Share Your Story

I'm a Pink Warrior!

I was 40 years old and my gyn said it was time for me to get my first mammogram. I expected it to be very routine. I had NO lumps and no family history. Of course I would have a clear mammogram or so I thought. It was July 7, 2014 when I had my first mammogram. It was followed up with another mammogram, an ultrasound, and biopsy. On July 11th, I got the call. I had breast cancer- invasive ductal carcinoma. My precious husband was sitting next to me holding my hand as we had the call on speaker phone. As tears streamed down my face, I was so scared. I was a wife and a mother of two wonderful boys. I knew I had to fight this battle. As I met with my oncologist and surgeon, I was told I had a 1 cm of invasive cancer and many precancerous cells. Well, I saw my mammogram and I knew there was only one option for me. I chose to have a double mastectomy. I did not want to fight this battle again. I had my double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction on August 5, 2014. A couple of days later I was told that I had a lot more cancer than what they thought. I had four tumors- an 8 cm, 6 cm, 4 cm, and a 2 cm in the right breast and precancerous cells in the left. God had given me a peace from the beginning with my decision for a double mastectomy. Now I knew why. I was blessed that it had not spread to my lymph nodes and the doctors felt like everything was contained. I am currently taking chemo (16 rounds) and have two more treatments left. It will be followed up with 30 rounds of radiation.I can not express the importance of getting a mammogram. I am fighting the hardest battle of my life, but I am a "Pink Warrior"! I shall overcome! Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Chrissy Kelly
Quitman, MS

No April Fools Joke!

April 1st, 2011...the news came in...Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma! I was 46 years old. No family history of breast cancer, and otherwise very healthy. I had had mammograms for six years, already, because of 'dense' breast tissue. My family doctor thought it would be a good idea to have routine mammograms every year just to be on the safe side. After the sixth mammogram something had changed. There was an architectural distortion. From that distortion to a 2.1cm tumour in two weeks!

Six rounds of chemotherapy, 30 rounds of radiation and six surgeries later, I remain cancer free! Lumpectomy, sentinel node biopsy, double mastectomy, reconstruction, oophorectomy and a final 'nip tuck' to make everything right...all is GREAT. In April, it will be FOUR years!

I look back on the past 3 1/2 years with a smile on my face. I am a changed person! I have always been a positive person but now, even more so! Life is amazing! I value every single second of it. I wouldn't change one bit of it. IT all made me the strong force I am today. I am blessed and thank God for everyday! What, for some, would be the scariest thing in their life has been my greatest gift.

Sue Kempton
Whitby, ON
Canada

Susan Kempton
Whitby, Canada

No One Fights Alone

In October of this year (2014) my sister, Michelle was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. She had a multi centric tumor on the left breast, as well as signs of cancer cells in the lymph nodes on the left side. The best option given was for her to have a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction, followed by chemo and radiation. At 51 yrs old and with her loving husband Bob and two amazing children, Kayli 18 and Justin 15, as well as sisters, nieces and nephews and many loving friends, Michelle made it very clear to everyone that fighting, smiling and positivity were the only words she would allow. Chemo began just days before Thanksgiving, dose 3 was 2 days before Christmas, reconstruction continues, hair loss has occurred and still, my sister continues to keep a smile on her face and a purpose in her step. Through a support page on Facebook our family and friends can keep up to date on treatments and post messages of love and support. Michelle has inspired a community to love, fight and appreciate everything and every chance that comes our way. There are still months of treatments and challenges, but my sister has given every one of us the confidence that there is no other way to fight cancer except head on and with courage and grace. We know that in the future we will all look back at this time and know that because of Michelle we are all stronger and wiser. And we hope that we have shown Michelle that in her fight No One Fights Alone.

Kim Tiehen
Cary, IL

Trust Your Instincts!

My story started in January 2014 when I felt a peppercorn-sized lump close to my armpit. After a mammogram and an ultrasound, I was told it was "nothing" and that I just have "dense breasts". My gut said it was something more, and I insisted on a recheck 6 months later at a different radiology center. On July 23, 2014, I was diagnosed with Stage 1, Hormone +, HER2 - Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Because of family history, the density of my breasts, and because I have a young son, I opted for a skin/nipple sparing double mastectomy with reconstruction. I had my first surgery on September 19, 2014. My pathology report came back that my cancer did spread to one of the eight lymph nodes that they removed. Fortunately, it was determined that I did not need chemo (just Tamoxifen). Last week, exactly three months later on December 19, 2014, I had my second (and hopefully last!) surgery to swap out my expanders for my implants.
I feel very fortunate! I trusted my instincts, did my homework, and had support from so family and friends. My surgeries and recoveries were smooth and without incident. I truly hope my journey is over, and am grateful have found a new home in the "Survivor's" club.

