God bless my mom...

Thank you for sharing the story about your mom. Early detection does saves lives! Listen to your body.

Amy

I would like to share the story of my mom, Yolanda.

My beloved mom felt a lump in her left breast, she did not pay much attention and a couple of months later it became a little harder and her skin became like a little hard black and blue. She went to Mt. Sinai Hospital, Miami Beach, Florida to see Dr. Juan Paramo (God bless him) and in a matter of three weeks, we sadly found out she had breast cancer in her left breast (where the little hard black and blue was), also in her right breast (noticeable through mammogram only) and in both glands under her arms.

It has been such a horrific roller coaster ride: in less than a month! My mom is so in shape and so active that she was still working from 7am to 12pm a part-time job in a beautiful restaurant in the heart of South Beach, after work she will work on Lincoln Road (beautiful outdoors mall in South Beach) and almost everyday she will run from the South Beach heat by entering Macy's and as feminine and girlie as she is, she would always find something pretty on sale to buy.

My mom is loved and care by my dad Luis, my son and her only grandson Richard(Richie) and myself. My son is on vacation and my dad is retired and I returned to work Tuesday July 20. She has a nurse that comes every day to cure her wounds and her drains (she has four).

My mom is so brave, so courageous, so beautiful. We love her and we pray for her speedy recovery.

Her doctor, Dr. Juan Paramo, tells us that since it was total amputation of both breast and all cancerous tissue, she will not need radiation nor chemotherapy, so she is happy.

For now on, I will help as much as I can for cancer research because we need to find a cure.

Cancer is an ugly thing and I have faith in God that we will find a cure soon.

Thank you very much and God bless my mom.

Who inspires me...

Cindy,

Thank you for sharing this story about your dear friend Dorothy. We all need people in our lives that inspire us. Also, thank you Dorothy for sharing your life story with us.

Amy

In the beginning............... In 1953, at the age of twelve, I was diagnosed with a severe endemetriosis and prescribed a medicine that the family doctor felt confident would correct the problems I was experiencing. Later, determined to be massive daily doses of estrogen administered orally. I remained on this medicine until I was 29 years of age. In 1966, when I was 25, I came to live in America from England. In 1970, two weeks after my 29th birthday, and in the midst of a very abusive marriage, I discovered a lump in my right breast very close to my armpit. It did not hurt at all. I decided I would ignore it, assuming it would go away, and I continued to enjoy my stage work as a dancer. I believed that if it did not hurt, it was not serious. After about two months, I was encouraged to consult with a doctor who almost immediately referred me to a surgeon. After a thorough examination, I was advised that without immediate surgical intervention, my life expectancy was 3-6 months at the most. This particularly aggressive cancerous growth had presented very close to my right lymph gland. So at 29 years, I received the surgery to hopefully save my life. I was offered two options for surgery, one less invasive, which would require chemotherapy and radiation. The other option was more invasive surgery without chemotherapy and radiation. I selected the second option, as I wanted to keep my ankle length hair, which was a very important feature for my stage work. I had recently been offered an opportunity to perform in a nightclub every Saturday night. Surgery was performed, and it was found that the cancer had spread. The removal of 24 lymph nodes was necessary (20 of which were found to be positive) together with the right lymph gland and pectoral muscle. I had eight hours of surgery, 78 stitches and three weeks in the hospital. My surgeon felt confident that they had “got it all” but that a ten year waiting period would now be in effect for any re-occurrence. Whilst recovering, I became curious and needed to look at my body. Indeed it was not a pretty sight and one I will never forget. However, the doctors were confident that the surgery was successful and that my young life had been spared. I was told whilst in the hospital that I (at the time) was one of the youngest women on record to have this dreadful disease. During the course of my recovery, I was introduced to the “reach to recovery” programme and a wonderful lady whom I shall call Claire. Claire represented the American Cancer Society, and it was her job to visit people like myself and guide them into the use of the breast prosthesis. Which she did so very well. A very important part of the psychological healing and adjustment required to “face the world” so to speak. She assisted me in finding the correct style for me, and then proceeded to teach me how to re-use my arm. Because of the guidance and support given to me by the American Cancer Society (Claire), I gradually gained confidence in the knowledge that an artificial breast can look and feel perfectly natural. I could once again face my world on stage and off. Learning to re-use my arm was a serious challenge because the surgery was so extensive. However, I was determined to do so, I redesigned my dance wear and some time later (three months), I resumed my stage work once again. It was not revealed to me, but to my husband, that because of the type of cancer I had (aggressive and feeding off of my ovaries) I must have a total hysterectomy as soon as I was strong enough, in addition, under no circumstances was I to become pregnant. Although 24 lymph nodes were removed, and the last four were negative, if there was one dormant cancer cell remaining, it could and would revive, multiply through my ovaries and the cancer would reappear. In consequence, an unborn child and I would perish. Sadly, some time later a pregnancy occurred as previously stated, not having been made aware of the facts, I consulted a gynaecologist as I was not feeling well. My remaining left breast was extremely enlarged and very painful. The gynaecologist/surgeon discovered the 11th week pregnancy and requested a thorough physical. Upon examining my upper body, he was profoundly disturbed by the recent radical/radical mastectomy. He immediately ordered copies of, any and all, reports. I was subsequently told that an immediate therapeutic abortion was necessary to be performed, followed six weeks later by a total hysterectomy. My life was once again in jeopardy. It was explained to me that this procedure would put my body into an immediate surgically induced menopause. I was reminded that without this surgery, I would once again face certain death. I was unable to accept the fact that at 30 years of age, not only would I lose the foetus in my womb, but I would never be able to bear a child of my own. Acceptance was an unbearable thought, and with that in mind, I consulted several other gynaecologists/surgeons who sadly gave me the same response, with the exception of one. This particular specialist had a very different “solution”. Because of his religious beliefs, he explained his alternative to me in the following manner: I would be monitored closely during the course of my pregnancy. In the eight month, I would enter the hospital, wherein, the unborn child would be removed from my body and I would eventually pass away from the effects of the cancer. In the interim, I would be encouraged to seek and select the adoptive parents within the realm of the surgeon’s religious community. I would be permitted to name the child and choose the adoptive parents. It was also explained to me that I would prepare for my funeral as I would not survive a full term pregnancy. That is why the unborn child would be removed from my womb at eight months. After many connecting moments with my conscience, I came to the very sad conclusion that I wanted to live. Carrying the knowledge of the threat attached to my pregnancy, I proceeded with a therapeutic abortion. Seven weeks later a total hysterectomy was performed. My consolation for this life saving procedure (mine) was in the thought that I could eventually adopt a child. I was supported by friends to think in this direction, which did indeed give me encouragement. The challenge of being unable to bear a child began to invade my mind. So I began extensive enquiries about a future adoption. Once again I am challenged with the same response from the various agencies through which I made enquiries. Because of the severity of the cancer, I was too high a risk to allow any adoption. After receiving this news I was in a state of despair and feeling myself fading away. I consequently and eventually consulted a psychologist. During the course of my visits with, her, the doctor guided me very gently and one day said “What would you like to do with the rest of your life?” I answered, work with animals. This ultimately led into buying my first Yorkshire Terrier from England. I did not know it then but this Yorkshire Terrier would be the beginning of the rest of my life.
In the year 2000, I became aware of an unusual feeling of discomfort in my remaining breast. This obvious change in my body compelled me to seek medical attention. The initial examination did not reveal anything, but my sense of urgency remained. I persisted in my pursuit to discover what was ailing me, and eventually, with the help of an enlarged ultrasound (mammogram did not reveal anything) two tumours were discovered in my breast. Both were of the aggressive type, one was attached to my rib and the other floating in the main breast area. Needless to say, another mastectomy was performed and once again my life had hopefully been spared. Six lymph nodes were removed, four of which were positive, and the last two were negative indicating that this time the cancer had been hopefully stemmed early.
I recovered to resume my journey through life. I had entered one of my Yorkshire Terriers in the Kennel Club of Philadelphia dog show, and determined not to be deterred by being breastless, and encouraged by my dear friends and colleagues, in the breed, I did in fact show my girl. Holding her lead was painful and difficult, as I had not regained full use of my arm, but I persevered. I now did not have any breasts at all and was acutely aware of their absence. However as the saying goes, “Stiff Upper Lip” I eventually ordered two full breasted prosthesis, slightly larger than my natural breast size (WHY NOT)!!! I have been cancer free (in remission?) for almost ten years.
It should be well noted that, at no time did I receive any chemotherapy or radiation, treatments. I had planned to do so when I had my ankle length hair cut off in three stages and sent to Locks of Love in Florida. But I changed my mind. My life today at 68+ is full. Breeding, exhibiting, and more recently, provisionally approved to judge my beloved Yorkshire Terriers, AND, for the sheer joy of doing it, I am also an accomplished ballroom dancer presently at silver level, with aspirations for top level which is gold.

