Re: -- treatable but not curable?

[Guest guest]

well I can only go by what happen to me. I was told that I was cured and 4 yeras later I was metastatic, but good for you!

CElaine wrote:

--- Of course in some cases, breast cancer can be treated and managed, but not cured. However, many times the treatment is successful and there is no reoccurance. Both my breast surgeon and my oncologist have told me that I can consider myself cured. I do need to be extra vigilant as I am at a much higher risk for breast and related cancers, but should that happen, it would be a "new" cancer, not reoccurance. For those who do not know me.....Diagnosed 02/14/97, age 47, stage 1 infiltrating ductal carcinoma, highly ER+, fairly aggressive.28 lymph nodes removed in axillary disection, none positive. No family history of female cancers other than a maternal cousin and a paternal cousin. I chose a lumpectomy with 6 1/2 weeks of radiation. I also had 9 courses of CMF chemotherapy (got 2 opinions, both said chemo was

necessary due to my age, the fact I was premenopause, and the aggresiveness of the tumor), and took tamoxifen for 5 years.I am now 55, cancer free for 7 1/2 years, and was officially discharged by Yale-New Haven hospital as a breast cancer patient. I now only see my surgeon every 6 months, and have my yearly mammograms. I was told this because after being done with tamoxifen for 30 months, and having "beautiful mammograms" (doctor's quote), I am considered CURED! Yes, I know I can get cancer again, and if it happens I will deal with it....because I AM A SURVIVOR.Hugs to all,ElaineIn breastcancer2 , "janie8002000" wrote:> Though you sounded nearly right to say treatable but not curable, I > have an aunt, 91 and still living with Alzeimers her only problem. > She had two bouts with lympatic cancer & chemo, etc. during the

> 1980's. She is completely well. So sometimes curable. (Or, often > curable?)> Janie> > > > > Dear Lynn,> > > > My daughter is 12. I was up-front and very honest, and a little > upbeat about it. I find as long as I'm the "cheerleader," everyone > else here is okay - Mine are 12, boy 14, boy 19.> > > > Breast cancer is a "very" curable cancer and explain to her you're > in very good hands with your MD.> > > > All the best,> > > > > >

[Guest guest]

well I can only go by what happen to me. I was told that I was cured and 4 yeras later I was metastatic, but good for you!

CElaine wrote:

--- Of course in some cases, breast cancer can be treated and managed, but not cured. However, many times the treatment is successful and there is no reoccurance. Both my breast surgeon and my oncologist have told me that I can consider myself cured. I do need to be extra vigilant as I am at a much higher risk for breast and related cancers, but should that happen, it would be a "new" cancer, not reoccurance. For those who do not know me.....Diagnosed 02/14/97, age 47, stage 1 infiltrating ductal carcinoma, highly ER+, fairly aggressive.28 lymph nodes removed in axillary disection, none positive. No family history of female cancers other than a maternal cousin and a paternal cousin. I chose a lumpectomy with 6 1/2 weeks of radiation. I also had 9 courses of CMF chemotherapy (got 2 opinions, both said chemo was

necessary due to my age, the fact I was premenopause, and the aggresiveness of the tumor), and took tamoxifen for 5 years.I am now 55, cancer free for 7 1/2 years, and was officially discharged by Yale-New Haven hospital as a breast cancer patient. I now only see my surgeon every 6 months, and have my yearly mammograms. I was told this because after being done with tamoxifen for 30 months, and having "beautiful mammograms" (doctor's quote), I am considered CURED! Yes, I know I can get cancer again, and if it happens I will deal with it....because I AM A SURVIVOR.Hugs to all,ElaineIn breastcancer2 , "janie8002000" wrote:> Though you sounded nearly right to say treatable but not curable, I > have an aunt, 91 and still living with Alzeimers her only problem. > She had two bouts with lympatic cancer & chemo, etc. during the

> 1980's. She is completely well. So sometimes curable. (Or, often > curable?)> Janie> > > > > Dear Lynn,> > > > My daughter is 12. I was up-front and very honest, and a little > upbeat about it. I find as long as I'm the "cheerleader," everyone > else here is okay - Mine are 12, boy 14, boy 19.> > > > Breast cancer is a "very" curable cancer and explain to her you're > in very good hands with your MD.> > > > All the best,> > > > > >

[Guest guest]