Melisa D.
Chatsworth, CA

Never too Young

It was a Monday night October 20th, 2014 I was lying in bed with my husband. As I was adjusting my tank top I accidently came across a large hard lump on the side of my left breast. My husband was adamant that I go in and have it checked. I wasn’t too concerned, figured it was just hormones, period related or something. I’m only 39 for goodness sakes.

With my husband’s persistence I made an appointment the next day and met with my doctor that Wednesday. Immediately she made me an appointment at the breast center to have a mammogram and ultrasound.
As I sat there in the waiting room for my mammogram, I looked around and saw so many women most I’m sure having the same fears as me. Felt so strange, I honestly felt out of place because this couldn’t be happening to me. After my mammogram, I was awaiting my ultra sound, the nurse called me back in for more mammogram photos? Hmmmm was my thinking, what does that mean? Then ultra sound followed, when the ultrasound tech called in the radiologist, I got nervous. Maybe this was happening to me. Not much was said to me, I knew they wouldn’t tell me much as they wanted a biopsy to determine.

A few days later a core biopsy was performed and 3 days after that I received a call, I needed to come in and talk…… All I could say to the counselor was “so I have cancer”. That began a world wind of events.
Surgery was next, lumpectomy was the choice I made. My surgeon removed a 4cm tumor, clear margins and no lymphoid were affected. Stage 2A, what a relief? (Not really, but could be worse).
I started chemotherapy 12/16. Feel blessed everyday how far medical research has brought us. Early detection was key in my story. I have a wonderful life, with a husband, 2 daughters, and 2 stepsons that I will enjoy for many years to come. Cheers to 40!!

Trisha Anstice
Brier, WA

Kathy

On Sunday August 31st. at approximately 9:00pm was the day I found out my breast cancer came back for the 3rd time. In 1999 was my 1st cancer on the left breast and was also the year I had lost my Mother to this aweful disease. In 2001 was my second time for breast cancer on the right side. For the 3rd I had the genetic testing done and tested positive for the BRAC2 gene. Needless to say I had a double masectomy on October 21st 2014 and going through reconstruction.In Janary I will be going through yet another surgery to remove my ovaries and or having a partial or full historectomy. I know people are worst off than I am but for me right now I am going through mentally ad physically burdens.

kathy
getzville, NY

DON'T GIVE UP! FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!

In November 2013 I had 4 inches of my left breast removed, nipple, areola and 2 lymph nodes removed. I was diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma. Metastatic carcinoma in one lymph node; DCIS involves nipple epidermis (Paget disease of the nipple).

January 3rd my first chemotherapy. I felt like “YAY, the 2nd day of January I get a power port and the 3rd day of January I get to have chemotherapy!” What a way to start a new year out! I was having severe reactions to the three chemotherapy drugs (Taxotere, Herceptin and Carboplatin) two hospital visits later I had to switch to just Taxol and Herceptin weekly. Radiation started at the end of started at the end of July and ended on September 8th, still doing the Herceptin once every three weeks. While Herceptin did not have the severe side effects as other chemotherapy drugs, it still DOES have some effects. I think the one thing I want people to know is, I believe, the effects chemotherapy and radiation have on you is really contingent upon how you are to start with. I have a predisposition to back pain due to Degenerative Disk Disease, and joint pain from arthritis. I also had a predisposition to skin infections.

One whole year later, on December 24th I am finally done with my chemotherapy! I don’t want to continually watch around every corner looking for this to happen again, but the truth of the matter is; it could just come back when it wants to, and there is simply nothing I or anyone can do about that. I refuse to live my life bowing down to cancer. I fought like a girl once, and I will continue to do it. This hasn’t beaten me and as long as I’m strong enough to do it, IT NEVER WILL! All my strength comes from God above and my wonderful support system of Friends and Family. And I thank them for their love and care.

Laura Reichartz
Milwaukee, WI

When you least expect it.................