Finding purpose...

Eleanor finds purpose in being diagnosed with breast cancer. You can be treated and come out on the other side a survivor. You are an inspiration to so many. Thank you for sharing your story.

Amy

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in Sept. 2002. The night after my annual mammogram was when I felt the lump. I found the lump on a Monday night and that Friday I had a needle biopsy. The needle biopsy results were negative, but my surgeon suggest that he remove the lump. When he removed the lump the results came back positive for breast cancer. I had 6 cycles of chemo and 6 weeks of radiation therapy. I lost all my hair from the chemo which was very heart breaking. But by the grace of God all my hair is back and I have a clean bill of health. I know that God has a purpose for me here on earth. My purpose it to let other women that have had breast cancer or have breast cancer that you can survive. Breast Cancer does not have to be the end of your life. The Doctor may heal cancer but only God can cure cancer. If you have faith to Believe that God can heal you, you will be healed. I know that I was healed only through the Grace and Mercy of God.



Eleanor
Suitland, Maryland

"They are your boobs...feel them"

Susan,

Your story about your young daughter reminds us to not only look at the risk factors for breast cancer, but listen to our own bodies. Breast cancer does not discriminate. Whatever the age, family history, etc. anyone can get this disease. Your daughter sounds like a fighter! What a wonderful example for your whole family.

Amy

I never dreamed, in my worst nightmares, that I nor my family would face breast cancer. Then, last summer (2008) my oldest daughter, then 25, told me she had found a lump in one of her breasts. She, of course, told her gynocologist, who said not to worry; she was young, no family history of breast cancer, and she was healthy, had weaned her 1 1/2 year old son recently, and had no risk-factors to be concerned about. Her Dr. told her to "just keep an eye on it" and not worry. Fortunately, my daughter, Ashley, changed doctors within the next month. Her new doctor didn't take the lump, tiny, smaller than a pea, lightly, and sent her directly to the breast center at a local hospital. Ashley called me, concerned, because they did a mammogram and wouldn't let her leave without a biopsy. We both thought they were just being overly precautious.

The breast center called her with the biopsy results when she was at home, alone with her son. She called me immediately, and, of course, the connection was breaking up. I prayed the tears I heard were tears of relief, but all I heard was "its cancer mom". I prayed for the 'not' in there, but it was true. Ashley is the strongest woman I know. She took the bull by the horns, researched, and came up with a game plan. I still couldn't breathe days later when we were walking with her husband and son one evening. She told me, "Mom, this is not a time to be sad. We have to play the hand we have been dealt and win all the chips on the table." I reminded her that, even at 25, she is my baby and I should be allowed to hurt for her. I still hurt for her; however, I revel in her strength.

Ashley's bilateral mastectomy was difficult for me and the rest of our family. When the surgeon told us that the cancer had spread to her sentinal lymph node, her husband and I were desparate to go talk with her; however, the hospital rules said we couldn't. As soon as we were allowed to see her, we ran into the recovery area, expecting to find her devistated. She was smiling, chewing on ice, and happy! Fortunately, the cancer had spread no farther, as we learned days later.

Chemo, shaving her hair (she was awesome, wouldn't even wear her wig or bandanas unless it was cold) then radiation have been very hard on her and me helping her through it. She was put into chemical menopause and will be there for another 4 years. It is so eerie to have your daughter having more menopausal symptoms than I do; I'm 50, she's 26...

Ashely has an awesome husband and even more fantastic son! He looks at a pink ribbon and says "Breast cancer....get out!!" Ashley developed lymphodemia and is dealing with that the way I've come to expect. I truly admire her and anyone else who is dealing with this disease.

As Ashley says.. "They are your boobs.. feel them" Monthly self-breast exams saved her life; but she knows how to fight like a girl!!

Susan

Toni's Inspiring Story of Faith & Survival

Toni, a fellow MD Anderson patient, has gained a lot of wisdom through her cancer experience and years. She has a strong faith in God and has learned to put her trust in Him. Her story is sure to inspire any of you going through a diagnosis or treatment of breast cancer.

My survival story

My name is Toni and I am a SURVIVOR! My story is probably not unique or different than many others but hopefully it will help someone else get through the process of treating the way that other survivors have helped me. Just prior to finding my lump, I had had a new premature grandbaby that I was helping raise, she was so small and fragile when she was born that I made lots of "deals" with God during her stay in the hospital. I was busy working full time in my private practice as an attorney, adjusting to being a Grandma and doing what I could to help my daughter get on her feet.

Soon after that my other daughter had a seizure in my presence and it was determined that she had a cyst in her brain. The cyst was causing her seizures and was in a place where it was not operable. Again, I began bargaining with God. "Please God, she is just starting her life and has so much living left to do, please take this away from her and give it to me, What ever you ask of me or give to me I will gladly bear it, just don't let this affect her life."

