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My Story

About a month after I miscarried twins my breast rapidly changed. Half of it was really hard and swollen. At first I thought it was an infection but after taking antibiotics it didnt get better.

Went back to the doctor and she sent me for mammogram immefiately. The radiologist did a biopsy the same day. That was on a Friday. On Monday I got the phone call while at work. I now know that I have cancer. At first I didn't want to tell anyone. I did not want to ruin their day. I knew I was going to tell people but I just needed time. The first day I told my husband and let us greive together. The next day I started telling family and friends. I was horrified that me, a healthy 36 year old with 3 children, had to bring such a shocking and devasting condition to the attention of others.

Eventually I came to terms with it. I have found out that I'm at stage 3b. I have to have four rounds of chemo and a couple other drugs. Then I am choosing to have a bilateral mastectomy. That should be in mid Feb. Then more chemo and radiation.

Needless to say I have had a rough year. It will only get better from here! Family and friends and my "sisters in pink" will always be here to help.

Monica Merryman
Deerton, MI

My Mom's Story of Faith and Prayer

My Mom, in Rossville, Ga., had lung cancer in her right lung in Nov. 2012 and after Ablation is still clear, then in March 2013 she was diagnosed with a rare breast cancer and was rushed in for a total mastectomy & lymph node removal, she is still clear; then in Dec of 2013 she was diagnosed with lung cancer in her left lung, she is scheduled for Ablation on Jan 21, 2013. I posted this to my facebook & my awesome friends & family have been offering their prayers for her. My Mom will tell you that only by the grace of God and prayers has she survived and remained in remission. We offer our prayers to all of you! Past, present & future survivors! Thank you for all you do!

Tina R. Stanfield
Rossville, GA

10 Year Survivor

I was diagnosed with breast cancer June, 2003. It was 6 months after moving to Florida. I had a mastectomy July 10, 2003, one of those dates that you never forget. My cancer wasn't advanced but I chose to have the surgery so that I wouldn't have to wonder, and worry if the cancer was returning. The surgery gave me peace of mind.

A year prior to this I found a lump in my breast. My gynecologist at the time recommended "watching it", she felt it was "just a cyst". She marked on my chart where the lump was. The exact place a surgeon removed the cancer.
It's so important, if you're not sure get a second opinion. I didn't, and I regret that.

My husband was a wonderful caregiver throughout everything. We've been married a long time, currently 48 years. We decided against reconstruction so that I wouldn't have to go through additional pain. A good choice for us.

Today I'm 67 years old and happy with the decisions that were made 10 years ago. I go for my yearly mammogram on my remaining breast, and I don't worry about the results. We handle things as they come, as we have in the past. A very strong relationship with my husband helped me through so much in my life, I thank him for always being there with me.

Penny
Colorado Springs, CO

Lucky!

I am usually a bad patient with long periods between doctor visits, so it took everyone who knows me by surprise when I was adamant that I had to make an appointment for "a checkup" with no compelling reason. The phone call came, requesting a closer look at something on my mammogram, was not a great concern because I had experience with this happening, and knew the radiation I had for Hodgkins lymphoma when I was a teenager created calcifications. I knew what to expect...there would be a biopsy and it would be negative. And my next mammogram would start the process again. Except, they said I had breast cancer, which started my second cancer journey.

I am fortunate to have a close, supportive family, married a wonderful man just a couple years before this diagnosis, and have a group of amazing friends. My friends who were breast cancer survivors helped me get my head around the diagnosis. I have to give my medical team at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN utmost credit. All of them were caring and took the time to explain what I needed to know and gave me the best possible outcome. The great news was that I was diagnosed with DCIS, stage zero, in just one breast. Because of the previous radiation to my entire chest wall, I chose to have a bilateral mastectomy. Again, I was lucky in that choice because pathology reports showed I had atypical lobular hyperplasia in the tissue of the non-DCIS breast. I am a walking good news story about how valuable early diagnosis of cancer is and can be for long term good health. My personal motto for cancer is "fight it, beat it, and move forward". I want my nieces, stepdaughter and friends to know that while breast cancer is a devastating word to hear, it can be beaten if you are proactive and positive about the outcome.

