How many cancer survivors can you name?

[gatorsmom]

I need some help. I know SOOO many people who have had cancer. Most of them have died from it. My grandmother and all of her sisters died of some form of cancer (mainly breast). My mom. Three of her sisters. another of her sisters is fighting it right now. Her father and 2 of her brothers have had cancer. Two of my best friends- at age 13 and age 28. And now, just today, I learned of another friend who has been diagnosed with either stage 2 or 3 inflammatory breast cancer. She is 37 and has three daughters under the age of 12.

After seeing what my mother and grandmother went through, I've become numb. I always thought I would become the biggest advocate for research after my mom passed away but the opposite has happened. I don't want to hear about cancer. I don't want to participate in the fundraisers. My head is telling me that there is hope, but my heart doesn't believe it anymore.

So, can you please give me back some hope? Can you name off people that you know who have survived cancer and remained in remission for more than 5 years? I just need to have some hope again...

Lisa
Mom to Gator July 2003
And Cha-Cha July 2005
and surprise! twins due 11/07!

[gatorsmom]

I need some help. I know SOOO many people who have had cancer. Most of them have died from it. My grandmother and all of her sisters died of some form of cancer (mainly breast). My mom. Three of her sisters. another of her sisters is fighting it right now. Her father and 2 of her brothers have had cancer. Two of my best friends- at age 13 and age 28. And now, just today, I learned of another friend who has been diagnosed with either stage 2 or 3 inflammatory breast cancer. She is 37 and has three daughters under the age of 12.

After seeing what my mother and grandmother went through, I've become numb. I always thought I would become the biggest advocate for research after my mom passed away but the opposite has happened. I don't want to hear about cancer. I don't want to participate in the fundraisers. My head is telling me that there is hope, but my heart doesn't believe it anymore.

So, can you please give me back some hope? Can you name off people that you know who have survived cancer and remained in remission for more than 5 years? I just need to have some hope again...

Lisa
Mom to Gator July 2003
And Cha-Cha July 2005
and surprise! twins due 11/07!

[JoyNChrist]

My mother (ovarian cancer, remission for 8 years)

Her aunt (ovarian cancer, remission for I'm not sure how long - definitely more than 5 years - anyway, she's 82 and healthier than most people I know)

A good friend from college named Jared (brain cancer, remission for 6 years)

Keith's grandfather (prostate cancer, remission for 8 years, just celebrated his 90th birthday)

There is hope. There is always hope. But cancer's a bitch.

[TaChapm]

My Mom! She was diagnosed with Breast cancer while sitting in the recovery room after my sister had my nephew. (Talk about a great day gone bad....or a bad day made good) She was diagnosed in January, had a double mastectomy in April and aside from the ongoing reconstruction process (whole other story there) she is cancer free and 100% healthy! She is of course one of the lucky ones. My Great Aunt was also diagnosed with Breast Cancer last year. She is still doing treatments at this time but thing look good for her to survive beyone the 5 year mark.

I believe that early detection is what saved her and if supporting breast cancer research gets the message out there about early detection then I am all for it. If me doing something small pays for someone to have a mamogram who otherwise wouldn't have been able to have one then it is worth it.

We have never really had cancer in our family but DH's family has a lot of it and most people have passed away. I am much more aware of things that I wasn't before and try to really do things to support research now more than ever. I just bought a Pink Rowenta Iron at Bed Bath and Beyond where 100% of the proceeds benefit Breast cancer research! :) Good for me and good for them!


Tara
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[o_mom]

Have you looked into genetic counselling? They can look at your family history and determine in genetic testing is appropriate for your family. They also can help you access high risk specialists and find the appropriate screenings for you. I had an appointment with one and the information they have is very helpful. I don't want to post all the details, but PM me if you want additional info!

On my survivors list: My Mother (3x - last time was 5 years ago this month), both grandmothers, one aunt and 4 great aunts.