---Vivian, when I was first told " there's something on your

mammogram, you have to see a surgeon " , I quickly became an " expert "

on all things breast cancer. I read everything I could find, asked

question after question to my medical providers, and drove my

daughter in law, who is a nurse, crazy. Both my med onco nurse and

my surgeon said that they had never had a patient who thirsted for

so much knowledge about their disease. But, I believe that knowledge

is power. So, in the course of my treatment, I researched tamoxifen,

etc,as well as all other available treatments, and I am more than

aware of the many factors that can contribute to cancer as well as

deter it in one's body. I really do not care about the health

insurance industry's definitions of who is cured of what, they are

profit making organizations who care about the health of their

bottom line, and not their members.

Whether it is a question of whether the glass is half empty or half

full, I believe that am cured of IDC breast cancer. I know that I

will die someday, as death is only a part of life, but I do not

believe that I will die from the cancer I was diagnosed with in '97.

Obviously, not all cancers can be cured, but each year the medical

community is making strides in that direction. That is the reason

that some of us from this room are involved with the Komen

races, so that someday ALL breast cancer patients can be cured.

Okay, off my soapbox....love you guys,

Hugs, Elaine

In breastcancer2 , " Vivian Wong " <bibibusy2@h...>

wrote:

> I don't want to be pessimistic about Elain's posting, just want to

share my

> knowledge with you.

>

> I had cancer first time 17 years ago, like Chirstina's said, I

also had the

> misfortuned of it recurreing in multiple times, despite receiving

constant

> encouragement of having good chance to be cured. so I understand

> 's frustration.

>

> Cured or not can be defined differently, from medical provider's

viewpoint,

> and from insurance.

>

> Tamofixfen is a SERM, it helps to compete with estrogen to occupy

the

> estrogen receptor in the cancer cell. The cancer cell is plugged

in but not

> energized so it dies. Aromaste Inhibitor is another range of drug

that

> reduces estrogen, to starve the cell to its death.

>

> But our bodies, regardless of healthy or not, can produce cancer

cells each

> day. It is our immune system that helps to fight off the new

crops of

> cancer cells.

>

> SERM and AI are like shields, while you have them, and a period

soon after

> the last dosage, you are protected. But when the time is over

with your

> shield is gone, you are left alone to fight the new crops.

>

> Thus from insurance viewpoint, unless one is 5 years free from

SERM, AI or

> any treatment, one is not considered cancer free in its purest

form.

>

> For example, I had surgery 10 years ago, tamoxifen for 6 years,

drug free

> for 4 years and it is back and worst, metatasized. Same crop.

Now my doc

> changed their tune to " manage " rather than " cure " .

>

> Thus Elain is right, we have to be extra vigilant. More so

important, don't

> count on SERM and AI which are temporary, instead, build our

health back,

> find the cause of the problem and resolve it forever-- I am

beginning on

> that journey.

>

> Bibi

>

> >well I can only go by what happen to me. I was told that I was

cured and 4

> >yeras later I was metastatic, but good for you!

> >

> >C

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Don't just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search!

> http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/

[Guest guest]

---Vivian, when I was first told " there's something on your

mammogram, you have to see a surgeon " , I quickly became an " expert "

on all things breast cancer. I read everything I could find, asked

question after question to my medical providers, and drove my

daughter in law, who is a nurse, crazy. Both my med onco nurse and

my surgeon said that they had never had a patient who thirsted for

so much knowledge about their disease. But, I believe that knowledge

is power. So, in the course of my treatment, I researched tamoxifen,

etc,as well as all other available treatments, and I am more than

aware of the many factors that can contribute to cancer as well as

deter it in one's body. I really do not care about the health

insurance industry's definitions of who is cured of what, they are

profit making organizations who care about the health of their

bottom line, and not their members.

Whether it is a question of whether the glass is half empty or half

full, I believe that am cured of IDC breast cancer. I know that I

will die someday, as death is only a part of life, but I do not

believe that I will die from the cancer I was diagnosed with in '97.

Obviously, not all cancers can be cured, but each year the medical

community is making strides in that direction. That is the reason

that some of us from this room are involved with the Komen

races, so that someday ALL breast cancer patients can be cured.

Okay, off my soapbox....love you guys,

Hugs, Elaine

In breastcancer2 , " Vivian Wong " <bibibusy2@h...>

wrote:

> I don't want to be pessimistic about Elain's posting, just want to

share my

> knowledge with you.

