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With a little help from my family & friends♥

I had a mammagram on 8/21/13, diagnosed on 9/4/13, lumpectomy on 9/18/13, 33 radiation treatments finished on 1/10/14 and am now taking tamoxifen. Everything happened for me so quickly and I was a bit overwhelmed, but I had the most amazing support team. First off my husband Robert, my kids Breanne and Bo, my son-in-law Thomas, my precious grandson T.J., and my amazing facebook friends. But mostly my friend Debbie (who went through the journey 1 1/2 years before me). She went through every step with me and advised, listened, and held my hand--I call her "My Beacon of Hope". I had the most amazing co-workers, who stood by me and covered my work for me. I also have to say The American Heart Association is the best organization in the world. I wish every disease could have that kind of backing. I have been very blessed
and my wish is that anyone diagnosed with breast cancer has the loving support I have
had. I now try to reach out to others to lend my support, because I know how valuable it is. And my motto the whole time was "God brought me to it, and God will bring me through it!" and He certainly did!! Life is so much sweeter now!!

Debbie Oplie Bigham
Waco, TX

Never thought it would happen to me...

I never gave breast cancer a second thought and, in fact, was lax in getting mammograms mostly because of emotional issues but there was, to my knowledge, never been breast cancer in my family. So, last year my physician finally convinced me to get a mammogram because of my age which led to a more indepth investigation of "suspicious" tissue in my right breast with an untra sound. The Radiologist was not impressed that I did not have any prior films to compare to and decided to "watch the area" for a year. Truth is I had prior mammograms but seems they are destroyed after a peroid of time.

So, I went in a couple of weeks ago for my yearly appointment and had the mammogram which lead to another untrasound, biopsies, and an MRI suggestive of lymp node involvement and was handed a diagnosis of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (ICD). I was devastated and numb. They handed me a packet of information that was just too overwhelming. I have just barely gleened through it to this day. Since being given the diagnosis a week ago, I have seen a surgeon, plastic surgeon, and have an appointment with an oncologist. Seems like a whirlwind of activity since the diagnosis and barely time to catch my breath.

I am only 57 and have been widowed since 2005 so I consider myself pretty tough. I have decided on a double radical mastectomy. I don't think there was ever a doubt that would be the course I chose. It is the most logical for the situation. I have always been a strong individual and I know I can do this and I look forward to having the surgery so I can begin the healing. In all this I have never asked myself why simply because I don't think there is any other answer except: because. Realistically, it is what it is and I will find my way through it with the help of God and my wonderful family.

Patricia Nix
Oklahoma City, OK

Fight Like A Girl

In her fight against cancer and her journey we would like for you to know Lisa as we do.
Lisa is a loving mother, grandmother (nanny), and friend. She is gracious, generous, with an utmost appreciation for family and a big heart that provides love for all. When she smiles, she can light up even the darkest of rooms. She is the person that personifies the saying, "others before self". Lisa deserves our love and prayers

In February 2013, Lisa was diagnosed Stage 2 B, ductal breast cancer. Her treatments included:

1. 6 chemotherapy treatments, Taxotere and carbolatinum
2. Breast surgery (once the 6 chemo treatments were finished)
3. 38 radiation treatments (38 have already been finished)
4. 17 Chemo Herceptin treatments (12 have been completed)
5. 5 years on drug Tamoxifen

After the chemotherapy, the surgery (her doctors told her the cancer is no longer there), along with all the treatments that she has finished and the treatments still to come, Lisa is a success story and we are still blessed with her in our lives!
She couldn't of done it without Scott, Joe her grandson Joey, a niece Keyreana who helped her in her worst ever times in her battle, also very grateful for her cousin Rose Tarquinio (Cookie) (survivor of breast cancer for 2 yrs) for the daily support and motivation she needed to continue each harsh treatment, she is so thankful her friends Joyce Reese & Kathy Schaaf coming to sit with her knowing she was not be to much company.
spreading the word of prayers really work! We thank you in advance!
During this battle she has documented and has taken several pictures during her battle and will be making a video to help others understand the fear of the unknown!
Thank you, God Bless

Lisa Rocco
mckees Rocks, PA

My fight

I am new to this game, going for my 2nd "red devil" on Valentine's Day! My 1st experience was very bad, but I will keep up the fight. One day at a time. I embrace my baldness, my hubby and 21year old son shaved their hair as well! A bald family.

Lana Laughland
Johannesburg, South Africa

We are Over comers

On April 11 2013 (my husband's birthday) we got the call about the biopsy results. I had breast cancer stage 3, at first we were devastated, my father passed away from lung cancer & I was his caregiver when the doctor called us the words my father told me upon his diagnosis kept racing thru my head.....He told me I hope none of my children ever have to go thru this & then he apologized that we were going to have to make his final arrangements while crying. I say all of this to explain the way I felt when I got the news. But then I began to pray and tell the Lord I wanted to see my children settled & my beautiful grand children grow up and I got the most peaceful feeling and God showed me, that this is a storm for a reason, my husband has become the most amazing caregiver. I had a double mastectomy and I've just completed my 33 treatments of radiation and I can't wait to give my testimony of how cancer changed my life for the better, I appreciate every day I'm given now. Thank you God.

