I am in stage 2 with 3 positive nodes.  I am on my second chemo and I can
feel your frustration.  It's so hard to be dragging and yet you need to
fight...it's very hard.  I noticed I am more beat with this second chemo.  I
just miss my energy.  I have to go for blood work next week and next chemo
in 3 weeks.  The nausea is the pits.  Some would be in bed but I am up
trying to get this done and that done.  I am off to my recliner chair now.
Hopefully tomorrow I will feel good.. Are you going to get a reconstruction?
I want to as soon as I can.  I am 51.
Pami

You will have some protection, the arimidex. What does your oncologist feel?
The doc must feel you are doing ok, since they are taking you off the
Herceptin..... Alex

Sweetie, we are your support group, 'cause we're all going through this.  It
isn't easy and, no, it isn't fun, but we're all trying.

Keep your spirits up.  I know it's hard and I know you hurt, but you're not
alone, okay?

kili

Hi, Eva,

There IS hope!  (And you're not helpless.)

I was diagnosed with stage 3 BC almost 6 years ago at age 44, 5 tumors
in left breast (largest 3.1cm), one in right, positive node on my left
side.  "Only" 6 months of chemo (3 mo. AC, 3 mo. Taxol), radiation on
left (after bilateral mastectomy), followed by a couple years of
Tamoxifen & subsequently Arimidex which I'm still taking.  So far (knock
wood), I'm doing fine and feeling just great.

I have a close friend, stage 3 diagnosis over 7 years ago.  Her very
aggressive tumor was over 7 cm, shrunk through neo-adjuvant
(pre-surgery) AC & Taxotere to the point where she was able to have
lumpectomy instead of mastectomy.  She's still here, and also doing
fine.  She's . . . hmm . .  . 53 now, I think.

After treatment (especially while still fatigued and stressed from
treatment), I found I had to really work at feeling better, at feeling
strong again.  You'll get there!

There are also some hints of things *we* can do *ourselves* to improve
our odds -- i.e., things for which there is *some* scientific evidence
but not yet multiple strong & well-controlled studies to definitively
prove benefits.  Happily, these are (sorta) easy things, with mostly
good side effects:

- Moderate amounts of vigorous exercise (several hours a week)  See, for
example:

http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2005/05.26/01-breastcancer.html

- Weight loss (also may reduce lymphedema risk).  For example, see:

http://jco.highwire.org/cgi/content/full/20/4/1128

and

http://tinyurl.com/fb9o6

- Good diet - such as lots of colorful fruits, veggies.  For exmaple, see:

http://www.breastcancer.org/research_diet_080002a.html

and

http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/low-fat-diet0505 (note the
bit about ER- BC, since you're concerned yours is only weakly ER+)

There are no guarantees in *anyone's* life, and sometimes some of us do
all the right things but still have negative outcomes . . . BUT:
many/most of us are gonna make it, you're not alone, you're not
helpless, you do have strength and power, and you *can* beat this
<bleep> disease.

Hang in there!

Ann T.
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Hi Eva,
I vividly remember having truly ambivalent feelings at the end of my
treatment (22 years ago).  As much as I wanted the chemo to be done, when it
ended I felt like I was no longer doing anything proactive to combat the
disease.  Back then they didn't even offer Tamoxifen routinely.  Just two
years ago, my oncologist told me he didn't need to see me any longer, and I
had a few bad moments at the thought of a simple yearly visit ending!  There
are no magic words and no specific number of months or years that will give
you belief in your wellness....just takes time.  I'm sure you'll do all the
vigilant things that need to be done to keep tabs on your health. As Ann has
said, "There is hope".  Hugs to you, Eva.

Barb

Thanks to all who responded for your good wishes and good advice.  I'm
feeling less panicky now.  You're good people!

Eva

Eva,
this is how oestrogen neg bc women feel. After surgery, chemo and rads,
thats it ! your on your on ! did you know this ?
kathleen

Eva,
I think its a good thing. you can now try and put this behind you and
move on with your life. and may you never have to undergo any of this
again.
Im sure you will do just fine. :)
cheers,

Jayu