Today I had a biannual oncology checkup. This past August marked three years since my diagnosis.
Dr. Brufsky said, “You’re three years out. The cancer isn’t coming back.”
“Really?”
“Really! It’s not coming back!”
The. Best. News. Ever!
I’m still in the contrast enhanced mammogram study, which Dr. Brufsky said is actually better than a MRI. My next mammogram is in January; I’ll ask then if there is a possibility of an extension once I complete the study.
In the meantime, I’ll continue to see Dr. Brufsky every six months for two more years. I also have two more yearly follow-ups with the surgeon’s office.
Obviously you never know what can happen, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to 100% relax, but for Dr. Brufsky to basically give me the all clear feels surreal. It’s also tempered by the fact that one of my best friends, Katie — whom I met in 4th grade! — was diagnosed with breast cancer almost exactly three years after me. The weird thing is another friend of ours (whom I also met in 4th grade) had breast cancer before us (she “only” needed a lumpectomy and radiation). Really makes me wonder about the environmental impact…
Indeed, too many people are impacted by this disease. According to breastcancer.org, there are more than 4 million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S. This includes women currently being treated and those who have finished treatment. In 2025, approximately 316,950 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and 59,080 with ductal carcinoma in situ, which is non-invasive. And no, you’re not imagining it – female breast cancer rates have been slowly increasing, particularly in younger women.
This is another reason why this year’s federal funding cuts really hit home. So many promising treatments for breast cancer and other conditions are being halted. Private donations to research will be key, as is voting on Election Day for the party who cares about medical research and affordable health care, not just tax cuts for billionaires.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to an end, for too many of us, it is not just one month out of the year. Here’s hoping for a cure!
11 responses to “The Best News!”
So glad to hear the wonderful news! You should be able to get the contrast enhanced mammogram. I am having one for the first time next month. It’s covered because I have dense breasts, and the radiologist let me know that it will provide better detection. The only thing I have to do is get a referral. I’m not sure if it’s a state by state thing, but I hope it is true in all states.
This is amazing news! Thanks for sharing.
If this isn’t the best news ever, what is?
Awesome news!
so happy for you!
long ago readings said that white jewish women were more prone to breast cancer. were the friends you mentioned jewish? have you asked your doctor about this?
some think other genes, other than not in addition to brca, can make some women more prone to breast cancer.
another thought is that as girls mature earlier into puberty, it may increase possibility of breast cancer.
as you said, much more research is needed. and remember until the late 1970s-early 1980s, women were rarely included in medical research studies, so lots to catch up on.
The two friends I mentioned are not Jewish. My genetic workup covered a lot of other mutations, not just BRCA, and came back negative – shocking! Women definitely need to be included more in research!
Yaaaaaaaayyyyyy! Hugs.
💕💕💕Your email popped up when I was”knocking out” BC at my hospital’s fundraiser for oncology patients. Jodi mintz came as she was a pt of ours. I showed her your great news after our event.
Mazel tov! That truly is the best news! 🙂
Wonderful news Lisa! I’m so happy for you. And, happy for us (everyone who loves you) – we can all breather easier with this good news!
I’m so happy and thankful to hear your doctor’s proclamation- wonderful news, indeed!! Wishing you continued health and many more years filled with happiness and blessings.