YOUR BREAST CANCER MIGHT NOT BE CURED

jet1
jet1 Member Posts: 3
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Both my mother and mother-in-law had breast cancer 20 years ago. Both had one breast removed (chemo and radiation was given) and were both told they were both cancer survivors, but now twenty plus years later the cancer have not been cured, but now the cancer has spread into the skeleton bone structure of their body. My mother lost her live in Oct. of 2000. My Mother-in-law is now on heavy chemo again.

Now for my question: How many women have been told they are cured only to discover decades later they still have cancer?

I now want to get the word out to be aware if you have ever had beast cancer and you have been told you're cured of this disease. Ask your doctors on the slow spreading of breast cancer to the skeletal structure of your body and eventually attacking lungs and liver.

please foward this message to anyone who has ever had breast cancer or email me at - jet1@siu.edu

Comments

  • jet1
    jet1 Member Posts: 3
    #2
    Both my mother and mother-in-law had breast cancer 20 years ago. Both had one breast removed (chemo and radiation was given) and were both told they were both cancer survivors, but now twenty plus years later the cancer have not been cured, but now had spread into the skeleton bone structure of their body. My mother lost her life in Oct. of 2000. My Mother-in-law is now on heavy chemo again.

    Now for my question: How many women have been told they are cured only to discover decades later they still have cancer?

    I now want to get the word out to be aware if you have ever had beast cancer and you have been told you're cured of this disease. Ask your doctors on the slow spreading of breast cancer to the skeletal structure of your body and eventually attacking lungs and liver.

    please foward this message to anyone who has ever had breast cancer or email me at - jet1@siu.edu
  • jeancmici
    jeancmici Member Posts: 665 Member
    #3
    Doctors do not promise anything nowadays. They used to operate and tell the patient and family that "we got it all" which sometimes proved to be true in that the cancer did not come back.

    Not as much was known of cancer's incidious nature and doctors genuinely believed they had taken care of the problem.

    You will hear of people who had a mastectomy, no radiation nor chemotherapy as I knew of a neighbor of mine who had cancer in her 70's. She died of old age at 101 - cancer free.

    Patients on this forum know the score - cancer can always return - and yes, the bones are a favorite 'hang-out' which makes this a miserable disease which requires COURAGE. Many women do not survive 20 years in good health, but that comparison does not lessen the sadness of the loss of your loved ones.

    My thoughts are with you.
    Jean
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #4
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • confused
    confused Member Posts: 51
    #5
    Dear Jet,
    I am VERY sorry to hear about your mom and mother-in-law.
    My mom has cancer too....for the 2nd time,(1st right breast , now left breast 6yrs later) she is 65 yrs old.The cancer has not metasticized. Medically , this cancer is considered a totally seperate occurance from the first. Her prognosis is good,and I have absolute faith my mom will survive this cancer as she did the previous one .
    I come to this web site for the advice, information, encouragement,and inspiration that is given by ALL of the women here. They are survivors too, each and every one!! These uplifting people, and their power to remain positive through the battles they face are very important ( and strengthening) factors to themselves and those around them.Like Jean said everyone knows the score here.(And I believe it's in our favor, even if there is no promise of "cured for life".)
    Whether my mom lives to be 66 or 100,whether she dies from cancer or a car accident, she will always be a survivor (of many things) in my book,and one of the most couragous people I know.
    I apologize for rambling on.
    As I said Jet,I am so very sorry for your loss.Your grief must be overwhelming.My prayers go out to you and your family.
    Diane
  • bdean
    bdean Member Posts: 259
    #6
    Dear Jet:
    I,too, am sorry to hear of your loss. But anyone who survives cancer treatment is a cancer survivor. It does not necessarily mean forever, but for now you are a survivor. Your mother had a wonderful 20 years that some never see, so she was greatly blest--trust me. I know from where you are it may not seem that way--but to me--twenty years would be a wonderful gift.
    My doctor says no other doctor he knows will use the word 'cured' any more--they use 'in remission' instead. I know of many people from my childhood (56 now) who had cancer even in those dark days of treatment, and have died from other causes. So, many people are cured! My breast cancer matastasized in a few weeks--very aggressive. My two friends did within two years of initial surgery without chemo or radiation as a follow up. If there were still stray cancer cells lying dormant for that many years--something drastic probably happened to activate them--like grief or illness or trauma or stress. No one knows for sure--because cancer cells are an entity of their own.
    These very recent break throughs are showing great promise of finally offering a real cure!!! Just keep praying to God that that will be His will; so that when you have a cancer diagnosis--it will no longer feel like a probable death sentence. My prayers are with you in your grief--and with your mother-in-law.
    Sincerely, Brenda
  • pamtriggs
    pamtriggs Member Posts: 386
    #7
    Dear Jet
    I had breast cancer in 1981, had a mastectomy & was told I was in remission. After 19 years I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic disease in bones & lungs. I was never told I was cured but I was told that after 5 years any cancer was a new occurrence not related to the original. The oncologist I have now says my recurrence is from the original site & was probably triggered by a trauma. He thinks the mets had been growing for 3 years when symptoms manifest themselves. In that case the trauma would be the death of my mother. Who can really tell. I just know that I was very lucky to have had those 19 years symptom free & now I am fighting for another 20 years. I blame no one. It's just the luck of the draw. So very sorry for your loss but 20 years is a good remission & I am sure your mother lived & valued every moment of it. Love to you. Pam

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