Soon after that I found my lump, and instinctively knew this was going to be my test. It was time to pay the piper so to speak. And as I expected it was cancer. I was facing the biggest fear of my life. I was always so afraid of getting cancer especially breast cancer. Suddenly, I was faced with the possibilities of losing everything that made me feminine and womanly, my breasts and my hair. Yeah, I know the hair grows back but . . . in the meantime, you still have to go around bald. And OK I did not want to go through treatment and whine around and look like a big baby. How was I going to handle cancer. Would I be able to handle it with dignity and grace or would I be a whiner??? And, there was the deal I had made with God about "gladly bearing" whatever he wanted to toss at me. Could I hold up my end of the bargain? How in the heck could I be glad about cancer. Ok God, I know I said I would gladly bear it but really do I have to be glad? Oh ,by the way, I did put one condition on God, He had to talk me through it. I had to have clear cut messages from him that he was with me holding me in his arms every step of the way.

Thus began my journey down the rocky path of breast cancer. My biggest concern throughout treatment was how it would affect my family, particularly my father because his health was not the greatest, and I knew my kids were scared too. In more ways than one my concern over the effects my health was having on my family made me stronger, or appear so anyway. I guess it was a "fake it until you make it" situation. The more I pretended that life was normal the less likely I was to let the cancer take control of my life. I was determined throughout to not let cancer run or ruin my life. I continued to get dressed every day and go to work. Often times I would have to make a pallet and rest on the floor but I made it to work. My colleagues were tremendous, offering to cover for me when I had to attend doctors appointments or just did not feel well enough to go to court. Oh, and the messages from God? Got them Loud and strong. Regularly. So much so that I could not possibly tell them all here.

Being an attorney and accustomed to research, I started out researching and reading everything I could about breast cancer , treatment options and of course mastectomies and reconstruction. I found the information out there to be somewhat frightening. The pictures I saw made me cringe. OH God am I really gonna look like that??? I soon decided that I would go against my nature and quit researching anything but where and how I wanted to approach treatment. I wanted thing to be different for me. Fortunately, I was directed to MD Anderson in Houston and found not only a wonderful hospital and very qualified doctors and staff, but what I found there which was more important than all the medicine in the world was the air of hope! The people there all the way from the valet parking attendants to the doctors and surgeons are so upbeat and positive, you cannot help but catch the spirit! That infectious attitude kept me going and in turn kept my family reassured that I would be OK. Additionally, at a teaching hospital you have an opportunity to participate in test study groups and I was encouraged in my own treatment by knowing that I would in some way help my daughters and granddaughter and the women who came after me even if it was a failure, the test study results would help others who came after me. I took great pride in participating in those groups. As silly as it sounds I wanted so much for the study to be a great success I almost willed myself to get better. The results were positive! My study was a combination of chemotherapy drugs which had not been used to treat breast cancer before. The treatment was done prior to surgery to see the effects on the tumor. In 12 weeks my 2 1/2 cm tumor reduced in size to .7 cm. After another 12 weeks of traditional chemo the tumor reduced to such a minuscule amount that the surgeon had to place a marker at the tumor site to be able to find it to remove it. I chose a segmental mastectomy instead of a radical because of the success of the medication. This did require additional treatment in the form of radiation but I felt it was a small price to pay under the circumstances.

I had a friend that just prior to my diagnosis was training and raising money for the Susan G. Komen 3-day walk and I told her she had a renewed purpose because she was walking for me. I was even able to go down for closing ceremonies which was ironically exactly the half way mark in my treatment. Seeing all the survivors walking in the walk arm in arm with their shoes held proudly overhead made me realize that I was truly not alone and that there was life after cancer treatment. In my chemo induced fog, I just marveled at how "normal" these women looked! I vowed at that moment that I would walk in the next three day walk and began training while I was still treating. Not much but I began walking and doing some Yoga.

I think that the theme throughout my story is that even though you are feeling like crap, it is your current reality and you should not quit living with purpose just because you are treating for cancer. Live with a purpose! Get well! and Blaze a trail for others coming after you.

Today, I have a happy healthy two year old granddaughter who is the light of my life. My daughter who was diagnose with the cyst has graduated from college and is now moving on to work in her field, and I am happy and healthy and continuing on with my life.

Strange as it sounds, Cancer has a certain strange beauty about it. Not the cancer itself but the experience you gain during treatment. While I would never want to go through it again, I felt truly blessed through the experience. I met survivors down my path that shared their stories of survival with me, sisters that truly understood what I was going through. I was blessed to add many friends to my life. And I gained a knowledge of my strength that I never would have known had I not had the experience. So, for anyone reading this that is currently treating I would say, Don't look back, don't look ahead, just be in the moment and get through it the best way you can and take comfort in the knowledge that you are not alone. Your sisters have paved the way for you and are here to hold your hand and comfort you along your journey.

Much love and good health,
Toni C.

Faith, 10-Year Survivor, Living Like There's No Tomorrow

Faith's story is another testament to how much cancer changes your life, your outlook, and your whole attitude toward life. Live it to the fullest!

