ve had breast CA twice. When I was age 32 which was 38 years ago..." + (show)

We’re close to the same age. We are indeed blessed. Sorry you had a second round. I never stop expecting one…..

mlhaeger | @mlhaeger | Jul 23, 2025

Yes I’ve had breast CA twice. When I was age 32 which was 38 years ago & again at age 44. Have been cancer free for 26 years the second time. I had lumpectomy & radiation therapy first, second time stage 2B & had mastectomy tramflap reconstruction & chemo & took tamoxifen for 8 years. I sm extremely Blessed 😊

deb23 | @deb23 | Jul 23, 2025

Thank you for posting this, we don't hear enough success stories. Long-term survivors quietly move on (as they should!), and we don't get to hear their stories as often as we do the short-termers (like me, 2.5 yrs) still living in fear/shock/uncertainty.

So thank you for this positive, inspiring news.

luckbme | @luckbme | Jul 22, 2025

Congratulations! And thank you so much for sharing, you and the other long term survivors here. It means so much to me to know what's possible and gives me strength to face my own fears.