Historic Devastation: Hurricane Helene Left 500 Miles of Misery. Send Aid Now 

Share Your Story

Share your inspirational survivor or supporter story with others

We Are Strong and Not Alone!

We Are Strong and Not Alone!

My story parallels many other cancer sagas. I found a lump in my right breast a month before my annual mammogram. The next day I was scheduled for a biopsy. A week later I was told I had breast cancer. What might be a little different for me is I knew the lump I felt in the shower on June 12, 2013 was malignant. I was prepared for this fight. I knew it wasn't going to be easy because 30 years prior I watched my brother in law fight cancer that he beat but it cost him a leg.

My first surgery consisted of a lumpectomy and an auxiliary dissection. Pathology reported to my surgeon that the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes, my surgeon then removed14 nodes in addition to the first four for testing. It was a set back but I knew I was strong and I wasn't alone. I will get through it!

A week after surgery I had an appointment to see my surgeon. He informed me that the cancer was very aggressive. There was more then one tumor, which I knew from the previous ultrasound, but they also found many small "satellite" tumors. The two larger tumors were graded a 3 (not good) and I had what was called Triple Negative BC. A nasty little cancer that loves to rear it's ugly head when you think you are cured. It was another set back but I wasn't facing this alone and I was strong! I was steady as a rock just when my surgeon delivered the next blow...my margins weren't clean I needed another surgery. Through tears I muttered I am strong and I am not alone....I lied, even with my husband Lance by my side I trembled inside, felt weak, and completely alone.

Two weeks into 4 months of chemo I had a surprise chemo-buddy, my brother in law Blaine. Cancer reared its ugly head again. He would be in the fight with me! We both finished chemo and radiation and are proud to say WE ARE STRONG, NOT ALONE, AND CANCER FREE!

Patsy Walesh
Two Rivers, WI

A Mammogram Saved My Life

Hi, my name is Roseann Mohon. I wanted to share my story to help raise awareness of the importance for getting Mammograms.
In 1996 at the age of 33yrs I had my first Mammogram done because my sister had been diagnosed with Breast cancer. I was so scared when they called me back for a second view.
They sent me home with a suggestion for a followup in 6 months. I waited a year instead. When I finally had it I was told that there had been significant changes and that I needed to see my doctor which resulted in a biopsy. I was diagnosed with DCIS stage 1 in 1997. Because of those Mammograms we caught my cancer early.
I am a survivor of 17 years now. Unfortunately my sister lost her battle after 5 years. Her courage throughout her battle inspired me to fight and I wish to do the same for every woman out there by sharing my story. GET THOSE MAMMOGRAMS LADIES THEY DO SAVE LIVES. Thank you. ♥♥}i{♥♥

Roseann Mohon
Rome, GA

long road

Hi, I was diagnosed with type 2b breast cancer. On July 8 2013. I was scared , didn't run in the family. Had no insurance didn't know where to turn. Got help through the susan g cheek voucher program. Had a mastectomy August 1 then started 16 weeks of chemo in Sept. My sister went to every appointment with me, I had a lot of support. One of the main thing is support and positive attitude. I kept working only part time, but it kept me going. I just had my last treatment on Feb 13 2014. I'm still only working part time its a struggle but I beat it.

Barbie McEachern
pinellas park, FL

17 years with stage 4 breast cancer, still here!

My mom is still here and she can use your support! ... As part of the small sub group (2%) of breast cancer survivors who have lived years and years after being diagnosed with stage 4 my mother Sandra's Art is now in her 17th year at the metastatic stage. She just had a nasty bout with the bacterial infection c-diff colitis, but pulled herself back from deaths door... I humbly ask for you to lend your prayers and support as my mom struggles to push on in her now 20 year fight against this aweful disease. Many thanks for any and all support. Bless!

Sean myrie
Alpharetta, GA
One year cancer free

One year cancer free

July 25th 2012 I found out I had bilateral stage II breast cancer. I was thirty five years old an no family history of breast cancer. I also breast fed all six of my children an was breast feeding at the time I found out I had cancer. I thought the lump I found was a blocked milk duct an boy was I wrong. I'm proof that breast cancer can happen to anyone an that age an family history does not matter. So please every woman please do self checks an save your own life.
Today I'm one year cancer free! The last nineteen months I have had eight surgeries, four months of chemo, an found out I'm positive for the BRAC 1 gene. I have learned so much through this journey an so thankful to still be here with my husband an children. Thank you so much to my husband, family, an friends for helping an loving me an this crazy ride.