My name is Faith and I am almost an 11 year cancer survivor. My story starts back in 1998 my family and I were getting excited about going on vacation to Ohio to cedar point. One day I was in the shower and just rinsing of the soap and run my hand over my breast and felt something that was not normal it was a lump about the size of a quarter. I just brushed it off because I did not want to ruin our vacation. We stayed in a cabin for our vacation and one night I had finally told my husband what I have found. I was positive at that time that it was just something to do with my period. When we got home from our vacation I had made an appointment with my gynecologist and she reassured me that it could be nothing but wanted me to have a biopsy done on the lump. I followed up with a surgeon to have a biopsy done and come to find out he wanted to do a needle core biopsy. Not realizing what a needle core biopsy I went ahead with it and it was so painful the nurse had a hard time holding my feet down all I wanted to to was cry the pain was excruciating. Well about a week later the doctor called me and told me that I needed to come into his office to discuss the results of the biopsy and I was so positive that it was nothing that I insisted on her telling me over the phone and that was the worst mistake I have ever made. After I had received the bad news that the biopsy came back positive for cancer that is when it hit me and I sat down and cried for about an hour and then I basically slapped myself and told myself that I can beat this, I just have to get through this next visit to find out what I had to do to survive this disease. I went through a lumpectomy and they removed 13 lymph nodes and they all came back negative so the next thing to do was to start the treatments.
So I started chemotherapy and my first treatment I did at the doctors office the same day there was a serious storm coming through town and when I was almost down with my treatment we had lost power they say that a tornado and hit down in town and the streets were flooded. While this was all going on outside I was being rushed to the basement of the building for my safety until this storm was over, we had to wait about an hour. I made it through the first round of chemotherapy and radiation all at the same time. Radiation was an every day trip to midland. The radiation oncology department over there was the best. When I was almost done with my chemo I started to get my hair back and when I went for one of my radiation treatments one of the oncologist rubbed my hair and said that it felt like a baby chicks fur and then he asked me how I don't fall over because my feet are only a size 5. So they made the treatment like it was a vacation. When I finished my last treatment I went out and bought one of the oncologist a coloring book and crayons so he could learn to stay in the lines. when I was doing one of my treatments he made me laugh when he was trying to draw a line and had to redo the line from me laughing.
Chemotherapy on the other hand was not that easy I had a hard time with the second round which was called tamoxifen I had to go to grand rapids for the first treatment because they said that there might be an allergic reaction to this one and they were right about 20 minutes into the treatment i started to get the hiccups and they had to stop the treatment and give me benadryl. After about an hour waiting for the benadryl to kick in they let me go home and when I was walking down the aisle I felt like I was out on an all night drunk I rode home in the back seat of the car and my husband at the time told me when we got home that he had a flat tire so he and my son had to stop and change it and I don't remember that part of the trip at all. So I had to go back to the first set of chemo and finish with that. I lost all of my hair except for my eyebrows and to this day I do not grow a lot of hair on my legs.
When I was going through the chemo and loosing all my hair which was down to my rear my husband at the time decided to shave all of his hair of so I would not feel like the odd duck and everyone at work thought that was special. The first time that I started to loose all my hair I was in the shower and I had to unclog the drain three times before I was done so when I was finally out of the shower I had my husband shave my head and then I set in the bedroom by myself and just cried again.
Every year since being diagnosed with breast cancer I have gotten an ornament for the tree at Christmas to mark another year of being cancer free. On my ten year anniversary of being cancer free I decorated our tree in all pink. That was such an accomplishment knowing that I have beaten this disease and live to tell my story. So much more to go on about this story on how I survived this disease and the other life challenging decisions that I have had to make to go along with this disease like divorcing my husband because he would not quite drinking. I know that probably sounds rude but after going through cancer and surviving it you tend to think that there is better out there someone who takes life sober. Also surviving cancer makes people think about how they came so close to not being able to see things or experience things in life that just days ago you thought you would never see or do. So I made decisions that would allow me to grasp the chance to live my life like it wont be there tomorrow.

Karen, 22-Year & 2-Time Survivor

Thanks for sharing your story, Karen.

Whew, you have been through a lot, lady! So glad to hear you are doing well.

I, too, couldn't believe my misfortune when I had a "local" recurrence at the site of my mastectomy scar from 6 years prior! I read that only about 1% of recurrences occurred there. I thought, "Why must I be in that 1 measly percent!?" Unfortunately I later learned that this new lump on the same side was not an isolated recurrence ... the cancer had also metastasized to the bones, lung and many lymph nodes. :( But that was 3 years ago and I continue to live life to the fullest despite my stage IV diagnosis. I am blessed ... nothing short of a miracle in my eyes. Were it not for modern medicine, I am certain that I would NOT be alive today.

Let's keep funding cancer research. We need more success stories like yours and mine!

I was first diagnosed in 1987 at the age of 31. At the time I was married and had one daughter age 6 and a step daughter age 16. Stage 1, node negative. I chose a lumpectomy with radiation. At this time there wasn't any breast cancer awareness, you just dealt with it. My husband did not deal well and to make a long story short, within a year I filed for a divorce. It got very messy and he ended up committing suicide. So much for no stress in my life. Now I was 33, a widow with a young child to raise and a breast cancer survivor although no one really wanted to talk about that. It only happened to older women.
Life went on, as I knew it would. I met a wonderful man who became hubby number 2. He accepted me as a breast cancer survivor, my hodge podge family, (I was also helping my best friend raise her daughter) and I gained another step daughter.
Life was great and we got the surprise of our lives when I was 39 and we found out I was pregnant. After a difficult pregnancy we had us a healthy baby boy!!!!
I celebrated each year on the 6th of March, thanking the Lord for giving me another year.
Then the year 2000, my breast doctor called out of the blue wanting me to get an ultrasound. Funny I just saw her a couple months before, we had looked at my recent mammo, decided spot was more than likely scar tissue when comparing it to several past mammograms, now she wanted an ultrasound. It just couldn't be cancer again, I was 13 years out, even though in the back of my mind I knew. Sure enough, stage 2b, didn't even bother to check nodes again as I already have lymphodema, 7 cm her2 neg. ER pos. Had mastectomy with 4 rounds of A/C and 4 rounds of Taxol. A tram flap reconstruction and 5 years of Arimidex, couldn't take Tamoxifin because of blood clot in lung while going through chemo. I just knew I was going to die this time. My son was only 5. I could not find anyone who had breast cancer twice unless it had metastasis. I was so afraid. Finally I found a wonderful support group at Gilda's Club and on line at FIN. It was at FIN that I met someone who just like me had it more than once. finally HOPE!!!
Now I am 53 years old, a 22 years a cancer survivor, 9 years no evidence of disease, I feel blessed. I sign every relay for life sign with this:
WALKING AWAY A WINNER, THANK YOU LORD.
KAREN

Lucy D's Essay on Chemotherapy

My name is Jeannie (or Lucy as most people call me). I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in May of 2005. After surgery and a year of treatments I decided to quit my job and go back to school. In English class we were asked to take a word and write an essay of why your definition of the word is different from that in the dictionary. My story is attached.

