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My Mom -- The Wind Beneath My Wings

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2001. She was only 44 years old. She had a mastectomy to remove the breast & underwent chemotherapy. She was in remission for about 4 1/2 years when the cancer returned, this time in the other breast, in 2006. She, again, had a mastectomy to remove that breast, followed by radiation & chemo. She was only in remission a few months, however, before the cancer reappeared, in her mammary glands, in 2007. She underwent chemo, radiation, medications, surgeries, emergency room visits, infections -- but through it all, she never lost hope. She was continuously upbeat, hopeful, strong. She refused to let the cancer ruin the time she had left with us. Even when she went on Hospice, she never lost her trademark smile. Our hearts were broken, but Heaven receive another angel in February 2008, exactly 1 week after her 51st birthday, and just 10 short days after her own father passed away from lung cancer. While I still grieve her loss, I know that I am a stronger person because of her -- and that I now have her watching over me from Heaven.

Janine Firment
Prince George, VA

Always check for lumps and bumps

I was diagnosed with stage 3 advanced breast cancer in April of 2010, I was very shocked as this sort of thing doesnt run in my family, I am the first. My mom has 8 sisters and nothing like this has ever come up, no cancer in any form. When I discovered the lump it was already 5cm., shocking, considering, I didnt even know it was there, and I was 7 months pregnant as well. I would have to say after I found out it was cancer I was just numb, and really didnt know how to deal, tried to put it out of my head, my husband was always very optimistic, I would just keep thinking that if I didnt survive, he could look after our children. I had a round of chemo while I was pregnant, very low dosage they said, and then I was delivered early, she was very tiny, but healthy, since then I have had 7 more rounds of chemo, lost all my hair in the first month, kind of a shock lol but at least I dont have to do my hair among everything else lol, try to look at the bright side of things. I just recently had a partial mastectomy and go for radiation in Janauary, then in May I get the other breast removed and looking forward to my reconstructive surgery, I am optimistic that everything will go well. I was never so aware of breast cancer until now, obviously, but I would have to say that its so very important to check yourself all the time, whenever it comes to your mind. Its nice to talk to people that have also been through this, as sometimes you tend to feel very alone, thank you for lettting me share my story.

Freda
Kelowna, Canada

My story

In September 2010 I noticed a mass on my right breast. Not thinking too much about it I made an appt to see my doctor to get it checked out. I thought it was clogged milk ducts, nothing major since I had just finished nursing my baby about 3 months before. I went to the doctors and had it checked out, then had a mammogram and biopsy. On Oct 15, 2010 I was to go back to the doctors to get my results. Still not thinking anything major. So my mother, my baby and I made our way to the doctors office. That was the day that my life changed forever.

On October 15 2010 I was diagnosed with stage 2 lobular breast cancer. This was the worst news I had ever heard. Being only 28 and having a baby about to turn one that same month, I was so overwhelmed. I didn't know what to think, my world stopped. So I had a right modified radical mastectomy only 6 days after being diagnosed. My tumor was 5 cm! I was lucky enough that the cancer did not spread to my lymphnodes or anywhere else in my body.

Now I am going through 6 rounds of aggressive chemotherapy every 3 weeks for the next 6 months. I have only had 1 session and so far I feel great. I may have lost my hair, but it is a small price to pay. It is going to be a journey, but I know with all the support that I am getting from all my family and friends, I can do this! All I have to do is look at my baby and that is enough motivation to keep me fighting!

Cyndee
Chino, CA

My journey

For many years I had an annual mammogram but in 2007 the exam found a suspicios spot. After more testing, I had a lumpectomy with positive margins so a modified radical mastectomy was done a week later. I then had four rounds of chemo and am approaching my 4th anniversary of being a survivor. So I urge all women (and men too) to do the self exam and have an annual mammogram. It does save lives!

Ann-Marie Conklin
Pawtucket, RI

It's always ongoing. . . .