>

> I had cancer first time 17 years ago, like Chirstina's said, I

also had the

> misfortuned of it recurreing in multiple times, despite receiving

constant

> encouragement of having good chance to be cured. so I understand

> 's frustration.

>

> Cured or not can be defined differently, from medical provider's

viewpoint,

> and from insurance.

>

> Tamofixfen is a SERM, it helps to compete with estrogen to occupy

the

> estrogen receptor in the cancer cell. The cancer cell is plugged

in but not

> energized so it dies. Aromaste Inhibitor is another range of drug

that

> reduces estrogen, to starve the cell to its death.

>

> But our bodies, regardless of healthy or not, can produce cancer

cells each

> day. It is our immune system that helps to fight off the new

crops of

> cancer cells.

>

> SERM and AI are like shields, while you have them, and a period

soon after

> the last dosage, you are protected. But when the time is over

with your

> shield is gone, you are left alone to fight the new crops.

>

> Thus from insurance viewpoint, unless one is 5 years free from

SERM, AI or

> any treatment, one is not considered cancer free in its purest

form.

>

> For example, I had surgery 10 years ago, tamoxifen for 6 years,

drug free

> for 4 years and it is back and worst, metatasized. Same crop.

Now my doc

> changed their tune to " manage " rather than " cure " .

>

> Thus Elain is right, we have to be extra vigilant. More so

important, don't

> count on SERM and AI which are temporary, instead, build our

health back,

> find the cause of the problem and resolve it forever-- I am

beginning on

> that journey.

>

> Bibi

>

> >well I can only go by what happen to me. I was told that I was

cured and 4

> >yeras later I was metastatic, but good for you!

> >

> >C

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Don't just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search!

> http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/

[Guest guest]

I'm sorry but I disagree. My Dr told me that I am cured and to go have a nice life. I trust him completely. I will continue to get my yearly mammograms. But I no longer have cancer. If by chance I get it again it will be a new cancer.

Jeana

[Guest guest]

I'm sorry but I disagree. My Dr told me that I am cured and to go have a nice life. I trust him completely. I will continue to get my yearly mammograms. But I no longer have cancer. If by chance I get it again it will be a new cancer.

Jeana

[Guest guest]

what do you disagree with? There is no actual cure for cancer, there is nothing you can take that is going to cure your cancer, there are only treatments and some will not have it return and others will.

CElaine wrote:

---, I disagree with you, but that's what makes America great...expressing our differing opinions. Vivian, where did you ever get the idea that I am wealthy??? I lost my job, and my husband lost his too,we had to use every penny of our savings for COBRA, etc. Doesn't change anything.I truly believe that having a positive attitude is as good a way to fight cancer as any other.Thats all I have to say on the subject. To all new folks....you have found the best place for support, friendship, love, information, and in general, a great place to vent!Feel free to ask any questions, nothing is off limits in here that is BC or treatment related. Please don't ever think that any question is stupid or any fears or feelings are inappropriate. I am an "oldie" here, and I do not post very often, but I do read every

posting. If there is something I think that I can answer intelligently,and my input appreciated, I might. nne and Doris do an admirable job keeping everything and everyone up to date, so I don't stick my nose in too often.HUGS to all,ElaineIn breastcancer2 , christina wrote:> Exactly Bibi, there is no cure for cancer, it can be managed, controlled, treated etc but since there is always the chance that it can return I don't know how it can be considered cured, that is why we always have to be on it. I really think it's wrong for a doctor to say that you're cured, I really wish he hadn't said that to me because it makes it all the worse when it returns!> > C> > Vivian Wong wrote:> > I don't want to be pessimistic about Elain's posting, just want to share my > knowledge with you.> > I had cancer first time

