> From: Rosalie Peipert <RPeipert@webtv.net>

> To: vianet@i-2000.com

> Subject: A Survivor's Story

> Date: Thursday, September 25, 1997 6:10 AM

>

> Thank you for your website. It is a

> tremendous source of knowledge. I am

> a long time survivor of 16 years. It started

> with a fibroid in my uterus. I had a hyster-

> ectomy and even the gyn was surprised at

> the pathology report. ( spindle cell leio

> with mixoid features). At that time, very

> little was known. I was pronounced clean

> because it was all removed. My doctors

> never thought to keep me in check all those years. Well, 11 years later

> I had to

> go in to have breast surgery, and during a

> routine pre-op exam, they discovered spots in my lungs. I had a needle

> biopsy

> and it had spread to my lungs. I was lucky it was low grade and grew

> slowly.

> I had my breast surgery and the path re-

> port said lobular cancer in situ. I am at

> very high risk for invasive breast cancer.It returned 3 more times. I

> was put on tamoxifen for prophylactic measures and

> hopefully that will keep it away. Anyway

> 6 weeks after the breast surgery, I checked into MSKCC for bilateral

> lung

> surgery. They did a clamshell thorotomy

> to reach both lungs . I had 5 nodules.

> The sternem is broken like in open heart

> surgery and it is a brutal operation. I made up my mind I was going to

> be one

> of the people to survive this ordeal. Three

> months later, I was exercising and walking

> a mile and a half every day. I try to keep

> in good physical shape so I can be ready

> for whatever. I believe if you are in good

> shape you can recuperate much faster.

> 2 years and 10 months later, I developed

> 4 more nodules in the lungs. Repeat of

> the clamshell thorotomy. This time I opted for the Pain Clinic's help

> and they

> administered an epidural in my upper

> back which seemed to be a better decision for me. I also had PCA(the

> pump) It controlled the pain so much

> better. Why does no one tell you about

> these things to make it a little easier? I

> had to research it myself and ask for it.

> It as been 2 years and I have 1 node that

> is stable and no new nodes . We are

> taking a watch-see attitude. I have had

> 9 surgeries in my war against leio. I need

> the break. 1997 was the first year I had

> no surgery. I take vitamins, minerals,

> essiac tea and whatever I can to boost

> my immune system. I have become very

> spiritual and thank God every day for being on this earth another day.

> I am

> thankful for everything I have. After all

> I lived to see my children finish college,

> have terrific careers, get married and the

> bonus-5 grandchildren I never thought I'd

> live to see. I have a LH who has walked

> every step of the way with me. HIs support has given me the strength

> to go

> on. I think I am one of the oldest survivors in age (62). There is a

> young

> woman I know who has survived 23 yrs

> to my 16. MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!

> Hang in there and never give in. Take

> all the options offered to you. My only

> option is surgery. Take good care of

> yourself and never, never miss a checkup

> or ct-scan. Compassionately, Rosalie

>

>

>

>