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Early Detection Is So Important

My cancer was detected in my left breast in June 2003 during a routine mammogram, so I have been a survivor for 7 1/2 years. It was very small - the doctor said it was about the size of my little fingernail. In fact, they said they probably got most of it during the needle biopsy. I had a lumpectomy with a sentinel node dye procedure and, unfortunately, cancer was found in one lymph node, which was then also removed. Thus, I had to have both chemo and radiation treatments. It was an emotional roller-coaster week because we moved my daughter to college one day and then the next day was my son's first day of high school, along with my first chemo treatment! I tolerated all treatments without many horrible problems (even though I lost my hair, of course). I was proud of the fact that I missed very little time at work during my treatment schedule, and people kept telling me I was so positive.

I have had so much support from my wonderful family, friends, employer and co-workers. We have had a team for Race for the Cure every year, and my three sisters are always the first to ask when it is so they are sure to be there with me.

I am the poster child for mammograms because I am positive I was saved by that procedure because the cancer was detected when it was so small. So the message I want to pass on is for women to PLEASE don't forget to have your annual mammograms!!

Donna
Des Moines, IA

Getting through the tough times.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 when i was 32 and had surgery,chemo and radiotherapy.It was a roller coaster of emotions that year but with my supportive husband and young children,they made me stronger,they may not have realized it but they did in so many ways and i am grateful they are apart of my life.Now i can carry on being able to work and be the wife and mother that i cherish every day.

kimberly johnson
Durham, United Kingdom

Since 2006

I have been a Survivor for almost 5 years! There is no story just Thankfulness! I am blessed! Thank you to my Son's James, Joseph and Rob!

Juli Jette
Lodi, CA

Almost 20 years

My breast cancer journey started days before my 2nd daughter was born, nearly 20 years ago. What followed was a whirlwind year of surgery, chemo, radiation and one appointment after another for me as well as normal newborn check-ups for my baby. What a blur! Recovery was essentially unremarkable. Appointments spaced out and life resumed a normal format. I have been so fortunate to raise my daughters and witness their transition into wonderful young adults. A year ago the unthinkable happened. 25 years of nursing had taken a toll on my joints, especially my knees. The orthopedist had the unfortunate task of telling me that there were lesions on my thigh and shin bones. Not knowing exactly what they were, I started a new trek of discovering that the breast cancer had spread to my bones.
Once again I was thrust into doctor appointments, blood tests, scans and now targeted therapy. This is so much more tolerable than the traditional chemo I had in 1991, but does involve IV meds every few weeks. Again life has returned to (a new) normal. I get up each day glad to be able to do what I have to do, whether it is work, taking care of the household or relaxing; I am living.
I am most thankful for my wonderful husband and daughters who have given me the strength to live my life.

Maury
Smithfield, RI

An Artful Tribute to Survival

On November 21, 2009 when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer just days before Thanksgiving, I vowed that I would shave my head in support of my mom and the journey to come if she had to go through chemotherapy. A month later, the lump was removed and all traces gone of the Stage 1 cancer. What a blessing right before Christmas that year! Months later, we all took part in the Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure" - an emotional, moving, and triumphal event to say the least... what a day! But I still wanted to do something in honor of my mom... something lasting. After much thought, I worked with a local tattoo artist on my concept and wishes, and the results you can see here. Some three sessions and a total of 10 hours later, the artful and lasting tribute was done just a day before ringing in 2011 with new beginnings, and just days after the marked one-year anniversary of my mom's survival. This tattoo is dedicated to my mom without whom I don't know how I would feel today. In dedication with Hope, Faith, and Love, I honor my mother. I love you, Mom!