17 years ago, like Chirstina's said, I also had the > misfortuned of it recurreing in multiple times, despite receiving constant > encouragement of having good chance to be cured. so I understand > 's frustration.> > Cured or not can be defined differently, from medical provider's viewpoint, > and from insurance.> > Tamofixfen is a SERM, it helps to compete with estrogen to occupy the > estrogen receptor in the cancer cell. The cancer cell is plugged in but not > energized so it dies. Aromaste Inhibitor is another range of drug that > reduces estrogen, to starve the cell to its death.> > But our bodies, regardless of healthy or not, can produce cancer cells each > day. It is our immune system that helps to fight off the new crops of > cancer cells.> > SERM and AI are like shields, while you have them, and a period soon

after > the last dosage, you are protected. But when the time is over with your > shield is gone, you are left alone to fight the new crops.> > Thus from insurance viewpoint, unless one is 5 years free from SERM, AI or > any treatment, one is not considered cancer free in its purest form.> > For example, I had surgery 10 years ago, tamoxifen for 6 years, drug free > for 4 years and it is back and worst, metatasized. Same crop. Now my doc > changed their tune to "manage" rather than "cure".> > Thus Elain is right, we have to be extra vigilant. More so important, don't > count on SERM and AI which are temporary, instead, build our health back, > find the cause of the problem and resolve it forever-- I am beginning on > that journey.> > Bibi> > >well I can only go by what happen to me. I was told that I was cured and 4

> >yeras later I was metastatic, but good for you!> >> >C> > _________________________________________________________________> Don't just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search! > http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/> > > > > >

[Guest guest]

what do you disagree with? There is no actual cure for cancer, there is nothing you can take that is going to cure your cancer, there are only treatments and some will not have it return and others will.

CElaine wrote:

---, I disagree with you, but that's what makes America great...expressing our differing opinions. Vivian, where did you ever get the idea that I am wealthy??? I lost my job, and my husband lost his too,we had to use every penny of our savings for COBRA, etc. Doesn't change anything.I truly believe that having a positive attitude is as good a way to fight cancer as any other.Thats all I have to say on the subject. To all new folks....you have found the best place for support, friendship, love, information, and in general, a great place to vent!Feel free to ask any questions, nothing is off limits in here that is BC or treatment related. Please don't ever think that any question is stupid or any fears or feelings are inappropriate. I am an "oldie" here, and I do not post very often, but I do read every

posting. If there is something I think that I can answer intelligently,and my input appreciated, I might. nne and Doris do an admirable job keeping everything and everyone up to date, so I don't stick my nose in too often.HUGS to all,ElaineIn breastcancer2 , christina wrote:> Exactly Bibi, there is no cure for cancer, it can be managed, controlled, treated etc but since there is always the chance that it can return I don't know how it can be considered cured, that is why we always have to be on it. I really think it's wrong for a doctor to say that you're cured, I really wish he hadn't said that to me because it makes it all the worse when it returns!> > C> > Vivian Wong wrote:> > I don't want to be pessimistic about Elain's posting, just want to share my > knowledge with you.> > I had cancer first time

17 years ago, like Chirstina's said, I also had the > misfortuned of it recurreing in multiple times, despite receiving constant > encouragement of having good chance to be cured. so I understand > 's frustration.> > Cured or not can be defined differently, from medical provider's viewpoint, > and from insurance.> > Tamofixfen is a SERM, it helps to compete with estrogen to occupy the > estrogen receptor in the cancer cell. The cancer cell is plugged in but not > energized so it dies. Aromaste Inhibitor is another range of drug that > reduces estrogen, to starve the cell to its death.> > But our bodies, regardless of healthy or not, can produce cancer cells each > day. It is our immune system that helps to fight off the new crops of > cancer cells.> > SERM and AI are like shields, while you have them, and a period soon

after > the last dosage, you are protected. But when the time is over with your > shield is gone, you are left alone to fight the new crops.> > Thus from insurance viewpoint, unless one is 5 years free from SERM, AI or > any treatment, one is not considered cancer free in its purest form.> > For example, I had surgery 10 years ago, tamoxifen for 6 years, drug free > for 4 years and it is back and worst, metatasized. Same crop. Now my doc > changed their tune to "manage" rather than "cure".> > Thus Elain is right, we have to be extra vigilant. More so important, don't > count on SERM and AI which are temporary, instead, build our health back, > find the cause of the problem and resolve it forever-- I am beginning on > that journey.> > Bibi> > >well I can only go by what happen to me. I was told that I was cured and 4

> >yeras later I was metastatic, but good for you!> >> >C> > _________________________________________________________________> Don't just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search! > http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/> > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Everyone that I know that had in situ breast cancer has been told they are cured. Can all the doctors be wrong?