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996 and my best supporter was and still is my husband - he was with me through my radiation treatments and my chemo treatments [bald head and all] - he trimmed all his hair so we looked pretty much alike! I don't think I could have gotten through all the treatments if it weren't for my husband. Since that time I have found The Breast Cancer Site web site and it's also been a source of support and I'm truly grateful. Thank you! Folks - get checked for the bumps & lumps and make sure loved ones are with you as much as possible and always let them know You Love Them! I have always promoted getting mammograms and it saved me - my breast cancer was caught early - so please do monthly checks AND get mammograms! Mia Morgan, Owensboro, KY

Mia Morgan
Owensboro, KY

My Family's Fight

I was 13 when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and then 35 years later when I was about the same age I was diagnosed the first time. That was 4 years ago. Earlier this year, 2010, I was diagnosed for the 2nd time, this time in the other breast. My older sister was diagnosed at the same time. I don't know why our family has been chosen for this fight but we are triumphing. My sister and I are both cancer free now. I am thankful for early detection, both of mine were caught in early stages. I am also thankful for the wonderful support and love from my husband and family. Take time to laugh everyday, it helps.

Candy
LAS VEGAS, NV

Positive Attitude and Sense of Humor

I am a 3 1/2 year breast cancer survivor. When I first heard the "C" word I was out of town on business. That's all I heard from the other end of the phone even though that phone conversation lasted 15 minutes. My emotions changed constantly; from sadness, crying, scared, mad and then let's deal with it and get on with life. When I started losing my hair from chemo a close friend sent me the following. It made me laugh and I send it to eveyone I know going through breast cancer and chemo.

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she only had three hairs on her head. Well, I think I'll braid my hair today....she did and had a wonderful day. The next day she saw she only had two hairs and said I think I'll part my hair down the middle...she did and had a grand day. The next day she only had one hair and said I'm going to wear a pony tail...she did and had a fun day. The next day she didn't have any hair on her head and said "Yipppeee...I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Laughter IS the best medicine!

Barbara
Kansas City, MO

I am still me

January 21, 2009 - Biopsy on my left breast for a lump that showed up on an MRI that was ordered after I found a lump in my RIGHT breast.

January 23, 2009 - My 45th birthday. Boyfriend takes me to NY to celebrate. Cell phone rings just as we check into our hotel. It's my doctor. I don't answer. If it's bad news I don't want it to spoil my weekend.

January 26, 2009 - My doctor calls again. It's cancer. Stage I. Caught early. We talk about a lumpectomy, later scheduled for February 4. That goes well. After, I tell my daughters, age 11 and 8, what's going on. Don't know that they fully understand, but they know.

April 2, 2009 - First round of chemo. My hair starts to fall out 11 days later. My children help cut my hair, and give me a mohawk in the process. :o) Three more rounds to go, then 36 rounds of radiation.

June 4, 2009 - Last round of chemo. Two days later I walk in my first Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Exhilarating. Radiation starts July 17, five days a week.

September 11, 2009 - Last round of radiation. Through it all I never became physically ill, thank goodness, nor missed work except for my chemo/radiation and doctor appointments.

December 14, 2009 - First mammogram after treatments. I get a clean bill of health. Hallelujah!!

January 1, 2010 - Call friends/family to wish them well in the New Year. Filled them in on my goings on of 2009. Some were upset: "why didn't you tell me?! I would've been there with you." That's exactly what I didn't want. No pity party here.

You see, I am still me. Yes, I had cancer, but cancer never had me.

Mari
Crofton, MD

Second Battle

I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time. The first was twenty years ago, I fought and won the battle with medical help and the love of my wonderful family. I am ready to fight again and am looking forward to my next twenty years as a well woman. My Grandchild from the first time around has been joined by five more so I have a bigger army to help me fight! Kay C, B'ham UK

Kay Clarke
Birmingham, UK, United Kingdom

By Faith Not by Sight

God and my family and friends,my husband,was my help they were wonderful through all of. ,found it early dr said, 4 yrs cancer free Dec 10th. My faith has always, helped me through,losing my parents. son-law, good friends, , but we are fighters, and we can reach out and fight for ourselves and others, just lossed a dear and sweet friend 6 mo ago, her sister 10yrs ago,,
My mom always told me , when she was bad sick or my dad, God always heals, sometimes he heals you here, sometimes he takes you home to heal, just believe,
his ways, are not our ways.
I have many friends going through treatments as I write, I calls, send cards make them a blanket and take them to lunch, if they can, I've been where they are, and so touching others with hope and courage,
because those things were given to me . I want to help,others, and thats what Iam doing. Walking by faith, to believe,God has a plan for me...
then 2 yrs later my husband was dianoised with Parkinson, so I need to be here for him.God Bless .I want to be a good helper to him, when , the time comes .Life is not fair,but we make the best of a bad situation,with the help of God.

Jo Taylor
Delavan, IL