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.
WoooHOO for the clean PET scans, bunches!!
Your story sounds just like mine.
I have a similar cancer, fast and aggressive, positive estrogen, etc. and I can look forward to the Trifecta of breast cancer- chemo, surgery and radiation.
We’re doing chemo 1st cuz the bastard’s so big now. I call it “The Tick”.
; )
Yes, the ACS is the bombdotcom! I’ve gotten so much help thru them and advice.
I’m day 8 into my first chemo treatment today. Today was a good day. Yesterday? Eh, not so much. Tomorrow I might be crap or I might be wonderful. I’m learning that you must take it day by day.
Shows you how ignorant I am — I did not know a PET scan would show cancer.
Good to know that.
The oncology center that I go to has a PET scan unit and a CT scan area too. I wondered why when I went in there for my first appointment with the oncologist.
Now I know.
Little by little, I’m learning lots of new stuff.
I went back and re-read my pathology report from the breast tissue and learned that my Her2/neu is Negative,with a score of 1+. The negative range is 0 - 1+ according to the Hercep Test.
Just an aside, when prayers were lifted up in church a couple of weeks ago, my cancer was specificied as “breast cancer.”
I harken back to the days of good old Queen Victoria who was the person responsible for changing the description of chicken breasts to “white meat” and thighs to “dark meat.” She didn’t want “breasts” and “thighs” — and probably other chicken body parts mentioned at her oh so proper dinner table.
She would probably have a stroke to hear breast cancer and testicular cancer mentioned by name in prayer requests!