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MY BELOVED PHIL'S COURAGEOUS EXAMPLE....

MY BELOVED HUSBAND PHIL IS OUR ROCK OUR STRENGTH AND THE CENTER OF OUR UNIVERSE.I FOUND SOMETHING THAT I FELT NEEDED MEDICAL ATTENTION. HIS DOCTOR DISMISSED IT AND TOLD HIM TO TELL ME THAT HE IS "ASYMMETRICAL." I PURSUED WHAT MY RADAR INSTICT INTUITION AND SIXTH SENSE DICTATED.HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER AND OVERLOOK HOSPITAL SAVED OUR LIVES. INVASIVE DUCTAL CARCINOMA. 6 LYMPHNODES. HE HAD A MASTECTOMY CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIATION. HE WAS STOIC. A SOLDIER. HE NEVER COMPLAINED OR BECAME ANGRY.HE FELT BAD FOR OTHERS AND TO THIS DAY PAYS IT FORWARD. HIS TREATMENT WAS BRUTAL. MEN HAVE DIFFERENT SIDE EFFECTS. THE MEDS HAD HIM HICCUPPING FOR 3 HOURS. FROM HEAD TO TOE HE WAS COMPROMISED AND ALWAYS SMILED AND HAD AN OPTIMISTIC POSITIVE ATTITUDE.WE PRAY EVERYDAY THAT HE IS HEALTHY AND STRONG. HE IS THE EXAMPLE OF WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD FOLLOW. HE GOES TO THE BREAST CANCER WALKS..RACES..AND DONATES. HE NEVER LOOKS BACK HE ALWAYS LOOKS FORWARD AND WE PRAISE HIM AN LOVE HIM TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.MAY EVERYONE BE HEALTHY ALWAYS.
MIRIAM SCHIFFMAN

MIRIAM SCHIFFMAN
SPRINGFIELD, NJ

Baseline Mammogram

I turned 40 in March 2009 and received my referral for my baseline mammogram in June. For some reason I never scheduled the mammogram until the following February. I thought nothing of it since it was just my baseline mammogram. The next morning I was sitting at work and my phone rang and it was my gynecologist. I thought this is odd and answer the phone. When I heard the voice on the other end I knew something was wrong. It was my doctor on the phone. She said that the radiologist didn't want to wait until he got the report finished to get me into a surgeon. My doctor was wonderful and recommended a surgeon and got me an appointment the next afternoon. After hanging up the phone I just sat in my office crying and with so many different throughts going through my head. My family, my husband and my kids that were 3 and 4. I called my husband who was working out of town for the day and had to break the news to him. He is the most wonderful husband and with the support that he gave me during this time was unbelievable. Luckily I work with my two best friends and was able to get theough the rest of the day. The next few days were a whirlwind of emotions and a lot of waiting for results from biopsies and MRI's and more biopsies. It was finally diagnosed as DCIS and LCIS and would have to have a mastectomy because between the 2 cancers it covered 75% of my right breast. Luckily after the surgery it was determined that only a very small area had become invasive and I didn't need chemo. I just had to take tamoxifen. My family and friends were so supportive, helpful and caring during this time that it made everything manageable and I knew that I would get through this and be a survivor. I am happy to report that I am 4 years cancer free.

Becky
Hanahan, SC

Dreams and a special dog

My story begins Easter of 2012. I had a dream that I had breast cancer on Easter Sunday morning. That same dream reoccurred two more times over the summer. In August our little Westie, Lucy, jumped on my breast and stayed in one spot. She did this again a week later and stayed in the same place. I did my self breast exam and found a hard lump about the size of a small pea. The next day I went to the breast center and had a mammogram. The mammogram was immediately followed with an ultrasound and biopsy. I was confirmed with breast cancer. The next weeks were a whirlwind of PetScan, CT Scan, MRI and Bone scan. My surgeon recommended a lumpectomy which I had on Oct 16, 2012. After six rounds of very aggressive chemo and radiation, I am cancer free!

