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Smaller is Better!

I was first diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in 2006 and was treated with lumpectomy, tamoxofin and 8 weeks of daily radiation. 18 months later I had a recurrence. I decided right then and there that I wanted a double mastectomy, as I could not face a lifetime of worrying everytime I walked into the Breast Center.
I was not a good candidate for implants so I decided to do the transflap surgery. The bonus was a tummy tuck - since you use you own stomach tissue to re-build your "new" breasts. The downside, of course, is the 12 hour surgery, 4 days of ICU while you wait to see if your new breasts are going to be viable, and the long recovery. 2 1/2 years later and I am still glad I did the surgery, even though I still get some wierd aches and pains under my arms and in my stomach.
My surgeon was concerned I would be upset that I went from a DD to a C cup. SInce I am only 5'2" I was thrilled as these are just my size! I am lucky to live in a city where this surgery is an option because it is a difficult one. My surgeon is a genius and I am cancer-free!

Cyndy U
Los Angeles, CA

7 Years Ago Today

It occured to me this evening that it was 7 years ago today--New Year's Eve 2003--that I got my initial diagnosis of breast cancer. I was devastated and sure my life was over. Yet here I am today, living a full happy life! Yes, I've had recurrences--3 to be exact. I'm taking oral medication now and I don't know what the future holds. But the past 7 years have been a journey more of laughter and love, self discovery, and connecting with others, than of pain. You never know what life will bring or even how long it will last. None of us have time for regrets. So grab your sense of humor and lust for adventure and get out there and give it all you've got! I know I am!

Kathy
Conway, AR

Laughter and Pink Hair

I have learned that my cancer journey has been more about laughter than the surgeries and treatments. And it’s that focus on laughter and love that has made my journey do-able. I owe a lot of that to my family and friends.
A perfect example of dealing with breast cancer with laughter is my hair cut party. It was shortly after I started chemo in 2008 and we gathered with family and friends to cut my hair. My kids did the initial trim and they loved it. I mean, how many kids get to say they cut their parents hair without getting into trouble! Then my husband finished it off. It was a celebration and a symbol. This was a fight we have every intention of winning, and we were going to enjoy our life while we did it.
I was NED after chemo and radiation until 2010. It was a routine CT that showed my cancer had spread. I am now stage 4 with mets to the liver. Surgery isn’t an option so I am on chemo and a hormone blocker treatment.
As a promise to our kids, I told them if I ever had to go through chemo again they would get to color my hair pink. And so, less than a week after my recurrence, we spent an evening in our kitchen as my family became my private boutique. Our girls get such a kick out of telling people about my pink hair. “It shows she’s fighting breast cancer and she’s going to WIN!” I love the smiles they have when they tell people.
So I’m here saying I’m not giving up the fight and I am going to enjoy every minute of my life’s journey with all the laughter I can get.

Lisa
Olathe, KS

Humor helps

My Mom had a masectomy and was staying with us while she was going through her treatments. A friend was setting up a mother/daughter game for Mother's Day with her church youth group. She asked us the questions to see how it would go. One of the questions was "What is the biggest difference between you two?" I said I have large breasts and my Mom does not. She said "She has two breasts and I have one." We all laughed. Certainly suprised every one else at the table.

Theresa
Richmond, NH

I got the country club version

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer the doctors were talking mastectomy from the beginning! Little did I know that I would get a tummy tuck and a boob job as my treatment!! Plus I didn't have to have chemo or radiation so I call it my "Country Club" version of Breast Cancer. All my friends and family tell me I look better than I did before Breast Cancer! Thanks to my doctors!!

Sue Schreiner
Houston, TX

Pass the chicken

After coming home from the hospital following my mastectomy, one of my daughters had kindly made dinner and was passing the food at the table. As she was passing the plate of chicken she innocently said to me, "here, would you like a breast"? It only took a moment until she and everyone else realized what she said. I think there was a silent moment as everyone looked at her and me. I laughed....and we all had a good laugh!

