Amidst all of the pink parties this month is hidden one quiet, lonely day. It's not a day of races, it's not a day of celebrations, there's no decorated bras, no cute slogans...just an ever growing group of women (and some men) who sit on the sidelines and try to get the word out. That day is today...and it is set aside for those of us fighting for our lives! It's for those of us that even though we had our yearly mammograms, did everything we were told to do...we have been diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer. We are the ones Susan G. Komen doesn't like to talk about, because we are not upbeat and happy. But we are here...we are fighting...and we need to be recognized!
No one dies from early stage breast cancer! However, when it metastasizes Ex. Moves to other parts of your body, such as bones, liver, brain, stomach etc. that is terminal. Average life after MBC diagnosis is 3 years...I know women that have lived 10 years. However, during that time treatment NEVER stops! Whether you're on anti-hormonals or chemo and bone strengthners, or radiation it will never end. You also continuously live with the fear of progression! Each ache or pain is cause for anxiety. You may go for months or even several years as stable...and then without warning or explanation all he'll will break loose and you will have progression. No rhyme or reason...just the nature of the beast.
Here are a few facts I would like to leave with you today...
1. There are an estimated 155,000 men & women with MBC in the U.S. currently!
2. This year over 39,000 women & 400 plus men will DIE from MBC!
3. Up to 30 percent of early stage breast cancer patients will have recurrences, as early as a few months, up to 15 years!
4. THERE IS CURRENTLY NO CURE!
What can you do??? Please donate to organizations that actually put their money towards research!
- The American Cancer Society
-Metavivor
I love you all and thank each of you for your continued prayers & support for my family & me!
Kathy xoxo
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
National MBC Day
Hello dear friends...
As I write this the sea of pink has begun, because as we all know it is after all October, the month that Susan G. Kohen has made famous. Again, I must stress...I love the color pink! I also love that SGK has gotten people discussing breast cancer and getting mammo's. What I do NOT like is that a tiny amount of the money that is donated to them is given to research! We need research so that this beast can be tamed and killed!
October 13 has been set aside as the one day this month to remember those of us with metastatic breast cancer. I ask that on that day you say a short prayer for all women (and men) who are fighting for their lives. Thank you!
We are in our new home. I have been busy unpacking boxes (slow & steady), hanging pictures etc. while Donnie has been busy painting and doing yard work. It's beginning to look like ours! A huge thank you to everyone that helped us on moving day...Mike A., Patty A. And of course Barb, Tom and Aimee. We couldn't have done it without you!
I had my 3 month oncology appointment yesterday. "Stable" has become my favorite term! Stable means no progression or growth, the cancer is there...but hasn't changed. We like that! The Anti-hormonals that I'm on (Femera) continues to cause extreme fatigue and achy joints and bones, but I constantly remind myself, and Don, that it beats the alternative! :-). Percocet keeps the pain at a minimum, and helps me sleep. My next appointment in December I will get my Zometa infusion for my bones. Funny how so much of my life revolves around the cancer center and my oncologist. Not funny haha...just funny odd.
So that's where we're at. We are looking forward to the holidays in our new home. Due to fatigue they will be quiet...just a few special family members, but then isn't that what really makes the holidays?! Don & I are deeply grateful for our family and friends and all of your love and support!
Love and blessings...Kathy xoxo
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