Stage 3 Survivors?
Carol5363 posted:
I am Stage 3B. 12 of 13 positive nodes. Bi-lateral mastectomy, completed 4 months of chemo and now into 4th week of radiation. Saw a new doctor yesterday who said to me I will not survive this. That although my scans are clear now, he is sure my cancer is just undetectable at this point and all my treatment is doing for me now is just buying time from the inevitable. I have a 2 year old daughter. None of my other doctors have ever spoken this way before. Anyone out there been in my position and have gone many years clean? I am devastated. Please help.
102 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Stage 3 Survivors?I am Stage 3B. 12 of 13 positive nodes. Bi-lateral mastectomy, completed 4 months of chemo and now into 4th week of radiation. Saw a new doctor yesterday who said to me I will not survive this. That although my scans are clear now, he is sure my cancer is just undetectable at this point and all my treatment is doing for me now is just buying time from the inevitable. I have a 2 year old daughter. None of my other doctors have ever spoken this way before. Anyone out there been in my position and have gone many years clean? I am devastated. Please help.
marymerlin responded:
I was diagnosed with stage 3b no nodes after a sentinal node biopsy but was stage 3b due to the size of the tumor. 8cm. I had a partial mastectomy to remove just the lump as advised by my surgeon. I had chemo and radiation. My surgeon was always positive. He got all the cancer with clear margins. However the oncologist was not so positive. The radiation doctor was down right negative. Told me if I didn't go back and have a full mastectomy I would die. He treatened not to treat me! I have no respect for negativity. No doctor should ever say that! I had my surgery in november of 2008. I'm still here and still fine. Don't beleive him. Believe all the positive things you hear and pray the negative doctor doom's of the world learn some compasion! Hold your little girl and live!
Hugs!
Hugs!
Report This| Share this:Stage 3 Survivors?I was diagnosed with stage 3b no nodes after a sentinal node biopsy but was stage 3b due to the size of the tumor. 8cm. I had a partial mastectomy to remove just the lump as advised by my surgeon. I had chemo and radiation. My surgeon was always positive. He got all the cancer with clear margins. However the oncologist was not so positive. The radiation doctor was down right negative. Told me if I didn't go back and have a full mastectomy I would die. He treatened not to treat me! I have no respect for negativity. No doctor should ever say that! I had my surgery in november of 2008. I'm still here and still fine. Don't beleive him. Believe all the positive things you hear and pray the negative doctor doom's of the world learn some compasion! Hold your little girl and live!<br />Hugs!
sandogger responded:
Hi Carol,
I was diagnosed in 2009 as Stage 3C. I had 12 out of 34 nodes positive. I had chemo, then surgery, then 7 weeks of radiation, and have had seven reconstruction surgeries.
My oncologist says he is optomistic. I am participating in a clinical research trial to help my odds of survival as well. Other than just being tired a lot, I am doing fine.
So, it does look like Stage 3 BC people can survive. Stay positive!
I was diagnosed in 2009 as Stage 3C. I had 12 out of 34 nodes positive. I had chemo, then surgery, then 7 weeks of radiation, and have had seven reconstruction surgeries.
My oncologist says he is optomistic. I am participating in a clinical research trial to help my odds of survival as well. Other than just being tired a lot, I am doing fine.
So, it does look like Stage 3 BC people can survive. Stay positive!
Report This| Share this:Stage 3 Survivors?Hi Carol,<br /> <br />I was diagnosed in 2009 as Stage 3C. I had 12 out of 34 nodes positive. I had chemo, then surgery, then 7 weeks of radiation, and have had seven reconstruction surgeries.<br /> <br />My oncologist says he is optomistic. I am participating in a clinical research trial to help my odds of survival as well. Other than just being tired a lot, I am doing fine.<br /> <br />So, it does look like Stage 3 BC people can survive. Stay positive!
Hi, Sandogger I am so glad to here your doing well , because everyone I run into has not been at this stage I was stage 3 A and had that thought in the back of my head I was diagnosed 11-09 any info on preventing would be nice I do watch what I eat and changed alot of things , Best Wishes Doris
Report This| Share this:Stage 3 Survivors?Hi, Sandogger I am so glad to here your doing well , because everyone I run into has not been at this stage I was stage 3 A and had that thought in the back of my head I was diagnosed 11-09 any info on preventing would be nice I do watch what I eat and changed alot of things , Best Wishes Doris
tgstansbury responded:
I have a beautiful vibrant friend that had stage 14 cancer, double masectomy, 16 nodes removed and has been cancer free for 11 years now.
GET ANOTHER doc. There is nothing that says you cannot beat this.
I am now in stage 3 cancer. God is listening to my prayers and he will listen to yours too. If you can't see the cancer with the petscans, mri's mamos and such then you should believe that you are in remission. Find a new doc in the meantime. I just said a quick prayer for your Carol5363 i hope god blesses you and removes the fear.