Hugs

nne

Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Lifehttp://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html

Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.htmlalso check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:http://www.cancerclub.com

Re: -- treatable but not curable?

what do you disagree with? There is no actual cure for cancer, there is nothing you can take that is going to cure your cancer, there are only treatments and some will not have it return and others will.

CElaine wrote:

---, I disagree with you, but that's what makes America great...expressing our differing opinions. Vivian, where did you ever get the idea that I am wealthy??? I lost my job, and my husband lost his too,we had to use every penny of our savings for COBRA, etc. Doesn't change anything.I truly believe that having a positive attitude is as good a way to fight cancer as any other.Thats all I have to say on the subject. To all new folks....you have found the best place for support, friendship, love, information, and in general, a great place to vent!Feel free to ask any questions, nothing is off limits in here that is BC or treatment related. Please don't ever think that any question is stupid or any fears or feelings are inappropriate. I am an "oldie" here, and I do not post very often, but I do read every posting. If there is something I think that I can answer intelligently,and my input appreciated, I might. nne and Doris do an admirable job keeping everything and everyone up to date, so I don't stick my nose in too often.HUGS to all,ElaineIn breastcancer2 , christina wrote:> Exactly Bibi, there is no cure for cancer, it can be managed, controlled, treated etc but since there is always the chance that it can return I don't know how it can be considered cured, that is why we always have to be on it. I really think it's wrong for a doctor to say that you're cured, I really wish he hadn't said that to me because it makes it all the worse when it returns!> > C> > Vivian Wong wrote:> > I don't want to be pessimistic about Elain's posting, just want to share my > knowledge with you.> > I had cancer first time 17 years ago, like Chirstina's said, I also had the > misfortuned of it recurreing in multiple times, despite receiving constant > encouragement of having good chance to be cured. so I understand > 's frustration.> > Cured or not can be defined differently, from medical provider's viewpoint, > and from insurance.> > Tamofixfen is a SERM, it helps to compete with estrogen to occupy the > estrogen receptor in the cancer cell. The cancer cell is plugged in but not > energized so it dies. Aromaste Inhibitor is another range of drug that > reduces estrogen, to starve the cell to its death.> > But our bodies, regardless of healthy or not, can produce cancer cells each > day. It is our immune system that helps to fight off the new crops of > cancer cells.> > SERM and AI are like shields, while you have them, and a period soon after > the last dosage, you are protected. But when the time is over with your > shield is gone, you are left alone to fight the new crops.> > Thus from insurance viewpoint, unless one is 5 years free from SERM, AI or > any treatment, one is not considered cancer free in its purest form.> > For example, I had surgery 10 years ago, tamoxifen for 6 years, drug free > for 4 years and it is back and worst, metatasized. Same crop. Now my doc > changed their tune to "manage" rather than "cure".> > Thus Elain is right, we have to be extra vigilant. More so important, don't > count on SERM and AI which are temporary, instead, build our health back, > find the cause of the problem and resolve it forever-- I am beginning on > that journey.> > Bibi> > >well I can only go by what happen to me. I was told that I was cured and 4 > >yeras later I was metastatic, but good for you!> >> >C> > _________________________________________________________________> Don't just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search! > http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/> > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Everyone that I know that had in situ breast cancer has been told they are cured. Can all the doctors be wrong?

Hugs

nne

Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Lifehttp://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html

Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.htmlalso check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:http://www.cancerclub.com

Re: -- treatable but not curable?

what do you disagree with? There is no actual cure for cancer, there is nothing you can take that is going to cure your cancer, there are only treatments and some will not have it return and others will.

CElaine wrote:

