New to this community but not to breast cancer...

[CalGal56]

Hi everyone my name is Mona. I am new to this community but not to breast cancer. My first go round was in 2000 when I was diagnosed with a stage 2 DCIS triple negative cancer. After a lumpectomy (showing no node involvement), chemo and radiation I was diagnosed again on February 15, 2017 with stage 1 DCIS double positive single negative cancer. This go round I had a unilateral mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction (no node involvement) and am taking Arimidex for 10 years, no chemo or radiation. I am fortunate that they are unrelated breast cancers and there was no sign of metastasis. I took the genetic BRCA test “again” and came back negative. My oncologist encouraged me to take the Ocontype DX expressive gene test which came back with an excellent score of 2-4 (this is why I am not doing chemo again). My body is on the mend while my mind works through its own healing process. So, that is a brief intro on me as a cancer survivor - one small part of the whole Mona - I look forward to sharing this space with all of you. I take comfort knowing I am not alone, and have a safe harbor to visit when I am in need of emotional support.

[BklynCatwoman]

Welcome, Mona, to a wonderful group that none of us wants to be part of. Glad your second healing is well underway. Brava for not having to do chemo again. (I'm jealous of that low oncotype score!) It sounds like you're in a good place. I co-facilitate a monthly support group at SHARE's NYC office called "Coping with Aromatase Inhibitors & Tamoxifen." We also do phone-ins, so if you'd like to take part, just let me know and I'll give you the contact info. The next one is on Thursday, December 21 at 6 pm (EST).

[haagr]

Hi Mona.

Welcome back to the club that no one wants to belong to. We r here to support you. Hope that your recovery is easy and that u heal well. Wrapping your mind around it once is difficult, but twice is something we all fear.

Robin in NYC

[Redled823]

Welcome to the community, Mona. So happy that you don't have to do chemo. You will be a great addition to this group!

[CalGal56 in reply to Redled823]

Thanks! I am looking forward to calling in during the next group support meeting, “Coping with Aromatase Inhibitors and Tamoxifen.” So far so good, a little joint pain but I question whether it is the AI or old age 😂. Not that 61 is old! I tell everyone my number is 94 and I will make there hell or high water! This is just one more journey in life. As I tell my daughter we all write our own stories, so you can write it as a tragedy or an adventure - how do you want to be remembered...