stage2 one lymph node lumpectomy/any long term survivors?

I wish I only had a Stage II. I am not trying to diminish your fears by talking about Stage IV. I really do have several friends with your dx. that are still doing fine 5 years and one even 12 years down the road. My aunt survived for 20 years!! Everyone is different. I do believe that attitude and faith plays a big part in recovery. Try to keep the negatives out of your life and stay positive!! It helps me to keep a journal and write all my feelings down - especially on the dark days or when sadness comes my way. It is very therapudic when your thoughts are too personal even for this site. Stay busy - that helps a lot. Try not to dwell on your dx. and do things for other people or a hobby or something that will keep your mind busy. Someone once said to just sing if nothing else. Singing releases tensions and happy songs make you feel better. Take care. You are in my prayres.
Hugs, Brenda

HI, I am 57 years old and was diagnosed with breast Cancer in oct 2018. Initially a small tumor- stage 1,  but MRI before surgery revealed large axillary lymph node changing diagnosis to at least Stage 2. Just finished chemotherapy last week. Next sad news for me was the mutation chek 2 that was discovered with genetic testing. I now have 20-25% chance of recurrence. Have struggled with "bad" news of lymph node and now  mutation but cry for 3 days then move on. I know stage 2 is curable but I have MRI next week before surgery and of course worried about "what else will they find now." Wouldn't think after chemo anything could live! hahaha. Anyway, will be having lumpectomy and of course removal of whatever is still found in my lymph mid april. Has anyone had chemo before surgery that had + lymph node on MRI and what was your surgery outcome with the lymph nodes?  Worried that if lymph nodes still + after chemo that would not be too reassuring? Will then be having 6 weeks of radiation although with chek 2 you are to avoid radiation. As my radiation oncologist said ," we have to worry about this cancer first." Sad but true. Any words of encouragement would be a appreciated.  Happy I found this site. Sincerely Cheryl

Stage 2 breast cancer-2 positive lymph nodes in 1987

Hi Cheryl & Kathy,

  I am along term survivor. I had stage 2 bc in 1987 when I was 34 years old.. Had a mastectomy. 2 positive lymph nodes. No reconstruction. 6 months of infusion chemo. Back then the protocol was Methotrexate, Cytoxin and 5 Fu. I went 30 years in perfect health then in 2018 got a tumor completely unrelated in the remaining breast. I was in denial and let it go a while. By the time I decided to do somerthing about it had broken thru my skin. So now I'm being treated for Stage III c bc. I had 6 months of infusion chemo. starting with the red devil and ending with Taxol to shrink the tumor. Then had a mastectomy, no reconstruction.  I thought I was done but  had some residual cancer left  and was prescribed 8 cycles of Xeloda pills at home. Now I'm headed into radiation treatments next week. I don't know how this is all going to come out. Looks good so far but I wanted you to know that I lived a wonderful life for 30 years after Stage 2 bc. You can and will , too. Good luck!      Vickye