Summer 2012 suspicion turned into reality ..I was on the receiving end of this most uncertain diagnosis and know firsthand the mental anguish involved when I read biopsy results diagnosis Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.....giving up was something I had thought about often and said "aloud" to myself, but my children needed me to fight ...side effects to Chemo had taken their toll....I had complete frustration... for a time I thought that "I wouldn’t do Chemo again if I had to be in so much pain" but I quickly took it back as I saw the faces of my children each time I closed my eyes…. We women fight for ourselves but more for those we love. My husband, children and family got me through I’m sure….Unrelieved pain was my worst nightmare. I still believe it is the most inhumane act to commit, inflict pain or ignore physical pain. I had taken a lot of pain medicine and sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t. During those times my mind ran away with my sanity. I was convinced that somehow the cancer was in my bones….. cold and clammy and ready to be put out…..I had to remain calm because I didn’t want to frighten my loved ones my sweet Mother, my first love my Husband ...... my beautiful children. I definitely remember that time as the worst of my fight. I should countdown, someone suggested... but I never was one to “wish the time away”. Today, I still believe that life is beautiful despite the predicaments we sometimes find ourselves in I now know it was the light at the end of the tunnel that had me continue to put one foot in front of the other……. "Yes" there was a light....so although it has been said that I am the strong one, it couldn't be farther from the truth. My husband and Mom dictated to me and guided me through. I went through the motions....but they were my eyes and heart.......my children were and still are my inspiration. Set your own limits, do not allow cancer to......set them for you.

Sandra
Fredericton, Canada

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Warrior

I was 33 when I was diagnosed with stage 2A triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma. I chose within minutes a bilateral mastectomy... My world was turned upside down by this information. I thought I had a cyst. Either way, it was cancer and I had to deal with it. I was a single mother with an 8 year old son, I wanted to do everything to make sure this would go away and never come back. I went through 6 rounds of super aggressive chemo treatments, lost my hair after first treatment... Then 28 rounds of radiation. I had an 8% chance of reoccurrence, PET scan was good. I had reconstructive surgery and everything was back to normal in my mind. Then around December 2013 my chest was sore, apparently possibly side effects of radiation. I went to several doctors about this pain, but my bloodword and markers were looking amazing, this girl was cancer free! Well I am not one to let things go, the pain in my chest was minimal but bothered me and I refused to believe anything until something was diagnosed. So I finally got a XRAY in May of this year... There were several spots on my lungs... WHAT! So to make a long story short CAT scan and lung biopsy showed cancer was back, PET scan showed it was also in my sore little bone on my chest wall (Stage 4). I went through 12 more rounds of chemo only to find out it stopped working. Let me tell you, this news what not what I wanted to hear, I always felt great, no matter what. They gave me a time line on m life... I was like, no way, I am 35 and the Lord has healed me, your results are incorrect. Well, they (my current doctor, not his fault) had nothing to offer me, so I went to MD Anderson in Houston, TX. I am currently in a trial for my cancer and healing is here. Its hard, but its not, IRONIC!! Praise Jesus, By his stripes I was healed! XO

Michelle Heath
Jacksonvile, FL

I Am A Survivor......

March 4th 2013 started out as just an ordinary day. I had been at work and was awaiting word from the results of my biopsy. After finding a lump on my breast weeks before,I had a mammogram, and a biopsy. The optimist in me was sure that I'd be hearing "Everything's fine." Seeing the glass as half full, mixed with the sign on my doctor's wall stating the high occurance of lumps as "nothing", I had no reason to think that it would be anything else but.
The only words I remember my doctor saying were “You have breast cancer.” My life flashed before my eyes..I thought of my two precious daughters, who were my world, having to face life without me...I thought of my mother, who had to hear those same dreaded words, 30 years before.
"G-d does not give you any more than you can handle” had always been my mantra..This challenge, my journey, was just another one that I had to persevere…And persevere I did, thanks to my amazing family and friends, and belief in myself…Multiple operations, months of chemotherapy and radiation, brought me to the day…December 31st, 2013. How apropos…This coincidentally, was my last day of radiation treatment…A new year, a promising year ahead…Smiling, as I walked out into the bright sunlight, smiling as I could finally see the rainbow at the end of my rainstorm… Noticing the bright green trees, hearing the melodic singing of the birds, suddenly, everything around me was magnified, brighter, and sweeter.
Growing up, I never felt strong..It was only going through this Journey, did I realize the person that I truly am....During this metamorphosis, there has been a transformation.Never have I felt so strong as I do now.....Physically and emotionally....Going through breast cancer, conquering breast cancer, has made me become a better, stronger version of ME..It has taught me to love and appreciate life more, never taking anything or anyone for granted, and it has given me the gift of realizing that I can do ANYTHING that I put my mind to…

Dara Michelle Koch
Hollywood, FL