[roysmom]

My mom - cervical cancer 29 year survivor
Paternal Aunt - breast cancer 8 year survivor
Good friend and hairdresser - breast cancer 6 year survivor
Uncle - cancer of the esophagus 2 year survivor

I guess the uncle doesn't count since it has only been 2 years, but I am really proud of him. He gave up smoking after 60 years!!! Should have done it years ago, but anytime is better than never. I know I have more survivors in my family, but I am unsure of time frame. Please don't give up hope. There are many, many survivors out there.

[lovin2shop]

My Mom - 17 year breast cancer survivor!

I hear you though, I was thinking that I needed to post a Bitch about all the testing/issues that I'm going through because of the strong family history and lumpy breasts. Was told yesterday that my nursing plans after baby gets here may be limited so that they can monitor me close enough. Booo....

I always donate to breast cancer causes, but like you, I have a hard time being around the causes much. So, I don't really go out for the Race for the Cure events or wear pink ribbons, or anything like that. Just too much of a downer, when I'm really trying to stay positive about it all.

[o_mom]

I posted above for Lisa, but also wated to mention genetic counselling for you as well if it hasn't been suggested to you already. They have been great about explaining risk and testing options as well as helping to develop a screening plan for someone who is breastfeeding. PM me if you want more info!

[Aunt to sweet baby boy]

My mom is not a 5 year+ survivor, but I think she still counts. She was diagnosed almost 4 years ago with breast cancer, it will be 4 years in January. She went through chemo and radiation and is doing good.

I know someone through avi's mom and he had prostate cancer, but it was caught very early so he did not need chemo and he is also doing great. His wife is expecting their 4th child in 3 months.

This is also a really sensitive topic for me, and I fear being told that I have cancer. My father's mother died after being diagnosed with a late stage of breast cancer 20 years ago. My mother/aunt/grandmother do not have the BRACA genes, but I still worry, especially because my mom was only 45 when she was diagnosed. I just try to enjoy each day and live life to the fullest.

Ilana, aka Nana to my sweet nephew Avi

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[gatorsmom]

I'm not actually related to my parents- I was adopted at birth and have very little information about my birth parents.

I have considered doing genetic testing simply BECAUSE I know nothing about my genetic history. I have to admit, though, sometimes it's a comfort not to know anything. On the otherhand, on days like today, it's more scary not knowing anything.

Since I see my OBGYN now on a weekly basis, I think I'll bring it up to him next time I see him.

Lisa
Mom to Gator July 2003
And Cha-Cha July 2005
and surprise! twins due 11/07!

[SnuggleBuggles]

(((Hug)))

My MIL had colon cancer 17 years ago.
My friend's mom had colon cancer and survived.
My mom's best friend survived ovarian cancer (it has been at least 10 years since her diagnosis).
We have several family members inside the 5 years still so it is too soon to tell.

My dh hits 5 years next month. :) Still scared as heck about it though because the kind of cancer he has (hereditary non polyposis colon cancer) puts him at a much higher than normal risk of recurrence as well as cancer of other parts of the body. But, I stay positive and he will continue to get follow up care forever. I try not to think about the genetic link for ds and the new baby.

I think the one good thing about knowing it is genetic (my dh's family all went in for testing) is that we know what we are dealing with. People are getting tested and checked at a much younger age. Hopefully with screening, in absence of any trouble, things will get caught early. And they all know signs and symptoms to be aware of.

For most of the year I can forget about cancer but as we approach the 1 year round of tests I become a nervous wreck.



Beth

[o_mom]

That does change things! :-) It might be interesting to see what they say.

[TonFirst]

The New York Times ran a thorough, thoughtful article on genetic testing, in particular for breast cancer, in September:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/16/health/16gene.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

I know several survivors off the top of my head - my uncle (melanoma, 15+ years), a cousin (leukemia, 30+ years), several colleagues (breast cancer, about 10+ years each).