---, I disagree with you, but that's what makes America great...expressing our differing opinions. Vivian, where did you ever get the idea that I am wealthy??? I lost my job, and my husband lost his too,we had to use every penny of our savings for COBRA, etc. Doesn't change anything.I truly believe that having a positive attitude is as good a way to fight cancer as any other.Thats all I have to say on the subject. To all new folks....you have found the best place for support, friendship, love, information, and in general, a great place to vent!Feel free to ask any questions, nothing is off limits in here that is BC or treatment related. Please don't ever think that any question is stupid or any fears or feelings are inappropriate. I am an "oldie" here, and I do not post very often, but I do read every posting. If there is something I think that I can answer intelligently,and my input appreciated, I might. nne and Doris do an admirable job keeping everything and everyone up to date, so I don't stick my nose in too often.HUGS to all,ElaineIn breastcancer2 , christina wrote:> Exactly Bibi, there is no cure for cancer, it can be managed, controlled, treated etc but since there is always the chance that it can return I don't know how it can be considered cured, that is why we always have to be on it. I really think it's wrong for a doctor to say that you're cured, I really wish he hadn't said that to me because it makes it all the worse when it returns!> > C> > Vivian Wong wrote:> > I don't want to be pessimistic about Elain's posting, just want to share my > knowledge with you.> > I had cancer first time 17 years ago, like Chirstina's said, I also had the > misfortuned of it recurreing in multiple times, despite receiving constant > encouragement of having good chance to be cured. so I understand > 's frustration.> > Cured or not can be defined differently, from medical provider's viewpoint, > and from insurance.> > Tamofixfen is a SERM, it helps to compete with estrogen to occupy the > estrogen receptor in the cancer cell. The cancer cell is plugged in but not > energized so it dies. Aromaste Inhibitor is another range of drug that > reduces estrogen, to starve the cell to its death.> > But our bodies, regardless of healthy or not, can produce cancer cells each > day. It is our immune system that helps to fight off the new crops of > cancer cells.> > SERM and AI are like shields, while you have them, and a period soon after > the last dosage, you are protected. But when the time is over with your > shield is gone, you are left alone to fight the new crops.> > Thus from insurance viewpoint, unless one is 5 years free from SERM, AI or > any treatment, one is not considered cancer free in its purest form.> > For example, I had surgery 10 years ago, tamoxifen for 6 years, drug free > for 4 years and it is back and worst, metatasized. Same crop. Now my doc > changed their tune to "manage" rather than "cure".> > Thus Elain is right, we have to be extra vigilant. More so important, don't > count on SERM and AI which are temporary, instead, build our health back, > find the cause of the problem and resolve it forever-- I am beginning on > that journey.> > Bibi> > >well I can only go by what happen to me. I was told that I was cured and 4 > >yeras later I was metastatic, but good for you!> >> >C> > _________________________________________________________________> Don't just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search! > http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/> > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Everyone that I know that had in situ breast cancer has been told they are cured. Can all the doctors be wrong?

Hugs

nne

Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Lifehttp://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html

Check out my breast cancer ornaments at:http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.htmlalso check out my other ornaments and lots of nice gifts at:http://www.cancerclub.com

Re: -- treatable but not curable?

what do you disagree with? There is no actual cure for cancer, there is nothing you can take that is going to cure your cancer, there are only treatments and some will not have it return and others will.

CElaine wrote:

---, I disagree with you, but that's what makes America great...expressing our differing opinions. Vivian, where did you ever get the idea that I am wealthy??? I lost my job, and my husband lost his too,we had to use every penny of our savings for COBRA, etc. Doesn't change anything.I truly believe that having a positive attitude is as good a way to fight cancer as any other.Thats all I have to say on the subject. To all new folks....you have found the best place for support, friendship, love, information, and in general, a great place to vent!Feel free to ask any questions, nothing is off limits in here that is BC or treatment related. Please don't ever think that any question is stupid or any fears or feelings are inappropriate. I am an "oldie" here, and I do not post very often, but I do read every posting. If there is something I think that I can answer intelligently,and my input appreciated, I might. nne and Doris do an admirable job keeping everything and everyone up to date, so I don't stick my nose in too often.HUGS to all,ElaineIn breastcancer2 , christina wrote:> Exactly Bibi, there is no cure for cancer, it can be managed, controlled, treated etc but since there is always the chance that it can return I don't know how it can be considered cured, that is why we always have to be on it. I really think it's wrong for a doctor to say that you're cured, I really wish he hadn't said that to me because it makes it all the worse when it returns!> > C> > Vivian Wong wrote:> > I don't want to be pessimistic about Elain's posting, just want to share my > knowledge with you.> > I had cancer first time 17 years ago, like Chirstina's said, I also had the > misfortuned of it recurreing in multiple times, despite receiving constant > encouragement of having good chance to be cured. so I understand > 's frustration.> > Cured or not can be defined differently, from medical provider's viewpoint, > and from insurance.> > Tamofixfen is a SERM, it helps to compete with estrogen to occupy the > estrogen receptor in the cancer cell. The cancer cell is plugged in but not > energized so it dies. Aromaste Inhibitor is another range of drug that > reduces estrogen, to starve the cell to its death.> > But our bodies, regardless of healthy or not, can produce cancer cells each > day. It is our immune system that helps to fight off the new crops of > cancer cells.> > SERM and AI are like shields, while you have them, and a period soon after > the last dosage, you are protected. But when the time is over with your > shield is gone, you are left alone to fight the new crops.> > Thus from insurance viewpoint, unless one is 5 years free from SERM, AI or > any treatment, one is not considered cancer free in its purest form.> > For example, I had surgery 10 years ago, tamoxifen for 6 years, drug free > for 4 years and it is back and worst, metatasized. Same crop. Now my doc > changed their tune to "manage" rather than "cure".> > Thus Elain is right, we have to be extra vigilant. More so important, don't > count on SERM and AI which are temporary, instead, build our health back, > find the cause of the problem and resolve it forever-- I am beginning on > that journey.> > Bibi> > >well I can only go by what happen to me. I was told that I was cured and 4 > >yeras later I was metastatic, but good for you!> >> >C> > _________________________________________________________________> Don't just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search! > http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/> > > > > >