Angelia Whisnant
Gainesville, GA

I'm Warrior

I'm breast cancer survivor,i'm 35 year now,on october 2010 I was diagnostic with Intraductal Papilar Carcinoma,after 3 surgery,56 radiation therapy treatment and chemo...Here i'm,the most happy,strong person in the world,with a great and big family & friends,they care of me and gave me all the love & support I need all time. I never give up,just keep living and help others to fight breast cancer.

Jessenia davila
Puerto Rico, PR

We did it!

My name is Ruth Patrick. I am now 45 yrs old and was diagnosed at the early age of 29. My mom was diagnosed 2 months after me for the 2nd time. My sister is also a survivor. Although our journeys were very difficult, we remained positive throughout and have always tried to provide some inspiration to others who feel there is no hope. The 3 of us are blessed to be here to enjoy this truly wonderful life! WE DID IT!

Ruthie Patrick
Altamonte springs, FL

victor not a victim

One of the many dates that changed my life was Nov 1st 2013. Those 3 little words you have cancer rang in my head like it was all a dream. Rewind a couple of years and I remember my mom telling me those same 3 words about herself. She lost her battle 5 months after she was diagnosed. And I that me losing my son in 05 to SIDS was hard or my father committing suicide was hard but I now know it is what I was put through to become a victor not a victim. Stage 2 IDC breast cancer is now my new challenge. And like the other things I endured I will over come this too. But being homeless with 2 kids trying to fight it is a challenge in its self. Everyday trying to make life normal is tough. We have no family to help us except for some dear friends that I don't know what I would do without. I am of way done with my chemo and still have the surgery and radio to look toward to. My old co workers started a fund raiser for me on give forward.com the support I am receiving is such a blessing as that will go towards a home for my kids and I. So reach out and take any help that comes your way

Rosey Cooper
virginia beach, VA

Cancer

We do not have Breast Cancer in our family. We have others. My Father passed in 85 of Colon. My Uncle in 84 of Lung 3 mths of my Dad. My Aunt in 93 of Lung. My Mother in 2006 of Lung. My Beloved Husband of Lung in 2011..I have had Thyroid Cancer in 79 (NO CHEMO) my Daughter in 89 had a Rare Cancer that was in her Tonsils. (NO CHEMO) I had Colon in 2000 (NO CHEMO). But my Inspiration is my younger Cousin. He was diagnosed with aggressive Lymphomas. He had a 5yr survival rate. He was 5yrs old. The Chemo and radiation was terrible. He was a fighter. He now lives with me. He is a 38yr SURVIVOR! He Is Now 43 and so is my Daughter. WE NEVER GAVE UP! Ours May not be Breast Cancer BUT YOU have our SUPPORT!!! God will give the right Doctors the Gift of LIFE!!
NEVER STOP FIGHTING!!! I LOVE YOU ALL!! THANK YOU GOD FOR THE WILL TO SURVIVE!!!!k

A WAY WILL BE FOUND.

Dorothy L Wallace
Bonner Springs, KS

Life is Good

When I was 10 years old, my mom found a lump in her breast. She delayed calling the doctor for a year out of fear. I wonder if she would have survived had she went to the doctor sooner.

Two years later, my aunt (mother’s sister) died of breast cancer. She also delayed going to the doctor after finding a lump.

After I grew up, my younger sister found lumps in both her breasts and called her doctor. He said she was too young for breast cancer. She was 35. She listened to her doctor. Five years later, she was diagnosed with bi-lateral breast cancer. She battled cancer for 7 years before dying of leukemia, which was caused by one of her chemo drugs.

Four months after my sister died, I discovered a lump in my breast while doing a self-exam. I had a mammogram not too long ago and everything was normal, so I tried to convince myself that “it” was nothing. But I called my doctor IMMEDIATELY. He did a biopsy. I will never forget the day he gave me the terrifying news that I had breast cancer – stage 1. I couldn't breathe. My head started spinning, I felt nauseous and couldn’t stop crying. I thought about my little boy and how he needed me.

I pressured the medical staff to schedule my surgery asap. I had bilateral mastectomies with reconstructive surgery, followed by chemotherapy. My first round of chemo was awful – I vomited and dry heaved for a week. My husband was there for me every step of the way. I also knew that my sister was watching over me from heaven. I could feel her arms around me, giving me strength and courage. I have been cancer free for 10 years now.

I hope to be cancer free for another 10 years, then another 10 years after that, and another 10,... I try to live life one step at a time. Life is wonderful, even with a cancer diagnosis. God bless all the women who have posted their story on this site.

Lori Zarzecki
Rockford, MI