Tami’s story – dealing with a recurrence of cancer
I am so pleased to share with you today a guest post by Tami Boehmer, particularly as it deals with a fear many of us survivors share – the fear of a cancer recurrence. Tami shares with us how she coped with just that reality and turned it into a transformative experience.
I spent five years after my initial diagnosis of stage II breast cancer fearing the worst. Yes, the fear of a recurrence subsided after a couple of years, but it was always in the back of my mind. Every pain, every time a friend had a recurrence, my fears resurfaced.
So what happens when what you fear the most occurs? For me, it meant a total transformation…and not in a bad way.
I remember my visit to my breast surgeon’s office on a cold, dreary February afternoon in 2008. I insisted on seeing her a month earlier than my regular check-up because of a large lump I discovered in my right armpit. I had worried from time to time about some swelling and hardness.
My worst nightmare came true – after five years of being cancer-free, it had come back with a vengeance. The tumor was a very large nine centimeters in diameter.
I had a barrage of scans to see if the cancer spread. I was working as a public relations specialist at a large teaching hospital at the time. I remember retrieving my results and sitting in my office, staring at my PET scan report. There were spots in lymph nodes in my chest and, most worrisome, my liver. It was stage IV breast cancer.
My first thought was my daughter, then eight years old. I knew I had to do everything I could to be there for her.
I’ve always gained strength from hearing success stories of other survivors, especially people like Lance Armstrong who beat stage IV cancer. I started seeking out other survivors who overcame or were living well with a metastatic cancer diagnosis. The Internet is a wonderful way to connect with hundreds of cancer survivors.
I’ve heard so many powerful success stories; it seems beating the odds of terminal cancer is more of a norm, rather than an exception. When I struggle, I think of how the people I’ve met never gave up despite setbacks. And almost all of them are thriving today.
Fears still come up, especially when I experience an unusual pain or when someone dies from cancer. But I’m able to temper them now with gratitude and optimism…despite what medical reports may indicate. I am learning to give myself pep talks and counter negative thoughts with powerful, positive ones.
I visualize my treatments, along with all my holistic practices, doing their work on those pesky, little cancer cells. I tell myself I’m healthy and whole. Most of all, I turn my attention to staying in the moment and enjoying everything around me. Every day is a gift, and I wake up thanking God for it. I know by doing this, I’m taking an active role in my healing.
Paying attention poor survival rates, I believe, can be detrimental. Statistics are just numbers that lump together a large, diverse group of individuals. They don’t apply to me, and they certainly don’t apply to the people who’ve shared their stories of hope with me.
I believe there is no such thing as false hope. Hope for me has been the most powerful drug, one that will outlast the effects of any chemo. Miracles do happen, and I plan to be one of them.
About Tami Boehmer
Tami is the author of From Incurable to Incredible: Cancer Survivors Who Beat the Odds which is available for purchase on Amazon and also Kindle.
Tami also shares inspiration and information at www.MiracleSurvivors.com.
What an inspirational story! As a 6 months out of treatment survivor, I struggle with this fear quite a bit, but reading today’s post has given me the confidence to know that whatever happens, I can handle it.
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I had lobular invasive breast cancer diagnosed September 2008. It recurred in December 2010. I had a lumpectomy with Mammosite treatment 2008.Tthe cancer reoccured in 2010, I had a bilateral masectomy and chemotherapy.I have had two surgeries in the past three months, two tumors between the rib cage and on the chest wall. A CT scan incidental to a placement of a needle for the surgeon to remove the tumors between the ribs they found fourteen nodules in my lungs. I am happy to report that the tumors removed were benign. I had a follow-up full Ct scan of my lungs one week after surgery and praise GOD they were all gone….I feel so blessed and I also know that when God heals you he doesn’t do a half job…I have the BRCA-2 gene mutation also..but I know, I know, I know that everyday is a blessing…and I don’t sweat the small stuff….May God Bless each and everyone of you!!!!!
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Truly inspirational!
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I so agree with Tami’s decision to seek out positive survivor role models – it really DOES make a difference!
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Tami mentions gratitude as a key tool in dealing with cancer – and she is so right there! I practise gratitude every day since my own experience with cancer and it has made a hugely positive difference to my life.
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I find Tami’s attitude very encouraging and positive – thanks for sharing it with us.
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i agree with Tami that statistics are not helpful to us if we are trying to stay positive and hopeful.
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Wow! What an inspirational lady!
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Thanks for sharing Tami’s story of hope and positivity – she is a great role model for cancer survivors everywhere.
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Statistics are terrible when not working in your favour. And your post hits a nerve because the threat of reoccurrence is ever persistent (quietly) in the back of my mind. But you’re right; they’re not the whole story and in no way should dictate how we lead our lives. Best to focus on what can be done (meditation, diet, well-being, quality of life) rather than percentages, and try and grow ourselves from there. The internet has given so many inspirational stories (like you said), and that’s reassuring. Thanks for your post. Good luck with the journey!
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very well said Catherine 🙂
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Thanks for allowing me to share my story on your blog Marie! And thanks for all the wonderful comments. I feel grateful there are so many survivors who are taking care of themselves, remaining hopeful, and ignoring statistics!
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It was an honor to share your story Tami and very gratifying to see how many people your story inspired.
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Hi, Tami
Be a WINNER of Cancer Fighting! Not just a SURVIVOR.
If you fight like an Olympic athlete, cancer cell will be silent. An athlete has special diets and discipline exercises.
Please take note of the FOODS you eat: no animal base protein, no high carbohydrats and lots of anthocyanine antioksidant. Send email to me to share and discuss more about “how to silent your cancer cell”.
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I’ve been living with Stage IV breast cancer for 5 years now. There are a lot of us out here. So I send great, healing thoughts your way. And I agree–ignore the statistics, do all you can to take care of yourself, and keep moving forward.
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What a wonderful comment Tracy. Thank you so much for sharing your own inspirational story with us today. Wishing you healing on your journey – Marie
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Tami, Thank you for sharing so openly about something we all fear and think about. The way you choose to view each day as a gift is a lesson for us all, cancer or not. I admire the way you believe in your vision for your future, not what some statistics may or may not say. Bravo!
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What a wonderful testament to the power of perseverance! Thank you so much for sharing your story, Tami. While I don’t have Stage IV breast cancer, I admire those like you who have been thus diagnosed and gotten through to the other side. It gives me tremendous hope that I can manage if I have another recurrence. In many cases Stage IV breast cancer can be considered a chronic, manageable disease like many other conditions. We’ve come a long way. And I agree that the Internet is a great way to stay connected and learn from others. It was a tremendous resource for me as I struggled with lymphedema.
Keep on fighting the good fight! We need more like you who spur us on in our struggles amidst this disease dreaded by so many.
XOXOXO,
Jan
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Thanks you so much, Jan and everyone else, for your hopeful comments. I never thought chronic was good, but I’ll take that for now until I finally beat this thing for good!
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I love the statement, “I believe there is no such thing as false hope.” It still speaks.
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