[lovin2shop]

Ilana,
My mom was also 45 when diagnosed. My father's mother also died of breast cancer. I was always worried that with my mom being fairly young it would mean that the cancer was more aggressive or would come back. Seventeen years later, I'm so happy to say that was not the case. So, four years is a really, really good sign, and try not to worry too much. And, I'm sure that you are probably a lot younger than me, but they say that daughters should start getting testing, mammograms, ultrasounds, or the newer breast MRI's within 10 years of the age when your mother was diagnosed. I've had all of the above, and none of them are difficult other than just the general nervousness.

[JBaxter]

My grandmother - uterine
my cousin - cervical ( hysterectomy at 25)
My cousin - stage 4 hodgekins
ME - melanoma

[lovin2shop]

I just PM'd you! Thanks.

[o_mom]

I couldn't get PM to work, so CYE!

[Mamma2004]

Most of the survivors I know have recovered from breast cancer:

Giovanna - over 15 years
Jackie - over 10 years
Linda - over 5 years
Debbie - approaching 5 years

My best to your friend!!!

Stephanie

[Momof3Labs]

My husband - 15 years - leukemia/testicular cancer

Other than that, our track record hasn't been too good. Our one other survivor (FIL) is no longer in remission from leukemia and has now been diagnosed with lung cancer.

[tarabenet]

At least 7 or 8 that I can think of easily.
Notably:
My mom who had breast cancer
A friend who had frighteningly very aggressive breast cancer
My grandmother, who had uterine cancer in her 40s and lived into her 90s
Her sister and two nieces who also had uterine cancer (So yeah, guess what I'm expecting to deal with around menopause age?)
A friend (Matt) who had a rare and aggressive brain tumor, was given a 30% chance, and made it. It came back and he had even worse odds, and he beat them!

There's cause for hope. Lots and lots of hope. Sometimes hope is all we've got, but what I learned from Matt you can touch a lot of lives with simple hope, do amazing things in the world just by staying hopeful.

[SASM]

Lisa,

I am so sorry to read about your loved ones. I thought that my family hx was bad but yours, unfortunately, is quite similiar to mine, as far as occurrances. As far as survivors go, my mom just celebrated her 10th anniversary. My maternal grandmother is well past her 20th anniversary and my paternal grandmother is past her 5th, although she is battling another form of CA now. :(

I know that this seems quite depressing but I have just kind of accepted the fact that I will most likely get breast CA sometime during my life. I have accepted this, as the hx goes byond my immediate famly as well. BUT...when I found out that we were expecting DD1 I became a HUGE supporter of research, etc. my mom already was an advocate for research...I've just expanded it down to my part of the country. Now that I have DD2, I am even more determined to support breast CA research, in any way that I can. In addition to doing the walks and various things in my area, I poridly display my irbbons for my family and always have some sort of pink on, whther it is on my toes or elsewhere, as a reminder. :) Now that you have a little pink coming into your life, maybe she'll inspire you to be more active and think positively. Do whatever you can to make sure that she will not have to go through what your mom, granmothers, and aunts went through during her lifetime.

HUGE hugs to you. I have been thinking of you alot and hope that you are feeling well, Lisa. Please take care and try to stay positive for your friend BUT TRY not to let it get to you. you have to concentrate on you and your "little "family. :)

(((((hugs)))))

[gatorsmom]

Sharyn,
Thank you for your sweet response. Fortunately or unfortunately since I was adopted, I have no idea what kind of diseases I'm passing on to my daughter. But i can say for certain that knowing that I'll have a daughter motivates me to do what I need to for her health.

I've been thinking of you too, lately, and hoping everything is going well with your new little one. The pregnancy is still going very well, just getting more and more uncomfortable. I'm ready for it to be over and have both my little pumpkins here!

Lisa
Mom to Gator July 2003
And Cha-Cha July 2005
and surprise! twins due 11/07!

[megs4413]

my aunt beat breast cancer...my bf's mom beat breast cancer (15 years)...my DH is 2yrs cancer free....my high school counselor beat breast cancer.......

[momathome]

My grandmother (breast cancer survivor - 7 years in remission)

Little boy I used to baby-sit for (Acute myelomonocytic leukemia - in remission for 15 years)

[rlu]

5 treated and in remission over 5 years.