I am now an 11 year breast cancer survivor.

Carolyn
near Walla Walla, WA

SHIRLEY

I am writing this story on this site in honor of my grandmother whom i had lost to breast cancer 22 years ago. Her name is Shirley Hastings. This women is remarkable in so many ways. This disease had impacted my life and the life of my family. I remember how wonderful she was. Her laugh, smile, voice, and most of all, her love. She had cared for her family so much. I remember holidays, family parties, and her pot roast (which i still cant duplicate to this day)!

In March of 1988, was when the good lord decided to bless my grandmother into eternal life. A life with out pain, a life without suffering, and a life without anymore tears. She faught a good fight with this disease and even though she lost her battle, I as her granddaughter, remain here fighting the war. The war for her and the other women in this world fighting this cancer.

I do anything i possibly can to support this cause! Bracelets, snuggies, hats, shirts, and have even grew my hair out three feet waiting for the perfect chance to donate it to women like her!!!!!! I as a women would like to show my support by doing anything i can... And to anyone who reads my story and have ever doubted yourself or the lord....keep the faith and keep fighting!

-----------Ryann Grills 29, Chicago IL

ryann
chicago, IL

Early Detection Saved My life

I lost my maternal grandmother and a maternal aunt to breast cancer. I was devistated to find out my mother also was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999 and passed away in 2005. I had already had 2 benign lumps removed, one at 35 yrs old and the other at 40 yrs old. When I was 45, I felt a small lump in my right breast. I had just had my "routine" mammogram in November 2006 and this was April 2007. I went for another mammogram and an ultrasound and the doctor suggested a biopsy. My lump was cancer. My cancer was only 2.5 cm, very small. Due to my family history, I chose to have bilateral mastectomies with reconstruction. The doctors tell me my chances of the cancer coming back are very small, but I continue to see my doctors every 6 months. I have 2 daughters and 2 grandaughters. I encourage my daughters to do self exams, and my oldest daughter gets regular mammograms (my youngest is only 15). Remember, early detection saves lives.

Suzanne Bryan
Newnan, GA

Twice survivor

I felt a tiny pea-sized lump on my breast and being grand-daughter of a breast cancer survivor sort of guessed what was there. I got through the works--lumpectomy, chemo, radiation, and was so happy when the check-ups spaced in time and my hair grew back thick and curly!
That was 9 years ago, July 2001. I was 37 then, I'm cured of it.
This year, I was supposed to have had my mammogram in Feb. They had to re-schedule me and I got it in July instead. And there it was, a totally independent tiny new lump, on the other breast. I hadn't even felt it yet. I got another lumpectomy, so now my breasts match ;) Right now I'm going through chemo, radiation will follow... and YES, I will be cured of this one too, thanks to the wonderfull support of all my family and friends.
And I will get my curly locks again :))))
Early detection? Always! Don't ever skip a check-up... Isn't it worth seeing our children grow?!

Anonymous
Oeiras, Portugal

Breast Cancer

At 41, my doctor told me it was time to start doing annual mammograms. I thought nothing of it, and went to my scheduled appointment. After, when they called me back because the mammogram was suspicious, I thought nothing of it.Why would I? No one in my family history ever had breast cancer. After the biopsy was done and now knowing the fact that I had cancer was shocking. The surgery was practically painless. It took more of a toll on my mind than my body. It was stage 2A. I got a lumpectamy. They took about 40% of my breast. Then the real work began. The chemo made me sick. The radiation burnt my skin but i'm still here today! That was 4 years and 1 month ago. I have my check ups like clock work. I do everything the doctor tells me to. The moral of my story is... EARLY DECTION SAVES LIVES! HAVE YOUR MAMMOGRAM DONE TODAY!

Love You All! God Bless and Happy New Years!

Tamila
Bellflower, CA