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An Awakening

I have lived my adult life inside a box wrapped up tight with a beautiful bow; a gift from God, I thought, for all I went through growing up as a child of divorced parents and for other subsequent tragic events that befell me along the way. Inside the box was the stuff of dreams. I would awaken everyday, thankful for the amazing gifts that had been bestowed upon me; but in the back of my mind, I was saying "something's gotta give."
In early February, I received the kind of news that knocked me out of my 'Surreality.' I decided early on to limit feelings of self pity ( I do cry, infact, I cry often). My tears are not tears of feeling sorry for myself; but rather tears of empathy for those around me. Being contemplative in nature, I have been searching for the gift in this experience. Empathy has been the gift. Empathy for my husband who has been holding my hand, wiping my tears, tending to my medical needs, even setting the alarm at 3:00 a.m. to give me my meds. Empathy for my sons, 8 and 11, who have dealt with the blow of hearing that their mother has cancer and who have witnessed her transform from 'wonder-woman' to invalid in a short matter of time. Empathy for my mother who had to witness her oldest daughter go through the same disease both she and her mother suffered through. Empathy for the next young woman who must be dealt the reality of this dreadful disease.
Life is not about the things contained in it; but rather about caring for the people who make it worth living! My surgery, a mastectomy, successfully removed an invasive tumor and has left me cancer-free. I have been given a second chance, and look forward to living every moment to the fullest with my husband, sons, our loving family and friends. Those who know me well, know that I never held back from embracing life the first time and I especially don't intend on holding back this time around!

Eva
Baltimore, MD

My Cancer Experience

My story begins 7 years ago (just a few months before turning 38) when some microcalcification showed up on my right side during a routine mammogram (which I have been doing annually since 25 due to the strong history of breast cancer in my family). I chose to treat this episode of non-invasive DCIS with a lumpectomy and radiation therapy. Unfortunately, I had a terrible experience with my first surgeon, who was unable to get clear margins and closed me up with staples :( I was able to turn things around, however, when I went to a wonderful DCIS specialist in San Francisco for a second opinion. He recommended an amazing surgeon, who was able to obtain clear margins and who referred me to a terrific radiologist for my radiation therapy.

Since there was a strong likelihood that it would push me into early menopause, I chose to wait until turning 40 to start taking Tamoxifen. Luckily, I was able to take a low dose antidepressant (Effexor) to counter the hot flashes brought on by the drug and keep my anxiety at bay. I joked about Effexor being my new BFF!

I continued with alternating follow up appointments between my surgeon and radiologist until some microcalcification (non-invasive DCIS again) showed up on my left side during a follow up mammogram. By now I knew the drill--biopsy, lumpectomy, radiation--but with an amazing medical team in place from the beginning this time!

This year as I turn 45, I fulfilled a dream of designing and getting tattoos to cover the blue dots from radiation (see photo) and am very happy to finish my 5-year Tamoxafen treatment! Not sure if I want to stop the Effexor though ;) The main thing I learned from this whole experience is the importance of being your own advocate, as getting a second opinion and switching surgeons made a world of difference for me. I also made the most of my cancer experience by becoming a guide at the hospital for newly diagnosed DCIS patients, providing them with emotional support and helping them navigate their treatment path.

Andrea Binger
Piedmont, CA

survivor

In 2005 I was told that I have the breast cancer gene (BRAC 2). I was told then that its not a matter of if but a matter of when I would be diagnosed with the disease. I was told that I had breast cancer last year. I was devistated, even though I knew it may cime at some point in my life. I had to choose to have a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. I chose a bilateral mastectomy. It was a struggle but By God's grace I am cancer free. My message to anyone going through or fighting with someone with breast cancer. Keep fighting!!! You can and will make it.

Sherry
Birmingham, AL

Listen to your body!

After returning home from a business trip to San Francisco, I rolled over in the middle of the night, only to discover a lump in my right breast. I was immediately freaked out and scheduled a mammogram the next day. After further testing, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer on December 5, 2013.
I chose to have a double mastectomy with reconstruction, which took place on December 30th. After surgery, I found our my cancer was stage 1 and ER+. My prayers were answered and my only recommended treatment was Tamoxifen for 10 years. I am in the process of getting my monthly fills in my expanders and will undergo the second part of my reconstruction surgery in August. Despite this being the hardest time on my life, I chose to remain positive during the entire experience. For my family, friends, my career, and myself, this was my only option. I honestly believe a positive attitude has contributed to my success today. I am now cancer free:-).

Tiffanie
Springboro, OH

Beths Story

H ello My name is Elizabeth, I was diagnosed with Stage 3B Breast Cancer with 14 positive lymph nodes also cancerous. And HER+. All not good news .I was in the height of career and was the single parent of a very autistic daughter. Cancer was not in my plans! It totally changed and turned my life upside down. I was mad. I had a 6 cm tumor they had to operate right away. My parents were devestated!! It was tramatic, after the masectomy, they started the chemotherapy within 2 weeks,did I mention,they barely caught my cancer. Didn't know if I was going to make it. And were giving me 6 months to live!I started chemo and began to have heart problems. To this day. I have severe problems with along with lympadema in my right arm . Some women who get there lymph nodes removed due to cancer get lympadema.I do.I wear a compression sleeve for the rest of my life to keep the sweeling down.long term I see my oncologist every 6 months even 7 years later because the cancer was so bad. They make sure its not coming back. It can. So if you get this, and you feel like I can't do it any more. You can. Keep fighting. Keep STRONG! I'm r sister, I LOVE U! I GOT U! GOD GOT U! Beth

