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Am I Going To Die

When I found out I had breast cancer, the first thing I asked my Oncologist was, "Is this going to kill me?" He said no. From that moment on I thought of my cancer as no more serious than any other time I had been sick. I just had to go through more steps to be well. I went on the Internet and found all I could about breast cancer and treatment. It helped that I had a great support system at home and a great team of doctors. I have been pronounced cancer free and am awaiting my reconstruction which should take place in Jan 2011. Having a positive outlook and educating yourself about your particular breast cancer is the best medicine.

Tina
Lemoore, CA

"Giving it my Breast": My Journey Through Breast Cancer

I am a Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor now 18 years later diagnosed with Breast Cancer at 37 Years of age. I'm currently undergoing chemotherapy, then surgery and radiation. If I can bring awareness to anyone, it would make me happy. Stay Positive, Stay Strong and let's fight Breast Cancer together.
Here is my personal blog: http://ninapandolfo.blogspot.com/

Nina Pandolfo
Innisfil, Canada

My Unforgettable Journey

My Journey began in October 2009, as I was told I had Stage III breast cancer and it spread to my lymph nodes. In a matter of two weeks, I was having surgery to insert a port, multiple CAT scans, and MRI’s but having to tell my family that I had cancer was one of the hardest things I had to do.
I began my chemo treatments right away and every two weeks. While I was going through my treatments, I would always get sick, and I lost all my hair which was the second hardest things I had to go through. My journey became very difficult as the holidays were approaching, but I was too sick to enjoy the holiday season. My Oncology nurse told me that I need to concentrate on getting better and that next year-2010 would be my year and she was right.
In January 25, 2010, I had my last round of chemo and on February 18, I had surgery. Along with family and friends, I celebrated as I no longer had cancer. Radiation followed but my hair was growing back little by little.
During my journey, my loving and caring husband never left my side. My faith in God, along with family, friends and many prayers, I beat this cancer.
I’m going on 10 months cancer free and I became a grandmother, attended my son’s high school graduation and anxiously waiting for the arrival of another grandchild. My Oncologist gave me a clean bill of health and now I’m enjoying the holidays with my family & friends.

Claudia Campa
San Antonio, TX

23 years old....

I was diagnosed at age 23 with stage 2 breast cancer, I had a great best friend who loved me and supported me through this time and I am now faced with a brain tumor and the age of 26, this time I will doing it without his support. There are many reasons to want to give up but one thats stops me and that is there are so many people worse off who don't even have the options of what I do. Best friends make it easier but without them its not impossible.
I begin treatment tomorrow and will fight for my life all over again.
xx

Phoebe
Melbourne, Australia

Survivor x 2 years

Was very scared , did not know how to tell my children,being divorced recently prior to getting breast cancer I thought was enough for 1 year.
Made in through, stronger than ever, survived .I take one day at a time, happy to just wake up and see the sun shine. Thank you God

Janet
Ormond Beach, FL

Proud to be a 'Survivor"

I had genetic testing for the BRAC gene late 2007/early 2008. As I expected I was positive BRAC-1. The Breast Specialist talked to me about my risks and sent me to meet with an Oncologist to hear my risks and what options I had to be proactive about it. Needless to say, I didn't get around to doing anything. Around March, 2009 a friend was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, this got me scared and I went for my mammogram & MRI. The Breast doctor asked to do needle biopsy (I thought it would be a cyst).... anyway, it was Breast Cancer. We quickly talked out what the best procedure to do...because of the BRAC1 gene, a double mastectomy was recommended. I met with a Plastic Surgeon about reconstruction and scheduled my surgeries. After my mastectomy, I endured 8 courses of chemotherapy. My doctors, my friends, my family and my company were so supportive. I completed my last chemo on 12/31/2009. I had several reconstruction surgeries and finally, had my ovaries, fallopian tubes and cervix removed (preventative) since I was also at high risk for those cancers. My last surgery was in November, 2010. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate being alive!
Ladies, don't put off your diagnostics...it is really important to catch cancer early. There is nothing better than being a "Survivor".