The Chemo Emotion

The American Heritage Dictionary defines chemotherapy as “the treatment of cancer and other diseases using specific chemical agents or drugs.” This definition, though clear-cut and concise, fails to communicate the overabundance of physical and emotional side effects that accompany chemotherapy. Excessive nausea, lack of sleep, a wholesale distaste for food, and extreme emotional turmoil are just a few examples among the many. I found the treatment to be far worse than the disease itself. My life as I once knew it was literally turned upside down. I experienced a nightmare all in exchange for the possibility of an extended future. It is for these reasons and more that I find the definition of chemotherapy as set forth above to be so remarkably inadequate.
There are a plethora of chemotherapy drugs and, consequently, a tantamount of combinations of these drugs. When determining the proper treatment the doctor will consider the type of cancer, how far it has spread, and the patient’s health. My chemotherapy treatments consisted of three drugs which I received intravenously every third Tuesday for six months. Each session lasted anywhere from three to five hours. To ensure my blood cell count was within normal range, blood work and a booster shot was vital to each treatment. After a few sessions, with arms sore from needles, I became sick just from the smell of the chemo room. There was a feeling of anxiousness that filled the days prior to my treatments while the week following was filled with tears, nausea and depression. I would cling to my one week of normalcy.
There are numerous pamphlets, binders, and other materials which explicate the many side effects of chemotherapy. Nowhere is it written that there is an emotion to be experienced unlike any other. This emotion triggers feelings of pain, fear and helplessness. Life is full of emotions. When we experience an extreme or unexpected emotion it causes great distress. In normal life situations we need only relate this feeling or emotion to something familiar in order to find comfort. The chemo emotion has nothing to relate to. There is no familiarity, therefore, no comfort. And, though you may be surrounded by loved ones, the emotion leaves you feeling weak, scared and lonely.
Chemotherapy will bring tears! A sad story or song, tender words from a loved one have brought each of us to tears at some time in our life. My brother, and one of my closest friends, will say “you made my face leak”. I would feel the tears running down my face and found myself frantically searching for “why?” One particular night after chemo, listening to soft music to help myself sleep, I felt the tears. I laid there sobbing, needing help, needing to be held. I somehow found myself in the middle of the hallway blurting out my husband’s name. He held me throughout the night, through cycles of tears and calm. It is amazing how strong your circle of support can be. This becomes extremely evident during an illness. Although the offers for support were endless, acceptance meant admitting vulnerability. As difficult as it was to finally let someone in, I found this to be beneficial for all involved.
A year later I am still working through the emotions brought upon by chemotherapy. I sometimes wonder had I named the emotion if I would have found the comfort. Although this writing is meant to be informational, for me it is somewhat therapeutic. I have discovered some positive effects to the experience. Here I am back in school getting my degree. Although I still find it somewhat arduous, I’ve learned to ask for help and realize how gratifying it can be for me and for those who are there to support me. I’ve learned to “stop and smell the roses”. Life is much too short to let the little things get in the way.
On July 18, 2005 I said “I will never do chemo”. I can never recover the time lost throughout my treatments. Through the pain, fear and loneliness I’ve learned a lot. Today I say to you “I will never do chemo”.

Carmen Lives to See Her Grandson Born!

Like many survivors, Carmen reached her lowest of lows during her cancer treatment. Family, sense of humor, determination and lots of prayer helped her through, and she continues to celebrate every day of her life as a survivor!

Breast cancer... those two dreaded words were magnified as they became "the" diagnosis. I saw a tear drop fall on my leg in slow motion and the room around me moved. It was 6/12/06 at 10 am....for a few seconds I floated and then I felt I had to snap out of it. My husband and daughter were attentive to every single word the surgeon was saying.... I was just there.

I had a lumpectomy on 6/27/06, followed by 4 rounds of chemo, 33 radiation treatments, a year of Herceptin and cleared on 10/19/07. That's it in a nutshell. Were there "bad" days??? of course. There was a chemo treatment I dubbed "the weekend from hell"; I felt dropping into a black, black hole; I told my husband I was done, tired of "this @#%^&*"; he took me in his arms and said "babe, there is a light at the end of the tunnel....we'll find it" and we did.

With him, my daughter and son-in-law by my side, my son's voice via telephone and tons and tons of prayer buddies, I made it. Humor was a big part of our ordeal; had photo shoot done with my daughter.. she said to me 'mom, you have cancer, cancer does not have you.. let's get some pictures taken so we can remember what you've overcome" I continue with tests as ordered... I owe it to myself.....

The icing on the cake... my grandson was born 12/15/07, so he and I celebrate our birthdays together... Life is definitely good.....


Carmen A.

Lena, 9-Year Survivor Diagnosed at Age 29

Lena,

Thanks for sharing your story. I'm sure it will inspire other young survivors to continue living life to the fullest.

Kim

I guess you could say it all began in the early winter month of November 2000 when I found a lump in my right breast. Thinking it would be just a routine benign tumor(had already had one removed 10 years prior), I scheduled an appointment with my regular doctor. After an ultrasound and a biopsy confirmed the opposite of what was expected, I entered a new phase in my life-the world of Stage II Breast Cancer. I was only 29 at the time, with no immediate family history of this disease. My tumor was a fast growing one-it was as if it had developed overnight. But I have always done self-examinations since an awareness was always a part of my life. I immediately had a lumpectomy and lymph nodes removed. My goal was to get rid of it ASAP. Thus began my journey into the treatment of Chemotherapy that I had only read of in books and seen in the movies. I was sick most of the time, my long, shoulder-length hair disappeared, and the only thing that lifted my spirits were my true friends who didn't stay away for fear of contagion or lack of words to say. But most of all, my 4yr old daughter kept me adamant and strong in my fight to beat this thing. I wrapped up my treatments mid-summer that year and decided to pursue a life that would not ever be taken for granted. My joys and dreams and energy was put into being the best mom I could be for my daughter as a single parent. I also had a network of 6 friends-all survivors too. We shared the same faith, same strength, same compassion for each other. And we always shared our feelings with many tears and quiet moments-because sometimes there were no words to describe what we were going through. But then, in 2002, my small circle of friends began to lose their battle due to recurrences and metastases........my own recurrence befell me in the month of July of 2002. One of my friends was even hospitalized with me on the same floor. Because I no longer wanted the worry of always looking over my shoulders at this deadly disease, I opted for a mastectomy.......sadly, my friend no longer had that option-hers had already spread to her spine, bones, and eventually her brain. She succumbed in November of that year. But her positive spirit and the boldness she displayed(even taking a trip to Switzerland that year!) gave me the courage to keep fighting. Several more of my friends lost their battle that year and in 2003, but I am happy to say that my memories of the good times we shared will always stay in my heart. I completed more Chemo in 2003 with about 5 or 6 surgical procedures(including three failed medi-port implants). My daughter graduated Kindergarten and in '04 I opted for reconstructive surgery-I didn't want to have to replace the prosthesis my daughter had accidentally damaged while playing with it one day.....I decided after all was said and done, 2004 would be a year of change for me. I moved to Florida and began a new year with my cancer in remission. I am happy to say that 2004 was indeed a year of change-for the better! I married a wonderful, caring man, and we have now settled comfortably near where I have always dreamed of living-right near the ocean. I still have my appointments, I still have my days of the long term aftereffects of chemo, like brain fog, and chronic bouts of pain, but I am happy. And its good to know that any survivor of breast cancer is a fighter, united with others who, as a sisterhood share a common bond.

Lena


"LIFE IS NOT ABOUT WAITING FOR THE STORM TO PASS, IT'S LEARNING HOW TO DANCE IN THE RAIN"

Michele, 44 Year-Old Survivor of 16 Years

Michele,

Thanks for sharing your story. 16 years -- wow! You certainly are one of the lucky ones, but I like to say we are "blessed," not simply lucky.

Kim

My Survivor Story

by, Michele K., age 44

With the rise in numbers of young women with breast cancer, I feel that my story might be inspirational to others.

I’m one of the lucky ones. I think about it every night as I kiss my little girl goodnight and give thanks for all that I’m blessed with.

I was 28 years old and working as a Jr. High School teacher when I discovered a lump in my right breast. There was a history of breast cancer in my family so I was always very good about doing self breast exams. After a few days of poking at the lump and making it red and sore, I called my gynecologist. The nurse explained to me that breast lumps are very common in women my age and I should monitor the lump through one menstrual cycle and see if it disappeared.