Elizabeth Welch
Omaha, NE

Keeping the Faith

My journey began in May, 2013 with my 6th annual mammogram. I have never been called back for additional scans before and was assured that most times it is nothing, just a precaution. After additional scans and a biopsy my diagnosis came June 12, 2013, Ductal Carcinoma in Situ, hormone receptor positive. July 3rd I underwent a lumpectomy only to find the margins were unclear, a reincision was made July 17th. I received the all clear a few days after surgery and began my adventure into radiation treatments and Tamoxifen, to reduce risk of recurrent cancer. By the end of August I was at the cancer treatment center 5 days a week, until finally I reached my 36th treatment on October 17th. We celebrated the end of treatments and the end of cancer!! December 2013 I underwent a hysterectomy to lessen the chance of recurrent cancer.
Early in February of 2014 I noticed some changes in the appearance of my breast, and felt some new lumps. I was told changes occur after radiation, it's a process of healing, but to be sure I scheduled a mammogram. February 21, 2014, only 8 months after the mammogram that began it all, I had a biopsy that resulted in the February 27th phone call informing me I have cancer, again. Or was it still? I had two biopsies in February and multiple scans to confirm the diagnosis, cancer has spread throughout my breast! I currently await my May 19th Mastectomy date with the plan to begin reconstruction. Praying this ends my cancer journey, and destination life continues. Keep the faith, keep up the fight!

Michelle S.
Ellwood City, PA

It's Nothing- I'm Not Worried About It

Those were the words the NP uttered after 20 minutes of trying to find the bump that brought me into the office. I had found a small (very small) bump on my chest above my breast more towards my sternum a week earlier and asked my friend her professional nurse opinion, she said, "that needs to be looked at." So I followed her advice and called the office for a check. The NP told me I was pushing tissue over my own rib after she told me she had no concerns. I respectfully let her know I did not believe her and requested testing. She sent me on my way with a script for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. I scheduled both before putting my car in reverse in the parking lot. Fast forward a week- I had my tests and the radiologist told me to get dressed but not to leave the building. I knew my thoughts were being confirmed. They forwarded the results to the office and ironically enough the same NP had to call and tell me there was definitely something of concern. She asked me to remind her of it and I replied, "you told me I was pushing tissue over my rib- do you remember now?" She was silent. I had a biopsy a week later and was then diagnosed with stage 3B adenocarcinoma. Surgery- chemo- radiation later I am happy to say I kicked Breast Cancer's Ass! Moral-- be your own advocate!

Michele Hicks
Orlando, FL

All Mammograms and Ultrasounds Aren't Created Equal

In 2007 I was diagnosed with Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS). It was not actually considered a cancer, but rather a precursor that would have to be monitored. After years of biopsies and lumpectomies galore and negative mammograms, ultrasounds and even contrasts MRIs, my worst nightmare came true. My last mammogram and ultrasound this past January, 2014 showed no abnormalities. I went in for my followup with my breast surgeon in February and he discovered a lump through his manual exam. I went in and had my fourth contrast MRI; this time they did a needle biopsy to confirm his suspicion. I have breast cancer. With LCIS, once it shows up in one breast, it will most definitely show up in the other breast over time. I was told that I needed a mastectomy of my right breast and it was suggested that I have both removed to avoid problems later on in the other one. I didn't think twice and had both removed. I also decided to have reconstruction via tissue expanders. I am now undergoing four rounds of Chemo with my second coming up this next Monday. Once Chemo is done and my white blood count is back to normal then I will have the tissue expanders surgically removed and the permanent implants put in. All I can offer up to you is the saying that, "You don't know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice". Breast cancer, as nasty as it is, can also be empowering. I discovered how not to take life for granted anymore.....And, all the things that humanity throws at you to try to hurt your feelings and bring you down in life......You just look at them and say, "Bring it on because I'm fighting something way bigger than you--I'm fighting breast cancer. Stay strong.

L. Wood
Madison, AL

My Survivor Story

Hi my name is Jennifer and I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer, June 2011. I was 37 years old with 2 beautiful children, age 12 and 6. I fought hard. After a bilateral mastectomy, 8 rounds of chemotherapy, 33 rounds of radiation, I can say that I'm cancer free. With the help of Eastern Medicine (Reiki and Crystals) and my medical treatments, I am here today.

I recently had a chest CT and it was clear.

I live for my children (and husband). If it weren't for them, I probably would have stopped fighting.

I am a SURVIVOR!

Jennifer Bagley
Newport, ME

A life changing experience !

I was diagnosed at the age of 44, with no family history of breast cancer March 7, 2013. Let me tell you it was a shock!!! My husband and I just held each other when we found out the news. Sometimes we ask "why me Lord?", because we are only human. April 5th, I had a lumpectomy and started chemo May 2. I went through 16 rounds of chemo and 30 radiation treatments. With the support of my family and church, I made it through! I can say I am a one year survivor!!( because I am actually siting in the Drs. office and just got my
results from my mammogram!!). You have to stay positive and keep the Faith!! That is 99.9% of the fight ! It is a life changing experience!! I don't sweat the small stuff anymore 😊😊

Jenny
Henderson, KY