My wife has battled breast cancer for the past year and I am proud to say that she is cancer free. She had the HER2 protein and her mass was 6 CM.
Everything is mental. Keep your spirits up and never give up the fight - EVER! She chose not to go to support groups because they would have put things in her head and it would have made the struggle all that much harder. We had virtually no support. Family just wasn’t their with the exception of weekly letters from her Aunt. It was tough on our two boys (8 & 16) and our family was rocked. We came through much stronger and closer.
What a wonderful story you have. And I agree that support groups can sometimes be more self-serving than helpful.
But for those groups which are and which touch lives in ways that give others courage, it’s helpful.
My estrogen was very up. Doctor asked me if I’d had hormone replacement therapy and I told him about the “debate” I had with an endocrinologist who wanted to prescribe it. No thanks.
Now, my doctor who is a Breast Care Specialist says it was a good thing I didn’t because it would have been devastating. New research (dated Oct. 19, 2010) now says estrogen not such a good idea.
Apparently estrogen feeds breast cancer cells like little M&Ms.
There’s so much going on out there now with breast cancer research.
I’m really glad that we have an opportunity to share what we’ve learned individually.
I too, am a breast cancer survivor. My first “clean” Pet Scan was in May, 2010 and then another good one was done in September, 2010.
I had Stage 3 cancer with the Her2nu factor and positive Estrogen and Progestin factors. The tumor, measuring 5 cm., was fast, fast growing and the initial news was hard to take, obviously.
It was rough for a while but I kept my Irish humor (I named my hated tumor “Black Bart”!)and I tried to stay upbeat. There were days that this was not possible, but you keep trying.
My support group was awesome from my family members to great friends.
However, you will find that there are some family members who do back away, who ask rude questions or don’t know how to handle what is happening to you and that has been an adjustment.
But, in general, the outpouring of positive support, including help from the wonderful volunteers at the American Cancer Society and at the facility where I received my chemotherapy and radiation has been outstanding.
You will find that those of us who have survived cancer have great compassion for those recently diagnosed or who are going through chemo and radiation right now and are facing the uncertain stages of cancer recovery. We know what it is like, we have been there and we will always encourage anyone who needs it.
2 years ago I found a lump in my breast while showering. I had a biopsy, surgery, and was in to see the oncologist within 3 wks. Mine was Her2 and half my lymph nodes were positive.
By the time I saw my oncologist I knew everything there was to know about the cause, diagnosis, and treatment of Her2. Knowledge is power when ir comes to cancer.
I went through chemotherapy , Herceptin, and radiation and am feeling great and cancer free.
I too never used a support group. Couldn’t figure out why I needed one. Lol. Congrats to your wife and may she stay healthy!