The lump did not disappear so the gynecologist referred me to a surgeon. The surgeon believed that the lump was a fluid-filled cyst which could be drained in her office. She took out a syringe with an extremely long needle and inserted it into my breast to try to draw the fluid out. Nothing came out. She looked at me matter-of-factly and said, “It’s probably nothing, but we should take it out just to be safe.” I was scheduled for surgery a week later.

I will never forget the look in the surgeon’s eyes when she came to me in the recovery room after the lumpectomy. The look was a combination of disbelief and empathy. She didn’t have to say anything. I knew I had cancer. She explained to me that the lump I’d felt had actually been a benign cyst. However, as she was removing the benign cyst she found a cancerous lump behind it. She believed that it was an early stage cancer, but further tests and more surgery were still needed.

The first thing I remember asking the doctor was, “Do I need to have chemotherapy, and will I lose my hair?” To some people that may seem superficial, but it was a very real fear and concern to me.

I knew my parents were anticipating the news in the surgical waiting room. I prayed that they would be strong and take the news without too much worry. I didn’t want to upset them.

The next few months were almost surreal.

I had a second surgery to remove more breast tissue and lymph nodes. After it was decided that I would receive chemotherapy, I had a third surgery to implant a port which would allow the intravenous medications to go directly to an artery.

I had long, naturally curly, brown hair. I started losing it two weeks after the first chemotherapy treatment. I hoped that it would just thin out. I went to my beautician and asked her to cut it shoulder length to make it look fuller. The hair kept falling out. I went back to my beautician. I asked her to cut it stylishly short. The hair began to fall out in clumps. My head tingled. I hated finding hair all over the house. I went back to my beautician again and asked her to shave it off. When I saw my reflection in the mirror I looked like I had cancer. I never cried so hard and so long. I’m not sure if I was upset about losing my hair or the realization that I was fighting a life-threatening disease.

After a total of four chemotherapy treatments, I returned to my teaching job. My students were wonderfully supportive and happily welcomed me back. I began radiation treatments five days a week for five weeks. It tired me out a little bit, but it was much easier to get through than the chemo. Things were getting better.

My hair started growing back and within a few months I shed my wig and sported a very short hairstyle.

I started dating a wonderful man shortly afterward. We were married nine months after our first date. We both wanted children very much, but we weren’t sure if I would be able to conceive. I had read that chemotherapy often destroys women’s eggs. My doctors suggested that we try to get pregnant without any medical intervention and see what happens.

I had a miscarriage eight months after we started trying. It was devastating yet it gave me hope that the chemo hadn’t destroyed all my eggs. We consulted a fertility specialist. Within six months I was pregnant.

On July 31, 1997 I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl. We named her Jayna which means “gracious gift from God”. I was able to nurse her for twelve months with just the use of one breast. My right breast was unable to produce milk due to the radiation treatments I had undergone for the cancer. Breastfeeding Jayna was the most incredible bonding experience I’d ever had with another human being. I felt so fortunate to be able to share that with her.

It is over 16 years since my initial diagnosis. Today my checkups are good. There is no more cancer in my body. I truly believe that I am a survivor. I’m one of the lucky ones.

Michele K.

Debbi W., 10-Year Survivor, Offers Hope

Debbi,

First, allow me to apologize for taking so long to respond to your story. We were a bit overwhelmed with the response to our call for survivor stories, and we are still working our way through them. It is our intent to personally respond to each one, perhaps add some commentary before posting to the blog, and to make sure that each contributor receives their free pink ribbon pin or bracelet. These things take time!

Thanks for sharing your story, and for your uplifting words to others who've been diagnosed. It's a big reason why we're collecting survivor stories ... to encourage and uplift others who are now walking in our shoes.

10 years, how wonderful! May you have many, many years ahead as a survivor.

Kim

TEN YEARS CANCER FREE

I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in August of 1999. I found a lump in my left breast while in the shower. I was in denial as I assume all who find a lump are upon finding one. My youngest daughter,Denise was 16 at the time and when I told her what I had found she made an appointment for me to have it examined. To this day I credit her for saving my life. I had a lumpectomy....four rounds of chemotherapy and 36 radiation treatments. I lost my hair ....but I didn't lose my life. I have been going to my doctor every three months ever since. And Glory be to God I have been cancer free for ten years.I am not going to lie...I had a trying time but I am still here to tell my story ten years later. I just want to tell women not to give up...keep the faith because cancer is not a death sentence...I AM LIVING PROOF THAT THERE IS LIFE AFTER BREAST CANCER!!! I hope that if this is published it will give women hope who are going through what I went through....THINK PINK....FIND A CURE IN MY LIFETIME....Deborah W.

Karena, 35 y.o. with Triple Negative Breast Cancer

I just finished reading/responding/posting Kristy's story (see previous post,) who said she was thankful for all the treatment options that are available now, and I wholeheartedly concurred. But unfortunately for the writer of this next survivor story, and many others, triple negative bc hasn't been so fortunate. From the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation's website:

Understanding Triple Negative Breast Cancer

It is now commonly understood that breast cancer is not one form of cancer, but many different "subtypes" of cancer. These subtypes of breast cancer are generally diagnosed based upon the presence, or lack of, three "receptors" known to fuel most breast cancers: estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). The most successful treatments for breast cancer target these receptors.
Unfortunately, none of these receptors are found in women with triple negative breast cancer. In other words, a triple negative breast cancer diagnosis means that the offending tumor is estrogen receptor-negative, progesterone receptor-negative and HER2-negative, thus giving rise to the name "triple negative breast cancer." On a positive note, this type of breast cancer is typically responsive to chemotherapy. Because of its triple negative status, however, triple negative tumors generally do not respond to receptor targeted treatments. Depending on the stage of its diagnosis, triple negative breast cancer can be particularly aggressive, and more likely to recur than other subtypes of breast cancer.

TNBC Foundation is devoted to finding targeted treatment for triple negative breast cancer.




Hello,

I found your website while trying to find some items to buy. I am a breast cancer survivor and saw you are looking for stories. My story was posted on the Triple Negative Breast Cancer site so I am attaching my story I told them to this email. I am still recovering from side effects from the chemo and my masectomy I had on Mar. 17th. I am a big advocate on telling people about the type of breast cancer I have since it is just now being talked of more. Susan G Komen just this past December (2008) gave grant money to help with the TNBC foundation to do more research on triple negative breast cancer. Hope my story can be of help to someone through your site.

Thanks!

Karena J.