Anonymous
Troy, MI
One year cancer free

One year cancer free

July 25th 2012 I found out I had bilateral stage II breast cancer. I was thirty five years old an no family history of breast cancer. I also breast fed all six of my children an was breast feeding at the time I found out I had cancer. I thought the lump I found was a blocked milk duct an boy was I wrong. I'm proof that breast cancer can happen to anyone an that age an family history does not matter. So please every woman please do self checks an save your own life.
Today I'm one year cancer free! The last nineteen months I have had eight surgeries, four months of chemo, an found out I'm positive for the BRAC 1 gene. I have learned so much through this journey an so thankful to still be here with my husband an children. Thank you so much to my husband, family, an friends for helping an loving me an this crazy ride.

Anonymous
Troy, MI
It's was my smart choice not a brave one..

It's was my smart choice not a brave one..

Hi my name is holly I'm 27 years old (left). My mom was diagnosed at 27 and passed at 34, after fighting breast cancer twice.Two more of her sisters were diagnosed with breast cancer later in life. Growing up and experiencing the process the struggles and the strength I knew that I needed to do something different, at that time I didn't know what,but I promised myself I would do something different... after my last aunt beat breast cancer (about 5 years ago), her doctor asked her about doing genetic testing, not thinking it would show up positive- she did it, for the rest of us girls in the family and knowing our history. I decided before I got any older then I needed to do it. To know going forward if I was at a greater risk or at a normal one like others. I got tested. Shortly after finding out that I was positive for the brca gene- it was an easy choice to do a double mastectomy knowing that I didn't want to end up like my mom. So.. September of last year I had a double mastectomy, this February was the second half of my reconstruction. I have now completed the process, I am very excited and blessed, to have amazing friends and family to be so supportive. Everyone through this whole process the doctors, anyone who knew me you was so supportive. If I can do it so can you! Stay strong and fight on!

Holly Heldt
stevens point, WI

Family of survivors

I am a 31 year old woman who was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer In December of 2013. I also tested positive for the BRCA1 mutation. Two weeks after my diagnosis my mom was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. She is also a 27 year breast cancer survivor. Since then I have undergone a double mastectomy and completed two rounds of IVF egg retrieval cycles since my fiancé and I have not yet begun our family. I begin chemotherapy next week. After surgery my mother is now going through IV and interperitoneal chemotherapy. My grandmother is a breast, ovarian, and colon cancer survivor and my aunt is a breast cancer survivor as well. The effect cancer has had on my family is profound, but I have to believe that despite all of the hits we have taken there is something in us willing us to survive. I can't express how important it is to understand your family history and get propely screened. I owe my life and the lives of my loved ones to a team of doctors who made decisions proving to save our lives. Both mine and my mothers outcomes look promising and I know in my heart that we will carry on the tradition in our family to survive.

Anonymous
Syracuse, NY
Last day of chemotherapy

Last day of chemotherapy

Feb 17, 2014- Last Chemo Day!!
Today is Sandra's last chemo day! We can not express enough how excited we are about this last venture she has to endure! It's been a very tough battle but she is quoted saying "Chemo was tough, but my God is tougher!"
Amen to that!! His strength endures, He has been at her side everyday!
The best part about today is that her best supporters came to celebrate with her! Sandra's husband, Jason, has been absolutely amazing!!!! Her sister Denise and been the best!!! and her sons, Michael, who has been strong and supportive and Kenny, who could not be here, loves and supports his mother even from a far distances being in the Navy!
This year has brought an emotional roller coaster for this family but we have one battle down!
This family has been supremely blessed! How could you not praise The Lord Almighty!?!?!
We congratulate you Sandra! Way to go Superstar!! ️️See her story up to this point at facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Infinite-Hope-for-Sandra/254349508047269

Jason Frank
Brooklyn, OH

Survivor and current fighter

I was diagnosed in 1994 with hodgskins lymphoma. I was twenty four years of age. I had two boys who were four and two at the time. I had radiation which shrunk the tumor. I then had chemo because the cancer relapsed into my chest. After surviving this I went through a divorce and raised two kids as a single mom. In June 2008 I got married for the second time to a wonderful man. My kids are now 21 and 23 years old. Christmas week December 2013 I was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. I found the tumor myself while in the shower. I insisted on a mammogram wich showed two lumps in my left breast. I had an ultrasound as well that showed four lumps. I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction. I also had 12 lymph nodes removed from my arm pit. The lymphnode closest to the breast came back positive for cancer. I will begin my first chemo treatment on February 24th. I beat cancer once I will do it again. I had a great support system then and I have a great one now. My breast cancer was likely caused by the radiation but I will get genetic testing just to be sure. Thanks for letting me share my story.

Daniele albanese
Milford, DE