14-year survivor is living proof cancer can be fought

[flamingyouth]

Ann Bisgyer Wolz was 38 when breast cancer came into her life.

Two lumpectomies, chemotherapy, radiation, two mastectomies, skin transplants, tumor surgery, more radiation and 14 years later, she's still going strong.

Wolz said she was in remission for seven years before a tumor under her left arm metastasized to a spot on her 10th rib. That was in 2000.

Since then she's been on a new generation of drugs -- drugs that seem to work for about a year before cancer reappears. When it does, she does a round of chemotherapy or radiation, and switches to another drug.

"This has happened four times. One drug was good for two years," she said cheerily.

Wolz's history could give hope to Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of Democratic presidential contender John Edwards, whose cancer recurrence was made very public Thursday.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/308691_survivor23.html

I know we're all sending our best wishes to Elizabeth Edwards right now.

[LiberalinNC]

1. I was 28 when diagonised...and 13 1/2 years later I'm fine...

of course I've had both breasts removed, and my "girly parts" removed...but hell, I'm happy to be alive. Kudos to Ms. Wolz!

[pecwae]

2. 13 1/2 years!

Congratulations:toast: You are a true inspiration to those of us who are still early out from dx!

[LiberalinNC]

4. It's really hard in the beginning - I'll never forget those days!

Or should I say years. It takes time to get where I am, but it can happen. Positive attitude is the key to life - IMO. Good luck to you!!! And thanks for your kind words. :pals:

[Hawkeye-X]

5. Yeah, when my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer...

my mom decided to undergo a radical mastectomy as a preventative measure. My aunt did survive the breast cancer, but it reappeared later as an Stage IV ovarian cancer. She passed away in November of '02 because of that. Never got to see her granddaughter which was named after my aunt (born in Feburary, I think)

My mom went through a hysterectomy as well.

My oldest sister was tested positive for BRCA1 gene, and had both breast and uterus removed (after having 3 children)

My older sister was tested negative.

My oldest cousin was tested positive (That is my aunt's daughter)

My older cousin was tested negative.

I have not yet been tested, and my parents are encouraging to have my genes tested. (I'm kinda reclutant)

Hawkeye-X

[pecwae]

3. I do cherish these stories.

I know there are more of these cases than we ever read about. There is hope out there!