[Guest guest]

As a man thinketh in his heart....so is he......georgia

christina wrote:

what do you disagree with? There is no actual cure for cancer, there is nothing you can take that is going to cure your cancer, there are only treatments and some will not have it return and others will.

CElaine wrote:

---, I disagree with you, but that's what makes America great...expressing our differing opinions. Vivian, where did you ever get the idea that I am wealthy??? I lost my job, and my husband lost his too,we had to use every penny of our savings for COBRA, etc. Doesn't change anything.I truly believe that having a positive attitude is as good a way to fight cancer as any other.Thats all I have to say on the subject. To all new folks....you have found the best place for support, friendship, love, information, and in general, a great place to vent!Feel free to ask any questions, nothing is off limits in here that is BC or treatment related. Please don't ever think that any question is stupid or any fears or feelings are inappropriate. I am an "oldie" here, and I do not post very often, but I do read every

posting. If there is something I think that I can answer intelligently,and my input appreciated, I might. nne and Doris do an admirable job keeping everything and everyone up to date, so I don't stick my nose in too often.HUGS to all,ElaineIn breastcancer2 , christina wrote:> Exactly Bibi, there is no cure for cancer, it can be managed, controlled, treated etc but since there is always the chance that it can return I don't know how it can be considered cured, that is why we always have to be on it. I really think it's wrong for a doctor to say that you're cured, I really wish he hadn't said that to me because it makes it all the worse when it returns!> > C> > Vivian Wong wrote:> > I don't want to be pessimistic about Elain's posting, just want to share my > knowledge with you.> > I had cancer first time

17 years ago, like Chirstina's said, I also had the > misfortuned of it recurreing in multiple times, despite receiving constant > encouragement of having good chance to be cured. so I understand > 's frustration.> > Cured or not can be defined differently, from medical provider's viewpoint, > and from insurance.> > Tamofixfen is a SERM, it helps to compete with estrogen to occupy the > estrogen receptor in the cancer cell. The cancer cell is plugged in but not > energized so it dies. Aromaste Inhibitor is another range of drug that > reduces estrogen, to starve the cell to its death.> > But our bodies, regardless of healthy or not, can produce cancer cells each > day. It is our immune system that helps to fight off the new crops of > cancer cells.> > SERM and AI are like shields, while you have them, and a period soon

after > the last dosage, you are protected. But when the time is over with your > shield is gone, you are left alone to fight the new crops.> > Thus from insurance viewpoint, unless one is 5 years free from SERM, AI or > any treatment, one is not considered cancer free in its purest form.> > For example, I had surgery 10 years ago, tamoxifen for 6 years, drug free > for 4 years and it is back and worst, metatasized. Same crop. Now my doc > changed their tune to "manage" rather than "cure".> > Thus Elain is right, we have to be extra vigilant. More so important, don't > count on SERM and AI which are temporary, instead, build our health back, > find the cause of the problem and resolve it forever-- I am beginning on > that journey.> > Bibi> > >well I can only go by what happen to me. I was told that I was cured and 4

> >yeras later I was metastatic, but good for you!> >> >C> > _________________________________________________________________> Don't just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search! > http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/> > > > > >