My Breast Cancer Story
My name is Karena and I was 35 when I was diagnosed in June 2008 with triple negative breast cancer. I found the lump myself in March 2008 when my right breast began hurting. I put off going to the doctor because I had just had my annual pap exam in November 2007 and was told that everything was fine when my breasts were examined. I thought, "Well it is just something that will go away." In June I had an appointment with my primary care doctor and had not planned on mentioning the lump but something came over me and I ended up telling her. She set up an appointment for me to get a baseline mammogram. The next day, I went to see my OB/GYN. I mentioned the lump to her also and she advised me to get a mammogram and ultrasound right away. I was able to schedule an appointment for the following week. I knew something wasn't right when the ultrasound technician was quiet and went and got the doctor to look at the results. From there on it has been a whirlwind for me. My OB/GYN sent me to a breast specialist who did her own ultrasound and informed me that it could be cancer. In my heart I knew it was. I have a strong faith in God and I felt He had prepared me for all this beforehand because after the biopsy was done and I was told I had cancer, I had peace and knew God would be with me. I was told I had invasive ductal carcinoma grade 3 cancer and was told it was triple negative. My mom and I asked what that is. The doctor told us it affects mostly young African American women and it is an aggressive cancer. We researched and did not find much information about this cancer. We felt good about my breast oncologist because she seemed to know enough about this type of cancer and she was being aggressive in my treatment and setting me up with a good chemotherapy doctor. I had a lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy done in July 2008. After the surgery when I was awake my doctor told me that I am stage 2 and that my tumor was bigger than she thought - it was a little over 4 cm. She also said that there was another small tumor starting that was .4 cm. I thought to myself, "Man this type of cancer is no joke!" My doctor never even saw the other tumor back in June and she thought maybe it started growing after she did the original ultrasound. I began chemotherapy on August 18, 2008. I had 4 bi-weekly rounds of AC which really took its toll on me. I volunteered to participate in the Avastin/placebo clinical trial so that was being given also. Right when I was to begin my Taxol/Avastin/placebo rounds in October, I got sick with a bad cold. I had to take a week break from chemotherapy and then they started my weekly chemotherapy of Taxol/Avastin/placebo on October 21, 2008. Before they started the treatment, they had me do another muga scan to see how my heart was after the AC treatments. Well, my rate went down to 51. They went on and started me on the Taxol but also had me do another muga scan in November. I had to do 12 weeks of Taxol and I stayed sick and very fatigued the whole time on Taxol. After my muga scan in November came back, the results showed my heart rate dropped even lower to 42. They took me off the clinical trial chemotherapy and I just did Taxol. I had to do another muga scan at the end of December. Those results were a little better; they were 46 but still low. I have to do another muga scan in Feb. 2009 to make sure my heart is better and can handle the surgery I have scheduled for March. I had to quit the clinical trial because of my heart not being normal. My last Taxol treatment was Jan. 20, 2009. I was glad to finally be done with chemo. The five months of chemo did take its toll on me, I got a lot of the symptoms and stayed sick a lot, but I knew I would get through it with the great support of my friends and family. I am going to have a double mastectomy in March 2009 with reconstruction. I talked with my chemo doctor and breast oncologist about it and, since they said people with triple negative had a high risk for recurrence in other breast or other parts of their body, I chose to do the double mastectomy. I feel if I can do something to help and try to prevent a recurrence I want to. I know that I still can have a recurrence in other areas of my body but I now am trying to focus on getting through this stage of cancer. I am thankful for finding this site when I did; it gave me insight about triple negative disease and helped me ask more questions to my doctors about this cancer. Now what I do is tell people about breast cancer and the type I have. I inform friends and family to stay vigilant in checking their breast and getting their mammograms. I feel that I got this cancer for a reason, maybe to help someone else going through it or to be a role model to someone. Only God knows why I got this cancer at such a young age but I know He is with me through it all. I was worried about my 7 year old son and how he would handle it, but he has been great through all this. I included him in some appointments so he could meet the doctors and see what is being done to me. My son has actually helped me get through the bad days with his continual care for me. I just want others who are going through this to know that they will make it through, to not be afraid to ask your doctors questions, and to have FAITH and be STRONG. I know there is still a long road ahead of me, but I am grateful for the blessing of great doctors, friends and family support. If someone doesn't have support you can find it here on the triple negative foundation site. I did meet someone here on the site that is a couple years older than me and our treatment schedule is almost exactly on the same time frame. We have been great encouragement for each other and have formed a friendship also. This is proof that there is support here on this site. Don't give up and remember "We are all beautiful, strong women, no matter what we are going through!"

Kristy, 37 y.o. Stage II, Thankful for modern medicine!

Kristy,

Thanks for sharing your story. I feel blessed, as well, that there are so many treatment options nowadays!

I have 3 daughters, and a mom and sister whom I worry about so much. It's what the pink ribbon campaign is all about ... promoting awareness, early detection, and ultimately finding a cure!

Thanks again,
Kim

I'm a survivor!
My name is Kristy, I'm 37 and was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer on 8/8/08. On 8/15/08, I had a mastectomy of my left breast. I went through 4 session of chemotherapy, am currently receiving 52 treatments of Herceptin and will soon begin my 5 year stint of Tamoxifen. I'm currently awaiting my reconstruction surgery. I have a wonderful support system and truly feel blessed that my cancer was found at a time when we have so many different therapies available. I've been and will continue to be active in American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. I was captain of a Relay for Life team and will be walking in the 3 day Susan G. Komen walk in San Francisco this year. I will do all that I can to help raise money for finding a cure for breast cancer. I DO NOT want my 10 year old daughter to go through what I have.

Casey, 32-y.o. Stage IV, "Cancer Free"

Casey had the full array of treatments for her stage IV breast cancer, although the lung biopsy proved inconclusive. Here's hoping that the questionable lung area was just a shadow, or the like!

This is mine –

I’m a one year (and counting!) stage IV breast cancer survivor… that began w/ a routine doctor’s appointment. I gave birth to my second son in September 2007 and four months later, almost to the day, was diagnosed. I was 32 years old and not completely surprised, given the fact my grandmother passed away from “breast cancer” at age 52 (as a 2 time survivor.) At the time of my biopsy of lumps in both breasts and left side lymph node, I knew it wasn’t going to be good news. But I wasn’t at all prepared for the news that the cancer had most likely spread to my lung. The lung biopsy was inconclusive due to the location of the questionable areas. We proceeded as if I had metastatic breast cancer to the lymph nodes and lung. I did the whole kit and caboodle of treatments: first, chemo, then a bilateral mastectomy w/ expanders, radiation, reconstruction surgery, and lastly, a full hysterectomy as I am positive for the BRCA II gene.

During the second opinion clinic where I found out about the suspicious spots on my lung, I let myself wallow in self pity for about 10 minutes… my biggest feat, so I thought, would be losing my hair and as everyone tells you, it does grow back! God cleared this path for me for a reason and I couldn’t change my circumstances – so, I moved on and ahead! And my biggest feat wasn’t losing my hair, but rather dealing w/ a new status of having a “pre-existing” breast cancer diagnosis and finding decent affordable healthcare coverage as a wife of someone self-employed. And that’s not so bad considering what I’ve been through over the last year and a half! I’m a very open and positive person who puts all her concentration on her two sons (and husband) and living life in every sense of the word! J I am truly blessed in so many ways!

