My first goal was to live past my credit card expiration...

It sounds very strange to say that, I know.  Around the time I was diagnosed (April 2017) I received a new credit card as mine was expiring.  The expiration on my new VISA was 5 removed link   For some reason I thought "I wonder if I will make it until the credit card after this one".  Strangely enough, that became my first goal.  

There have been ups and downs along the way.  Most of us do well.  I prayed I was in the "most" category.  I remained more logical and upbeat during daylight hours.  In the middle of the night I would wonder if I would see my kids get married or meet a grandchild.  

I went through 2 periods of maybe several weeks where in my mind I had an unusual form that the best treatment was unknown.  I was the common invasive ductal, stage IIb but I was equivocal (borderline) for HER2.  I had several more biopsies to see if any were more positive.  My oncologist said that the criteria for HER2 positivity had changed.  By previous criteria I would have been HER2 negative.  She told me she had to treat for HER2 positive so I started that chemo (2017 it was Taxotere, Cisplatin, Herceptin, Perjeta) x 6 cycles.  My lump went away, MRI was improved, but path from my lumpectomy showed only a partial response and 3 nodes were +.  

They were going to present my case to the Tumor Board at KU.  I went through my second bout of middle of the night, dark thoughts.  Long story short, my oncologist reassured me I didn't have a cancer they didn't know what to do with.  Mine was pleomorphic with about 30% of the cells dying, and I was truly HER2 negative.  So after another surgery to remove the nodes, do an axillary lymph node dissection, 4 cycles of different chemo and 6 weeks of radiation I completed my treatment phase in February 2018 (6 weeks shy of my 1 year anniversary).

I made it past that credit card and am still going, thank the Lord!  I am living life like I will be here until age 95!  Every birthday, anniversary and New Year I am so thankful I made it another year!  My outlook has changed to feeling blessed most of the time.  I have savored 2 of my son's weddings, getting to know 2 wonderful daughters-in-law, the birth of our first grandchild and numerous family adventures!