madmary
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I am a person living who had battled cancer. 2015 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. They removed 8-9 lymph nodes located in my armpit. removal of some of my breast did not find a tumor. No tumour was ever found. I was given chemo, radiation and herceptin. I am on pills (blockers Tamoxifen). I question if I should have a hysterectomy. I question if tamoxifen is right for me. I am so concerned always thinking the other shoe is going to drop. trying to lose weight and eat right, but fall off the wagon a lot. is there anyone like me? Has anyone lived longer then five years?
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Reply # - December 28, 2016, 07:56 AM
Hi madmary,
Hi madmary,
Welcome to GRACE. I understand how you feel - each of us who has been touched by a cancer diagnosis know that the uncertainty is one of the most difficult aspects of this terrible disease.
But I can assure you that plenty of breast cancer patients survive five years and beyond. According to the American Cancer Society:
"The outlook for women with breast cancer varies by the stage (extent) of the cancer. In general, the survival rates are higher for women with earlier stage cancers. But remember, the outlook for each woman is specific to her circumstances.
The 5-year relative survival rate for women with stage 0 or stage I breast cancer is close to 100%.
For women with stage II breast cancer, the 5-year relative survival rate is about 93%.
The 5-year relative survival rate for stage III breast cancers is about 72%. But often, women with these breast cancers can be successfully treated.
Breast cancers that have spread to other parts of the body are more difficult to treat and tend to have a poorer outlook. Metastatic, or stage IV breast cancers, have a 5-year relative survival rate of about 22%. Still, there are often many treatment options available for women with this stage of breast cancer.
Remember, these survival rates are only estimates – they can’t predict what will happen to any individual person." - http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-s…
In addition, statistics such as these are historical; new treatments are being developed, so that current patients' prospects are even better.
I can't tell you not to worry, but I hope that you can find a way to keep your fears in perspective. Perhaps a survivors support group in your area would help. It can be very reassuring to share your story and your concerns with others who have walked or are walking the same path.
JimC
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