GET ANOTHER doc. There is nothing that says you cannot beat this.
I am now in stage 3 cancer. God is listening to my prayers and he will listen to yours too. If you can't see the cancer with the petscans, mri's mamos and such then you should believe that you are in remission. Find a new doc in the meantime. I just said a quick prayer for your Carol5363 i hope god blesses you and removes the fear.
Report This| Share this:Stage 3 Survivors?I have a beautiful vibrant friend that had stage 14 cancer, double masectomy, 16 nodes removed and has been cancer free for 11 years now. <br /> <br />GET ANOTHER doc. There is nothing that says you cannot beat this. <br /> <br />I am now in stage 3 cancer. God is listening to my prayers and he will listen to yours too. If you can't see the cancer with the petscans, mri's mamos and such then you should believe that you are in remission. Find a new doc in the meantime. I just said a quick prayer for your Carol5363 i hope god blesses you and removes the fear.
kiwiallright responded:
HI,
I am at Stage 3B - I will be two years out May 14th with Invasive Lobular - - because it went to the skin - I have been warned repeatly that it was every aggresive and the chances that it will appear somewhere else - so far I am clear - - three years to go to my 5th anniversay. This year will mark my tenth anniversay of my first round of cancer that was Stage 2 - invasive ductal car - so I look at that - -
I do hope that all is well and hope that you are winning the fight against cancer
I am at Stage 3B - I will be two years out May 14th with Invasive Lobular - - because it went to the skin - I have been warned repeatly that it was every aggresive and the chances that it will appear somewhere else - so far I am clear - - three years to go to my 5th anniversay. This year will mark my tenth anniversay of my first round of cancer that was Stage 2 - invasive ductal car - so I look at that - -
I do hope that all is well and hope that you are winning the fight against cancer
Report This| Share this:Stage 3 Survivors?HI,<br /> <br />I am at Stage 3B - I will be two years out May 14th with Invasive Lobular - - because it went to the skin - I have been warned repeatly that it was every aggresive and the chances that it will appear somewhere else - so far I am clear - - three years to go to my 5th anniversay. This year will mark my tenth anniversay of my first round of cancer that was Stage 2 - invasive ductal car - so I look at that - - <br />I do hope that all is well and hope that you are winning the fight against cancer
newggram responded:
Hi Carol,
In Feb., 2009, I had a radical left mastectomy with 21 of 22 nodes positive and removed, followed by 6 chemo treatments, and 27 radiation followups. My tumor was lobular and measured 2.5 x 5 cm. which is considered pretty big. I have had bone scans, mammograms, chest x-rays. the last being in April, 2011 and the results are all clear. I see my doc every 3-4 months and she is happy with my results. All my markers come back fine. BTW, I am 72 years old. Your doc was clearly out of line. How dare he play God!! How do YOU feel. That is far more important than anything that idiot doc says. Keep us posted on your progress.
In Feb., 2009, I had a radical left mastectomy with 21 of 22 nodes positive and removed, followed by 6 chemo treatments, and 27 radiation followups. My tumor was lobular and measured 2.5 x 5 cm. which is considered pretty big. I have had bone scans, mammograms, chest x-rays. the last being in April, 2011 and the results are all clear. I see my doc every 3-4 months and she is happy with my results. All my markers come back fine. BTW, I am 72 years old. Your doc was clearly out of line. How dare he play God!! How do YOU feel. That is far more important than anything that idiot doc says. Keep us posted on your progress.
Report This| Share this:Stage 3 Survivors?Hi Carol,<br /> <br />In Feb., 2009, I had a radical left mastectomy with 21 of 22 nodes positive and removed, followed by 6 chemo treatments, and 27 radiation followups. My tumor was lobular and measured 2.5 x 5 cm. which is considered pretty big. I have had bone scans, mammograms, chest x-rays. the last being in April, 2011 and the results are all clear. I see my doc every 3-4 months and she is happy with my results. All my markers come back fine. BTW, I am 72 years old. Your doc was clearly out of line. How dare he play God!! How do YOU feel. That is far more important than anything that idiot doc says. Keep us posted on your progress.
goodibold responded:
Hi Carol, Hope you are fine and doing great. There is nothing more serious to worry about. The same thing happened with Jennifer last year she was literally crying and lost her hope. Then we both searched for the best doctor in the city and outside. Finally by the god's grace we found an awesome life giving doctor who helped jenny get the right in the way they were. Breast cancer stage 3 can be cured and there is nothing serious to worry. Keep in your confidence levels up and be bold, there are woman around us who are more affected with hundreds of concerns but battling for their life. Be confident carol, be happy and "God Bless You". Take care and find the best doctor to help you out.
