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BluebellsMcGee OP t1_jbxggvr wrote

Reply to comment by ChrisB911 in Cancer timeline: treatment for stage 3c triple positive breast cancer (all cancers are unique, this is my personal timeline; similar diagnoses will have a similar, but not identical, timeline) [OC] by BluebellsMcGee

Thank you for the very kind words -- that's the impact I was hoping it would have. Before being diagnosed, I had no idea how long the breast cancer "journey" would be. As I approached each milestone, I thought "ahhh I'm finally in the home stretch!" and my cancer team would say "actually, there's more..." I'm grateful there are so many lines of treatment available for my type of cancer (the alternative would suck), but life truly will never be "back to normal" for me.

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I_LIKE_LIMA_BEANS t1_jbxrka9 wrote

Fellow breast cancer survivor here (five years out from treatment, 3.5 since second reconstruction). The whole, “but wait…there’s more!” really resonated with me. It’s such an unpredictable disease, and like you wrote, it differs incredibly not just by cancer type, but by individual. Over time, the twists do seem to get a little easier. I hope your journey eases soon, and the new normal is a good one.

Edit to add: also super smart to have this to explain to loved ones. I found explaining my diagnosis and treatment to be very emotionally difficult and draining. And then you end up comforting your friends and family because they feel so bad for you. My husband began sharing my news when he realized, which made it a lot easier for me (though tougher of course for him). Fuck cancer

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ChrisB911 t1_jbxgzae wrote

It literally brings tears to my eyes just thinking about all you’ve been through.

You should do another one on the costs associated, like insurance coverages and out of pocket expenses, etc. I have heard it can be crazy and I’m sure other people would be interested in this info.

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newleaseonlife1 t1_jbzjoz0 wrote

I've only had breast reconstruction with no cancer and I feel like I've been put through the ringer with no end in sight to the surgeries and procedures and complications. I don't think I could have gotten through it had it been cancer as well. Kudos to you for fighting this hard.

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