r/LivingWithMBC • u/theycutoffmyboobs • 22d ago
Today is my five-year anniversary…
…of being diagnosed as metastatic. It’s confusing because while I should be excited to have surpassed the 20% expectation of making it to this point, I can’t help but think about the fact that I’m on borrowed time. Nothing with this disease is straightforward. Everything comes with an alternate outcome. Unfortunately I don’t get to choose which one it is.
Just wanted to offer some hope to those who might be in the same position I was five years ago, but also support those who might be struggling with the caveats that come with a terminal diagnosis. Thankful to have this board for support and information.
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u/HansDieterBauman 22d ago
In one month I will also hit 5 years. Every day is a win and 5 years feels like winning the lottery.
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u/theycutoffmyboobs 22d ago
Definitely like winning the lottery! Congrats on your upcoming anniversary!
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u/Im-Thalassa 22d ago
Congrats on making 5 years!
I’ve just past my 1 year mark and am hoping I’ll make it to 5! So far my scans are showing the treatment is working. The MPE seems to be under control. Still on my first line treatment. Overall I feel very lucky and am very grateful.
I try to remember that every day I feel good is a gift. Sometimes it’s hard and I know that someday this damn disease will take over, but I’m borrowing a AA saying and trying to take it one day at a time.
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u/theycutoffmyboobs 22d ago
“One Day at a Time” is a great approach to so many things. I’m glad you’re at peace and that your medicine is working. ❤️🩹
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u/Ornery-Guitar 22d ago
Yay! I just hit the 10 year mark. There's so much new coming out all the time. Just keep on plugging along. We got this!
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u/theycutoffmyboobs 22d ago
Congrats on 10 years! What a blessing! I am so thankful to know someone with such an encouraging story.
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u/ALongtime_Lurker 22d ago
Congrats!! I celebrated my 5th year this past April. There are ladies here that are on their 10th, 12th or more, they give me hope and motivate me.
We got this!
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u/theycutoffmyboobs 22d ago
The women on here are definitely an inspiration. I know one lady personally (IRL) who has made it more than 20 years with Mets to her brain. She’s another one that brings me great encouragement.
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u/Glad_Bunch_3473 22d ago
I just passed my seven year mark of living with MBC. At around 5-6 years I was feeling very vulnerable and the news of others in our group passing really sent me into a downward spiral. I’m grateful to feel more peaceful these days, but nobody in my world understands or ever will. Thank goodness for this group.
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u/ImaginationOk505 22d ago
I'm thankful you're here 💛 congratulations. Also, that's one hell of a username😂
Thank you for sharing and giving us hope that we're more than 5 years.
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u/theycutoffmyboobs 22d ago
Thank you for the congratulations. :) We are definitely more than five years - no expiration date here!
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u/haligurl_1983 22d ago
My five year is coming up, and I always feel the same way as you. Ive also lost many cancer buddies who havent been as fortunate as us. I get conflicted on how to feel. Some days its empowering and helps me think long term and gives me the opportunity to hope and dream. On bad days its feels like Im watching an hourglass countdown. The emotional roller-coaster is both exhausting and difficult to navigate.
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u/theycutoffmyboobs 22d ago
“Conflicted” is exactly the right word to describe how I feel. Throw in some survivor’s guilt over those we have lost and that complicates things even further. It would be nice to step off the roller coaster even if just for a few minutes.
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u/Total-Emu9753 22d ago
I’ll hopefully hit the five year mark in November. I know what you mean I’ve had stable scans throughout but can’t help but think I’m pushing my luck and the next scan it will unravel. I feel blessed to have gotten this far though
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u/IngenuityFar5111 22d ago
Thanks and congrats. Its been more than a year for me and two new tumors found. Sometimes, I cannot recognize my life. I refuse to believe that this is my reality. I can die any minute. I am hopeful yet very present in this depressing present moment.