Report This| Share this:Stage 3 Survivors?Hi Carol, Hope you are fine and doing great. There is nothing more serious to worry about. The same thing happened with Jennifer last year she was literally crying and lost her hope. Then we both searched for the best doctor in the city and outside. Finally by the god's grace we found an awesome life giving doctor who helped jenny get the right in the way they were. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.womenhealthzone.com/womens-health/breast-cancer/understanding-breast-cancer-stage-3-and-its-survival-rate/"><b>Breast cancer stage 3</b></a> can be cured and there is nothing serious to worry. Keep in your confidence levels up and be bold, there are woman around us who are more affected with hundreds of concerns but battling for their life. Be confident carol, be happy and "God Bless You". Take care and find the best doctor to help you out.
Pat:
I resonate with your response for Carol. I would appreciate your insight, my sister in law has been fighting her cancer the last year and half holistically. She was just told that she has 3 to 6 months to live. We are trying to understand what this means for her family and our extended family. She has chosen not to do any chemo or radiation. Thank you for any insight.
Melba C
I resonate with your response for Carol. I would appreciate your insight, my sister in law has been fighting her cancer the last year and half holistically. She was just told that she has 3 to 6 months to live. We are trying to understand what this means for her family and our extended family. She has chosen not to do any chemo or radiation. Thank you for any insight.
Melba C
Report This| Share this:Stage 3 Survivors?Pat:<br /><br />I resonate with your response for Carol. I would appreciate your insight, my sister in law has been fighting her cancer the last year and half holistically. She was just told that she has 3 to 6 months to live. We are trying to understand what this means for her family and our extended family. She has chosen not to do any chemo or radiation. Thank you for any insight.<br />Melba C
I am so sorry to hear that.
Have you thought about contacting a Hospice facility to see if that can aid your sister-in-law and family on an outpatient basis?
Also can your sister-in-law and the family get some counseling from therapists who deal mainly with cancer and terminal cases?
You might alson want to call The American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 and see if they can help to further direct you and your sister-in-law concerning end of life support.
My prayers go out to your sister-inl aw at this time.
Judy
Have you thought about contacting a Hospice facility to see if that can aid your sister-in-law and family on an outpatient basis?
Also can your sister-in-law and the family get some counseling from therapists who deal mainly with cancer and terminal cases?
You might alson want to call The American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 and see if they can help to further direct you and your sister-in-law concerning end of life support.
My prayers go out to your sister-inl aw at this time.
Judy
Report This| Share this:Stage 3 Survivors?I am so sorry to hear that. <br /> Have you thought about contacting a Hospice facility to see if that can aid your sister-in-law and family on an outpatient basis?<br />Also can your sister-in-law and the family get some counseling from therapists who deal mainly with cancer and terminal cases?<br />You might alson want to call The American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 and see if they can help to further direct you and your sister-in-law concerning end of life support.<br />My prayers go out to your sister-inl aw at this time.<br />Judy
Melba, I am so sorry for all you and your family must be going thru. Please know that we are sending your SIL and you our best thoughts and prayers.
I echo Judy's advice and hope that you will find answers and some comfort. From what I have seen with hospice, they are a very caring and giving group. Their concern is comfort and no pain, and they care about the family as a complete unit.
Please let us know if there is any way we might help.
Blessings
Rachael
PS...Melba, if you are going to post again, would you please begin a new post as I am afraid you might get lost in such a long thread. Thanks.
I echo Judy's advice and hope that you will find answers and some comfort. From what I have seen with hospice, they are a very caring and giving group. Their concern is comfort and no pain, and they care about the family as a complete unit.
Please let us know if there is any way we might help.
Blessings
Rachael
PS...Melba, if you are going to post again, would you please begin a new post as I am afraid you might get lost in such a long thread. Thanks.
Just when the caterpillar thought her world was over, she became a butterfly!
Don't give up five minutes before the miracle!!
Report This| Share this:Stage 3 Survivors?Melba, I am so sorry for all you and your family must be going thru. Please know that we are sending your SIL and you our best thoughts and prayers.<br /> <br />I echo Judy's advice and hope that you will find answers and some comfort. From what I have seen with hospice, they are a very caring and giving group. Their concern is comfort and no pain, and they care about the family as a complete unit.<br /> <br />Please let us know if there is any way we might help.<br /> <br />Blessings<br />Rachael<br /> <br />PS...Melba, if you are going to post again, would you please begin a new post as I am afraid you might get lost in such a long thread. Thanks.
Hi Melba,
I also agree with Rachael and Judy. Hospice took care of my dad; they are wonderful caring and compassionate people who understand this tragic siguation.