I am so thankful for my God, family and friends who have carried me through this journey. My faith has sustained me through it all. There have been many blessings along the way and many angels placed in my path. While cancer brings fear it also brings HOPE. Life is good and I have learned to never take one precious moment for granted. My prayer is to live each day and help someone else going down this road. We are stronger than we ever imagined!

Diane Anderson
MARYVILLE, TN

Moving Forward

My story begins on December 24, 2011 when my 25 year old sister tragically past away from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. After losing my only sibling and watching my family fall apart, my diagnosis of stage II breast cancer exactly 3 weeks later (January 23, 2012) was more than most could handle.

I knew the moment when I heard, "It's not what we were hoping for, it is breast cancer" that I was going to do everything I could to make sure I lived to see my 6 year old daughter grow up. I don't have a family history of breast cancer and I was 34 at diagnosis so I knew I had to be aggressive in my decisions. I chose a bilateral mastectomy and 6 rounds of chemo. I truly believe that a positive attitude, family, friends, and above all, the Lord are the reasons that I was able to cope with the loss of my sister and a diagnosis of cancer in such a short amount of time.

Now being a 2 year cancer survivor, I look back and realize that cancer doesn't have a "right" time. In my case, I found that in a time of sadness and a time I should have been mourning, I was focused on living with the spirit of my sister with me each and everyday!!

Crystal Bejarano
Henderson, CO

I feel lucky

After finding a lump in my right breast I was diagnosed with breast cancer in august 2011. I underwent a lumpectomy and also got my lymph nodes removed. I feel very lucky as the disease had not spread and my breast was saved. I then underwent chemo and radiotherapy , it was a long 9 months with good days and bad! I am n care. I am now in my 2nd year clear and enjoying life. I had immense support from my close family and received excellent health care. I feel blessed !

Anonymous
Glasgow, United Kingdom

TOO MUCH TO TELL

In June, 2001 I just happened to have a check-up scheduled with my surgeon who had, six months before, aspirated a cyst in my left breast. This time, I had two, what I thought were cysts, in my right breast that were hurting and I just thought they would have to be aspirated like all the other times. I almost cancelled the appointment. But, as God would have it, I went to the appointment. My surgeon immediately sent me to the breast clinic for a biopsy, which was definitely unusual. The next day I was immediately called to go back to the clinic for the findings. Honestly, I can't remember exactly everything I was told because I was in shock to find out that I did indeed have breast cancer this time.
Even though the cancer was only in my right breast, I opted to have a double mastectomy as I did not want to have to deal with this again. At first, my surgeon said I could go until at least December before having the surgery, but within a week, I was called back in only to be told it was a very aggressive cancer and that I needed to have the surgery immediately, and was then sent to an oncologist to be told what we would have to do after the surgery. Six months of chemo and Tamoxifen for five years.
As devastating as loosing my breasts was, loosing my hair and gaining weight was even more devastating. And, the reconstruction could not be completed because of a staff infection I got during the surgery.
But now, upon reflection, I realize that none of it mattered, as long as the cancer was gone for good! I was blessed because it was caught in time and had not gone into my lymph nodes. What is left of these ugly breasts can be covered, and I am 12 1/2 years in remission. Thank you Lord!!

Brenda Nettles
Lafayettte, LA

Mammograms save lives.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 41 after having my first mammogram. I blew off the 2 previous appointments from the year(s) before because I thought I was too young to have it. I'm glad that I didn't blow it off 3 years in a row. The mammogram caught the cancer early and I was able to get treated with a lumpectomy and radiation, NO CHEMO.... YAY ME!!!