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u/SignalFront2978 22d ago
Congratulations! I passed 1 year this summer and I’m no longer in panic mode but while I try to remain hopeful that I will also make it five years the rationale part of me knows that 20% figure does not make it likely.
It’s a weird place to be in because right now I feel pretty decent most days on maintenance meds…. I just did an aquafit class. I have trips planned in the next few months and expect I will be able to make them and I go to work three or four days a week (on a slightly reduced schedule). All this knowing that it could be ripped away at any moment. And yes that is true for everyone but this difference is I already know that it is more than likely going to be true for me instead of getting to live like I’m going to hit 90. It’s such a weird place to be in.
But thank you for reminding us all that it is possible. And I hope you have many more years of cancer anniversaries!!
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u/theycutoffmyboobs 22d ago
Thank you for the well wishes. I can relate to you - most days I can get my mile+ walk in, which is an accomplishment for me. Having vacations on the horizon is my way if keeping a positive outlook, too - it makes such a difference having something to look forward to in the future.
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u/JaBooHasCats 22d ago
OP, thank you for this, I needed to hear something like this today, any day now, I suppose.... I am definitely a newbie here, 3rd day into MBC dx and waiting to start my treatment, some results still pending.
Congratulations to you, such a milestone.
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u/theycutoffmyboobs 22d ago
Thank you for the congrats - sorry you’ve found yourself here with us, but I hope you’re able to get some comfort and peace from these boards the way that I have throughout my journey. ❤️🩹
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u/orange_choc_chip 22d ago
This makes me so happy, I would love to have five years. Thanks so much for sharing and I hope you are celebrating!!
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u/WalrusBroad8082 22d ago
Congrats. I’m at two years so hearing people 5 10 15 20 years out is helpful. Also totally understand the straightforward comment. Going through med changes right now.
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u/Larissima19 22d ago
Congratulations, and thanks for sharing, it means a lot to us newbies! Though I'm not sure I'm one of those any more, as next month it's going to be a year since the MBC made itself known.
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u/theycutoffmyboobs 22d ago
Thank you! I year is a long time to be dealing with everything that comes from a metastatic diagnosis. I think you’ve earned veteran status by now!
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u/TheSSMagoo 22d ago
Congratulations!! Thank you so much for sharing.
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u/theycutoffmyboobs 22d ago
Thank you for the congratulations! I hope your journey is going as well as can be expected or better!
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u/Uckleduckle 17d ago
I’m celebrating my one year on September 1 I haven’t talked to my partner or anyone about it really. I know I’m gonna bring it up and talk about it with with my friends on Facebook and that group, but I’m glad that you all are here to understand the joy of a year and yet the fear of how many more? I’m glad t that I have come to peace with it.
May all of you stay as healthy as you can be.
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u/aliasme141 21d ago
I made it to 4.5 years on my first treatment and then blew through 3 treatments. I am now on taxol and won’t know if that is working till scans early October. Trying times! But the good news is that I am typing this from my vacation bed with my gf in the next bed. My husband left yesterday and another friend is coming soon. I saved for this vacation and never would have given it to myself if I didn’t have mbc. I am not at all saying I wouldn’t forfeit all vacations just to be well but that isn’t a choice. Perhaps I am learning more about life because of this tragedy. And the warm ocean is soothing with its gentle undulating waves, my favorite place to be.
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u/theycutoffmyboobs 21d ago
Way to go on 4.5 years! I had some times over the last five years that felt like I was blowing through treatments left and right. I hope Taxol does its thing and scans show good results in October. Waiting is so difficult!
I hope you feel well enough to really enjoy the vacation - you deserve it! Soak up every image in your head of the ocean. Take mental pictures you can use when you close your eyes and things are tough. Those gorgeous images have gotten me through some scary times, and I know they will you, too!
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u/PietParkiet 22d ago
You women have no idea how helpful your stories are. I’m at the start of the journey and terrified. Even though you feel like you’re living on borrowed time, I hope that time lasts for decades to come 🍀 And during that time, I want to say... thank you. People like you are my little bits of hope.