Todd Adams
Dallas, TX

My fight with breast cancer in 2009

I am a breast cancer survivor both breast came off and now going through recontstuction. I have the most wonderful Doctors,Family,Friends. My faith in God is the one who got me though this and sitting here to tell about it. I was a late stage 3 but the support I had for everybody made my trip a little easier. I met the most beauitful cancer pts. in my treatment. I am in the health care field and it is a different story when you are on the other side but I made it with a wonderful husband and family and friends by my side and the good lord giving me all my strength to do so. I hope I can help somebody some day. What ever you do keep the faith it is so important. This took place in 2009 and I am cancer free that was the best christmas present to me in 2010. I don't know how to post my picture I am still not that computer good. And to all my friends and they all know who they are I am so grateful to them.

Susan Dunn
Clovis, CA

why pink is important to me

on May 25, 2008 my best friend "Susie" was diagnosed with 4th stage Breast cancer at the age of 38. Soon after her diagnoses she did her HIDA scan and all the other tests needed and in June or July she underwent a Mastectomy of the right breast. We all watched her go through her chemo treatments after chemo treatments. we all watched while her beautiful hair fell out. Needless to say Susie's cancer spread to her spine, liver and finally her brain. She was stronger about it then i was. She passed as peacfully as she could at the age of 39. I have Susie with me no matter where i am at or what i am doing. I miss her and love her more now. I learned so much from her strength and her will to fight and boy did she fight but she didnt win and she grew tired and fatigued. My very last oriented conversation with her I remember her telling me "Dar, im tired. I just cant do this anymore. July 9, 2009 Susie lost her battle and was taken away from us. She left an "Unfinished life" she still had Bryan to raise at the age of 12 and Kye just started college and her love of her life Sean wasnt ready to see her go, like all of us. There isnt a day that goes by that i dont think of her and i know she is around me... she lets me know." SUPPORT THE CURE, MAMMOGRAMS ARE IMPORTANT AND CAN BE FREE OF CHARGE" Her and I have had so many laughs,good times and not always perfect but if there was anyone in this world that i KNEW had my back it was my "Susie Q" I love you
"Spilled Perfume" RIP

Dar
Humboldt Co., CA

Why I wear the Pink Ribbon???

The pink ribbon reminds me of what I've gone through in the past 20 yrs and how STRONG I've become because of this time. I am a 3 time survivor and my faith is so strong it's unbelievable. I never thought I would see my daughter get married 12 yrs ago or the birth of my 1st grandchild. Now with 4 beautiful grandchildren later, I am here to spoil them. I, with God's help and the research being done, I know I will see great-grandchildren as well.
CANCER is the ugliest word in the dictionary, but it isn't a death sentence. Trust your doctors, surgeon, and accept all the support that is out there.Most of all put your faith in God.
As a Dr. once told me......If you pray, don't worry...If you worry, don't pray!

Barbara Torres
Austin/San Antonio, TX

MY SISTER THE FIGHTER

DEAR PEOPLE, MY SISTER HAD BREAST CANCER IN BOTH BREAST WHEN SHE WAS 57 SHE HAD IT IN ONE BREAST ELEVEN YEARS LATER SHE GOT IT IN THE OTHER BREAST SHE FOUGHT BREAST CANCER ON CHEMO FOR 11 YRS SHE WAS DOING GREAT. ALL OF A SUDDLE SHE COULDN'T WALK THEY SAID SHE GOT CANCER OF THE SPINE. WHICH SHE HAD CANCER CELLS IN HER SPINAL FLIUD SPREAD THROUGH HER BODY LIKE WILD FIRE AND SHE LASTED 6 WEEKS .SHE JUST DIED ON DEC 15 ,2010. I AM SICK OVER IT I MISS HER SO MUCH SHE WAS SUCH A FIGHT . SO PLEASE KEEP FIGHTING I WISH EVERYONE THE BEST OF HEALTH FOR THE NEW YEAR LOVE YOU JANET

Anonymous
MIDDLETOWN, NJ

4 years since my op

I was diagnosed in 2006 and completed treatment in May 2007. I am grateful every day for the research and the skill of the medical profession that gave me my life back.

Grace Black
Glenrothes, United Kingdom