Please keep us posted - we are all here to give you big hugs and support. ~ Jenna
I also agree with Rachael and Judy. Hospice took care of my dad; they are wonderful caring and compassionate people who understand this tragic siguation.
Please keep us posted - we are all here to give you big hugs and support. ~ Jenna
Report This| Share this:Stage 3 Survivors?Hi Melba,<br />I also agree with Rachael and Judy. Hospice took care of my dad; they are wonderful caring and compassionate people who understand this tragic siguation.<br /> <br />Please keep us posted - we are all here to give you big hugs and support. ~ Jenna
Lukeperry responded:
Hi,
I haven't been on here since I got cancer. I just read this post, and noticed it is 2yrs. old. Is it o.k. for me to ask, "does anybody knows what happened to Carol5363, did things turn out for her?" I noticed that a lot of these post are 2 and 4yrs. old. Why is that? Sorry if this is a stupid question, it's just that so many are years old.
Thank you, Luke
I haven't been on here since I got cancer. I just read this post, and noticed it is 2yrs. old. Is it o.k. for me to ask, "does anybody knows what happened to Carol5363, did things turn out for her?" I noticed that a lot of these post are 2 and 4yrs. old. Why is that? Sorry if this is a stupid question, it's just that so many are years old.
Thank you, Luke
Report This| Share this:Stage 3 Survivors?Hi,<br />I haven't been on here since I got cancer. I just read this post, and noticed it is 2yrs. old. Is it o.k. for me to ask, "does anybody knows what happened to Carol5363, did things turn out for her?" I noticed that a lot of these post are 2 and 4yrs. old. Why is that? Sorry if this is a stupid question, it's just that so many are years old.<br />Thank you, Luke
Nancy, please remember that the only "stupid" questions are those we fail to ask! Where would we be if we didn't ask!?
Regarding Carol5363, I checked her name in the BC search bar and found that she posted about three months ago. However, her sign-in name now is tgstansbury. She is stage 3. This follows a bilateral mastectomy (3 years ago) and then rads.
If you wish to touch base with her, you might want to do a new post with her name in the subject line...Do make sure that within the body of your post you use both her old sign-in name and the new one. (If you get no response, I would repost from time to time as she may visit only occasionally.)
Good luck!
Rachael
Regarding Carol5363, I checked her name in the BC search bar and found that she posted about three months ago. However, her sign-in name now is tgstansbury. She is stage 3. This follows a bilateral mastectomy (3 years ago) and then rads.
If you wish to touch base with her, you might want to do a new post with her name in the subject line...Do make sure that within the body of your post you use both her old sign-in name and the new one. (If you get no response, I would repost from time to time as she may visit only occasionally.)
Good luck!
Rachael
Just when the caterpillar thought her world was over, she became a butterfly!
Don't give up five minutes before the miracle!!
Report This| Share this:Stage 3 Survivors?Nancy, please remember that the only "stupid" questions are those we fail to ask! Where would we be if we didn't ask!?<br /> <br />Regarding Carol5363, I checked her name in the BC search bar and found that she posted about three months ago. However, her sign-in name now is <b><i>tgstansbury.</i></b> She is stage 3. This follows a bilateral mastectomy (3 years ago) and then rads.<br /> <br />If you wish to touch base with her, you might want to do a new post with her name in the subject line...Do make sure that within the body of your post you use both her old sign-in name and the new one. (If you get no response, I would repost from time to time as she may visit only occasionally.)<br /> <br />Good luck!<br /> <br />Rachael
jpaz05 responded:
Hi! I had a bi-lateral mastectomy and 6 of 11 positive nodes and I was Stage 3A. I went through surgery on Dec. 12, 2008 at the age of 30. I also went through 5 months of chemo and weeks of radiation therapy. I am now taking tamoxifen (an anti-estrogen pill) going on 2 years come the end of Sept.. I will be celebrating 3 years of being cancer FREE on Dec. 12, 2011!! Sorry I am very date oriented.
I cannot believe how that doctor is talking to you.
This is hard enough!!
I would like to hear back from you and how you are doing.
I cannot believe how that doctor is talking to you.
This is hard enough!!
I would like to hear back from you and how you are doing.
Report This| Share this:Stage 3 Survivors?Hi! I had a bi-lateral mastectomy and 6 of 11 positive nodes and I was Stage 3A. I went through surgery on Dec. 12, 2008 at the age of 30. I also went through 5 months of chemo and weeks of radiation therapy. I am now taking tamoxifen (an anti-estrogen pill) going on 2 years come the end of Sept.. I will be celebrating 3 years of being cancer FREE on Dec. 12, 2011!! Sorry I am very date oriented. <br />I cannot believe how that doctor is talking to you. <br />This is hard enough!!<br />I would like to hear back from you and how you are doing.<img src=http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/exchange/images/btn_submit_orange.gif class=post_img />
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