Today, I am cancer free. I owe it to a fantastic medical team, supportive friends and family, prayer and positive thinking, and the drug Herceptin!

Best wishes to those who share a similar story,

Casey Martinez

Survivor Story - Monica M., Age 36

Thanks for sharing your story, Monica. I can relate to many aspects of your story, since I was 32 with 3 kids (12, 2 & 6 mos) when I was first diagnosed. And thanks for the touch of humor ... you can't get through this journey without it.

Kim

My name is Monica Malone. I am 36 years old. I am a wife, mother, daughter, and friend. I live in the middle of no where better known as Proctor, Arkansas. My husband Randy and I are the proud parents of Lyndsey, 18, Taylor, 11, and Mason, 9. This is my story.

The fall of 2006 was forever life-changing. My mom was dying of pancreatic cancer, and my daughter was turning 16. I found a lump in my breast. I knew instantly it was cancer. I was 33 years old. Who has cancer at 33? I did. Within a matter of 6 weeks, I had a biopsy, a mastectomy, a port placement, my 1st chemo treatment, and slept through my daughter’s 16th birthday.

Pink became the family’s favorite color. Not red, but pink. The color of survival. The color that gave us hope. I had fears to face. Pink became my armor. Chemo was my first fear.

I was scared to death to face chemo. Yes because of all the side effects of chemo…hair loss, nausea, vomiting, the loss of my “normal” life, but more so that I was going to be with old people who were ready to die. I was only 33. I was not ready to die. I soon realized how much I had in common with the others. We were all fighting to live. I then had to face the fear of how my children would deal with me being sick from treatment. I was their mother, the taxi driver, the baker, the social secretary. What was going to happen? My family happened. My husband became the taxi driver, my daughter the social secretary, and my boys remained boys. I learned that no matter how weak the chemo made me, I was just as strong a mother from the couch as I was in the driver’s seat.

My next fear was radiation. Were they going to give me too much? How bad was it going to burn me? While radiation was not as harsh as chemo, the sound of that heavy door closing was enough to shake any one’s soul. But with every slam of that door, I was one step closer to being deemed cancer free.

Throughout this journey I have learned my share of lessons. Cancer does not mean death. Kids are resilient and cope better than many adults. Friends you did not know you had become the ones you cannot live without. Wigs are hot and no one will tell you it is crooked.

I am a simple person. I do not ask for lavish things. I love God, my family, my friends, my life. As you read my story, I hope that you this with you. Do not use cancer as an excuse. It is not. So what if you sleep through a birthday party. Who said that you could only have one party? Do not let cancer rule your life, rule the cancer. Use it to your advantage. Talk to people, tell them your story. They might need to hear it. Better yet, you might to need to hear theirs.

I am now finished with chemo, radiation and 42 weeks of Herceptin. I take Tamoxifen everyday. My cancer markers are within an acceptable range. I have shoulder length hair that beats any wig. I wear a prosthetic breast that is known to make an unexpected public appearance at any given time. I am a survivor.

Survivor Story - Sherry C.

You GO, Sherry! The reason I called this blog "Ya Only Live Once" is because, since having cancer, I try to live by those words. After I was diagnosed with a Stage IV recurrence in 2006, I vacationed to the Rocky Mountains (which I'd wanted to see for a long time,) thinking I better do the things I've always wanted to, and SOON! I finally started getting my photo albums in order (okay ... that endeavor was short-lived!) and I visited friends and family I hadn't seen in a long time. But a year or 2 into my very successful treatment, I started to realize that we, all of us, should ALWAYS live ilke this! Because I have cancer, I've been given a big reminder of my impending mortality. But the truth is, lives are taken in an instant in car crashes, heart attacks, you name it. You never know when your time will come. Or your loved ones'! So don't put off the things in life you've always wanted to do. Ya only live once! :)

In Feb, the Dr. called me to say the biopsy did not look good and that as soon as all the tests were complete, he would call me again. Two days later he called to say "Well, you DO have cancer" and then asked me to come seehim the next day after undergoing my first CT/Bone Scan. That was hard as the x-ray tech grilled me about why I was having it done. After about three attempts of saying it any which way other than using the C word, I finally blurted out, "I have CANCER." Me? I thought about it and soon came to the realization it was true. That afternoon, in a further whirlwind of the mind, I was in the Dr.s office. He first asked "why is there no one with you?" Well, I am single and miles away from any family. We both sat down on his sofa and he began drawing diagrams, listing statistics, and then in a seperate column laying down my personal data. A family history, repeated biopsys, and the type I had. By the end, it was decided a double mastectomy was best....next week!

The day came and very calmly I lay on a strectcher with friends coming in to pray with me, laugh with me, and wish me well. The Dr.'s last words before surgery was "I don't expect any surprises!" Well, that was short lived when he called me two days after I left the hospital. "I thought we had gotten it all, but we took out a few lymph nodes just to make sure. The results were...now he struggled for words....it has spread. You need chemo. Its stage 11B or [perhaps 111?) Well, luckily I am now 3 years out and so far "cancer free", but another developement came...I also have SLE. So I am still on a milder form of oral chemo and go in every six to eight weeks for an IV treatment.

Whatever, I celebrate each day I wake up, each time I have another clear CT/Bone Scan and every time I find another positive thing towards my future. Right after the chemo was done, I took a mini dinner cruise, a year later a hot air balloon ride, and now I am looking forward to a helicopter tour. Celebrate your life, no matter how big or how small a milestone maybe. Just because cancer may have challenged you, it doesn't mean you can't challenge yourself. Live to tell about your adventures, most of all do whatever you can to live, live, LIVE!(and of course love and laugh too).

Sherry C.

Our 1st survivor story! Dana P., Age 41

Wow, that was fast! Our first survivor story has arrived ...

I was 41 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. I underwent 6 months of chemotherapy, a mastectomy and removal of lymph nodes, 5 weeks of radiation and a full year of Herceptin IV treatments. Only a couple weeks ago I had my port removed which, to me, signified the end of the treatment chapter. My mission now is to maintain as healthy a lifestyle as I possibly can to do my part in fighting a recurrance. I have changed my diet by eliminating refined sugar, white flour and dairy and have switched to organics. I work on maintaining a calm state of mind through acupuncture and meditation. Although all I wanted was to go on with my old life and to walk away and leave the whole cancer experience behind me once treatments were finished, that was not to be. Just last month I opened a wig shop and mastectomy boutique that caters to women going through cancer treatment. It has already been a truly rewarding endeavor to have the priviledge of serving so many couragous women. As unwelcome as it was, cancer has truly enriched my life in ways I never dreamed possible.

Dana P