Julie
Champlin, MN

Biopsy

Found a lump. I have had a mammogram. I am having a biopsy on Jan. 28. I know whatever happens is in God's hands.

Lorrie
High Point, NC

I am a breast cancer survivor but my story is about my amazing son

I want to tell you a little about my amazing son and how important it is to have support of the people we love when going through Cancer.
On August 14, 2009 I was 46 years old and underwent surgery to biopsy my right breast. This was just supposed to be routine. The doctors did not expect to find any cancer. After the biopsy you have your usually post op appointment. I was in the exam room waiting for the doctor to come in and it was a long wait (but at the time I did not know they had called my son to be at my side, and were waiting for him to arrive before giving me the news). When the doctor came into the room and I saw my son standing behind her at first I thought what the heck is he doing here.. But then they entered the room and a sick feeling started in my stomach. My son took the seat next to me and the doctor said we have bad news. I turned around, looked at my son and saw he was holding his hand out. I closed my hand around his as the doctor proceeded to tell me I have breast cancer. In that moment time stopped but I was able to get through it because there was a very special hand holding mine. I will never forget the inner strength in that hand.Today after 14 surgeries I am cancer free and enjoying life with my family and friends.

christine morrissey
Parsippany, NJ

Sometimes it hard to share

I'm a very private person, and for me to post anything about my cancer is Big Big thing. I sit here crying just telling you about it. I found out Sept 6th 2012 that I have stage 4 Breast Cancer. Very quickly went through Chemo and Radiation. Jan 31, 2013 I had my right breast removed. I thought that would be no mental issue for me since I'm over 50, my kids are grown and I'm Happily married(Boy was I wrong). My insurance does not cover reconstruction surgery. Well, let me tell you... Losing one of your breast is such a very hard thing to deal with. Jan of 2014 I finally got a really good prostatic, (Had to wait till my skin healed from radiation) it helps a lot, but if you can get reconstruction surgery go for it. Any way I will never be cancer free for it has spread into my spine, neck and lungs. They can not operate, but I have daily meds (That are working) and once a month I go for a treatment that makes my bones stronger. All in all I feel pretty good. I am not going to die from this, and as they say, what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger

Joni Brezenoff
Hendersonville, NC

Carla's Crowns

In January 2013, my beautiful oldest sister took her final breath in her 8 year journey with ovarian cancer. So much chemo, so much hope, so much to live for... but death did not defeat her. As a dedicated woman of God - death completed her journey.

It was difficult on her four younger siblings. I felt I'd never get over the sorrow in my life. I turned away from many normal activities because nothing really brought joy. I didn't want to go to church because I was afraid if I started crying - I would never stop. NEVER STOP.

Then came January 2014, one year after her death. I was weary of being sad. When others were having a great time, I'd nearly forgotten how. I still had a strong urge to isolate myself so I wouldn't have to pretend. I asked God to lift my sadness! And then... I decided to direct my negative energy (yes, it takes a lot of energy to be sad) toward something to honor my sister.

That was the birth of "Carla's Crowns."

My sisters and sister-in-law and I are hand making beautiful beanies to GIVE to anyone with any type of cancer. No cost, not even for shipping.

We know what our Carla went through for 8 years, plus my only son had cancer as a child and was on chemo for four years (YES! he's great now!) - so we want to bring some happiness to children and adults with a gift - from "Carla's Crown."

Susan McClure
Carla's Little Sister

Susan McClure
Acworth, GA

For better or for worse

My name is Valerie, and this picture means so much to me. We have been together almost 12 years. The top photo was taken back in 2008, and the other in 2013 when he shaved my hair after it all started falling out from Chemo. I was diagnosed with invasive stage 1 breast cancer in May 2013. After surgery, chemo, and 38 rounds of radiation, I'm working my way back to a new normal. Ironically, during my treatment was the best time of my life. I've been so happy every.day. I was just so happy I was going through this and not my spouse or our child. If had this happened to them, you wouldn't have been able to pick me up off the floor. I am so thankful for every day.

Valerie Anderson
Union City, NJ

Onward!

My mom was diagnosed 12/16/13 with infiltrating ductal carcinoma, triple positive. She underwent her mastectomy 1/15/14 and is continuing to show her amazing positive attitude! She is a fighter!

Amy Seiders
Chambersburg, PA