Anonymous
Marietta, GA

JAMES BLUNT I CURED MY CANCER HEARING YOUR SONGS

I'm an unconditional fan of JAMES BLUNT!
My admiration towards him is essential.
JAMES BLUNT: I cured my cancer hearing your songs!
On Oct 26, 2004, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
On March 9, 2005, I did the surgery.
In May 2005 I started taking the chemo sessions.
It was during that time that a nurse called Valquiria brought a walkman with earphones - so that I could listen to music.
That was when I got knowing about JAMES BLUNT: the music playing was "You're Beautiful".
I was delighted... it gave me peace and will to live.
James Blunt's songs helped me a lot... They conforted me in the hardest times...
God sent me an angel who relieved my pain with his songs

Since then I haven't stopped loving JAMES BLUNT!!!!!!!.

RITA BLUNT
SÃO JOSÉ DOS CAMPOS, Brazil

what a wonderful world

i have so much to be thankful for...i was diagnosed last year in june 2009 with breast cancer...i had chemo and radiation...did not do well on either especially the radiation but here i am today."cancer free" and i am very happy to be here on this earth...i want to thank my son, steven for being there for me...i do not think i would have made it without him..he gave such positivity and made me feel like everything was going to be okay. he was the one that took charge and a couple of days later he drove me to the hospital for my masectomy.everything was done so quickly because of him. Stay Strong! My sympathies are for those who have gone through what i went thru and my heartfelt thanks to the researchers, doctors, nurses and technicians who have contributed to my recovery. If my efforts remind just one person to visit their doctor, I will be elated and ever so grateful

Anonymous
north bergen, NJ

23 and diagnosed with Breast Cancer

I had just had my first child in the April and then the results of the lump in my breast was confirmed as malignant. I felt like it was a death sentence and couldnt accept the result. Probably a blocked milk duct was the first thought by my GP.
I asked the team to get a second opinion, which they happily did to make sure they hadnt made a mistake.
I had age, health, no family history and a new born daughter. I thought I had everything. I was only 23. God hates me, I must not have been good enough growing up. What did I do to deserve this?
I had to stay strong for Ashlee. I had a supportive family thankfully.
Mum was so strong and Ashlee was the wind beneath my wings. I had someone to live for.
Im the luckiest person I know. They found the lump early and treated me.
I lost my hair, had chemo and radiation and become a stronger person who doesnt take things for granted. Im lucky because after being told not to have anymore children (as mine was hormonal apparently), I now have 3 more kids and a very loving supportive husband. I was told its just a weed and you have to reject it, so I have. Given 10 years to live, Im now 40...Yay!!!!! And on I go...Thankyou God!

Anonymous
Te Awamutu, New Zealand

Breast cancer and more

I was devastated upon getting my breast cancer diagnosis at 38. With two small little girls, I couldn't imagine anything worse. Then, just 2 weeks before my double mastectomy, my amazing 40 year old sister in law learned she had bone cancer in her jaw that had spread throughout her face. It made me put my own diagnosis in perspective and motivated me to recover quickly so I could support her through her much more difficult battle. She has been so brave and strong, even after enduring a grueling surgery that removed more than half her jaw and half the bones in her face. She is now undergoing radiation, but she remains my hero and has been there for me throughout my own battle. I love her so much, and she made me stronger and more faithful. I am blessed to have her in my life, and it helped me learn that it is so much harder to watch someone you love suffer than to endure it yourself. Even when you think your own situation couldn't get any worse, life has a funny way of making you realize that sometimes it isn't as bad as you think. I am recovered, but I couldn't have done it without the support of my angel, Renee. Going through cancer brings some of the most amazing people to you, often ones that have been there all along. I have a new appreciation for all cancer patients and their caretakers. Too many of us out there, but hopefully one day that won't be the case.

Colleen Schoellkopf
Pasadena, TX