Rekita Thomas
Chicago, IL

Positivety pays

Four years ago today - I FOUND A LUMP............... Fortunately I was pro-active, which is why I am here today!! A 5cm aggressive grade 3 out of 3 tumour that had already travelled to my lymph system & possibly into my blood. The vertical climb for survival had begun. F**K OFF GRIM REAPER - I'M 46 & GOING NO WHERE!!!
It literally has been the fight of my life (the fight FOR my life) but when you're really not offered a choice - I attacked it with all guns blazing!!!
It's felt borderline impossible many a time & you try to hide how immensely difficult & terrifying the journey is from your loved ones as much as humanly possible for fear of frightening them - but I've always been very competitive - so this 'C' wasn't going to beat me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm not in remission - I haven't been given the 'all clear'. I'm on an oestrogen blocker for 7 years to starve out any cancer cells that may still be lurking around. I have had frequent check-ups which drive me bonkers - but how can I complain when I am still here & able to share life with my amazing friends & soak up all the love from the most loving family anyone one could wish for!
I am often exhausted but the vertical climb is slowly becoming a more gentle mountain path but there is always someone’s hand reaching out to give me support along the way.
This coming year is going to be more of a leisurely stroll on a pretty hillside path & I won't have to hold on so tight to your hand - but I will still be very grateful that I still have you by my side - you friends & family on this side & all my beautiful friends & family who have passed over but I know are still there.
I love my husband David, my children, family & friends with every beat of my now 50 year old heart!!!!! Thank you all for your constant love
& support XXX

Janet Edwards
Manchester, United Kingdom

Once a supporter, always a supporter

My name is April. I am 32 years old, mother of 3 children. Although I do not have Breast Cancer, I am a Supporter! On July 13, 2012 I had a devastating accident and I broke my ankle in 3 places thus resulting in surgery where I had 8 pins and a plate inserted in my ankle to repair the damage. Every year for the last 6 years I participate in the CIBC Run for the Cure and even though I was told by many medical practitioners I would not be able to run for at least 5 years, I decided to participate anyway. On October 6, 2013 (one year and 4 months later) I ran 5K in hope to inspire others. I was asked by many people “Why?” my answer to them was “There are 1000’s of people who will go through more pain then I have and I am running for those who can’t.” It was cold and raining that day but that moment I crossed that finish line with my children cheering will be one of the greatest moments of my life. I hope this story will encourage those to think of others.
Hopefully, one day we can find a cure to this disease!
Thank you for taking the item to read this.

April-Marie
Brampton, Canada

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma-Stage 2B

"Stars can't shine without darkness"

Without the headache, nausea, and body aches that kept me in bed for the last three days feeling like a half mangled zombie, how would I truly be able to appreciate how amazing it feels to be human again?

Without having to endure the preteen/teenage grumpy attitudes that occasionally invade our home, how would I ever truly appreciate how amazingly respectful, supporting, and loving my two sweet boys are most of the time?

Without my pathetically deflated temporary tissue expander that has made me very lopsided as of recent, how would I ever fully appreciate my usual evenness?

Without all those horrible excuses for men that I attempted to date these past few years, how would I ever truly appreciate the real man who continues to show me what true love is?

Looking back at my 2013, I think it's pretty safe to say that it's been my most challenging year yet. Not only physically, but even more so emotionally. Hearing "It's cancer, Kayte." will be words I will never forget. I was sitting up in my bed, staring out my sunny window in pure disbelief, yet already sobbing and heartbroken, mourning the sudden loss of my always inviolable health. Now, more than four months later, after a double mastectomy and only one session short of completing my chemotherapy, and I still have a smile on my face. My life is still amazing and I have so much to be grateful for, mostly because of the people surrounding me in life, who continue to provide the very best support and love imaginable. I am one lucky girl. Even with them, I'm sure it could have been pretty easy to let myself be depressed and feel sorry for myself. But I refuse to do so. It definitely is all about your attitude. I can't wait for 2014 and the new and exciting adventures it will bring! And if, perhaps, I happen to find myself in a moment of darkness here or there along the way, I will just lay back and look for those shining stars!

Kayte Faulconer
Simi Valley, CA