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Don't Assume Anything

I just had been recently separated and then my father passed away. I never thought that anything else could come across my door.
Shortly after my separation, I developed a huge lump on my left breast. I immediately had it checked out. It was only a cyst, thank goodness. It disappeared as fast as it appeared. I had previously had a cyst removed from my wrist and also one on my head. Well I came to the conclusion that I am just a lumpy person. Besides that, there was no breast cancer history in the family either.
A couple of years later, I develped a lump on my right breast. Of course, I wasn't too concerned after the previous findings. Well when the doctor checked me she looked worried and sent me for a biopsy. It turned out I had stage 4 breast cancer. I had a full mastectomy and breast reconstruction. I developed an infection and had to have another surgery to take tissue from my back to fix me up again. Then I had the chemo and the radiation. I lost all my hair including my eyelashes which was the hardest to take.
This has been a life changing experience. I have learned that I have been blessed with the most amazing friends and children. They kept me strong and courageous through the worst time of my life.
I have since taken up travelling. I have been to Mexico and have also spent 5 weeks in Australia (my dream) with my dear friend/sister-in-law. I no longer assume nothing. I smile everyday and treasure every blessed moment of life. There is life after Cancer!

Joanne
Winnipeg, Canada

our life as a family

My wife for 23 years had been diegnoced with breast cancer, she was in a world of her own(her mind is out of sorts) for about three months now. We had an argument and she put a restrianing order(just against me seeing or talking to her and nothing against the kids, I can see or do anything with them freely) against me two days before her double masectamy. The kids(three, 13 boy,17 girl and 20 girl) and I are besides our selves. It has been 30 days now and we still don't know what her intentions are about me getting back into the house and with the family. Her mind is turned up side down. Is there any help for poeple in this type of situations? Is this normal for someone to act like this when there is a not knowing about the cancer? She said before all of this, it was all about her and it was her life and she will do what she wants but she seemed to forget about the family. I love her with all my heart, mind, soul and body dearly. I don't know what else to do. We are drifting away and we need to be close at this time of need and time of support. What can be done to save our family? We go to curt soon and we hope she dropps this whole thing and try to get back to some type of normalcy. Please pray for us!!!

Tom
St. Louis, MO

My sister

My family has been riddled with Breast Cancer. Back in the early 60's my mother died at age 32, leaving behind 4 children, twins 6, 7 & 8 years of age. She had returned from visiting her sister in California to assist her through her illness with Breast cancer, only to return home and be diagnosed with the same. My mother died within the year and her sister died shortly after in her mid 30's, leaving behind 2 children. Those were the only 2 children of my maternal grandparents and my grandmother, in part, died herself.
My sister was diagnosed in her mid 40's and with the advancement in medicine, her strong support circle and her positive approach and proper decision making, she is now a 10+ year survivor and going strong.
I would have loved to have known my mother and aunt, life would have been so different, but I thank God everyday I still have my sister, she is my true inspiration..
I love you Terry.

Karen Barsanti
Anchorage, Alaska

Karen Ann Barsanti
Anchorage, AK

Why Am I a Breast Cancer Survivor?

In reading some of these postings, I see where some have lost their lives, even young mothers. I am a grandmother, and I claimed survivorship the day I was given my diagnosis. My overdue mammogram was my 65th birthday present to myself. My life has been a gift from God. I do not know why I am a survivor and someone else is not, but I know that God is with me on this path; and with His inspiration, I started paying it forward during my radiation treatments. I pray for the day that I will not need to give out a sparkle cap to another woman who has lost her hair; but while we are on this path, I want each woman to know how beautiful she is, inside and out. Gals, always remember, keep God at your side, something fab on your head (especially when it is cold), wear your makeup (even red lipstick), and see yourself as the HOT CHIC that you are! And the day that you are comfortable enough to bear your head and new do (whatever it might be), help others to be comfortable by wearing an even bigger, brighter smile that says, "I am a Survivor!" (I am going hatless in less than two weeks.) We are inspirations to others. How many have gotten their mammograms because of our journeys?!

I praise God, my husband, my extended family and friends for all the prayers lifted on my behalf. I am a HOT CHIC, and I am a breast cancer survivor!

Susan Victorious
Sumter, SC

Routine Mamogram

I am a healthy and physically fit 54 year old woman that was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer. The tumor was exactly 1.6 cm and was found on a routine Mamogram 10-29-10. In 1 week the cancer got into 1 of my sentinel nodes and went to Stage 2. I had surgery (Lumpectomy) 2 weeks ago. The Cancer is gone but, there are probably kick back cancer cells from the tumors and node floating around. In Jan. I start 4 months of Chemo. followed by Radiation.

I come from a very large family. My grandmother had 13 children. No one in my family has ever had Cancer except, self inflicted lung cancer from smoking. I was totally taken by surprise and disbelief when I was diagnosed. I have always taken good care of myself and I have never been sick.

I had Biological not Hormone Cancer. This is very invasive and fast growing. The Dr.s are saying that this tumor probably formed in July or August. The Routime Mamogram literally saved my life.

Jeanette Baird
Boca Raton, FL

ReBirth Through Breast Cancer

Five years ago, at 52, I was diagnosed. Family history, a benign lump removed at 19, regular mammos and ultrasounds began at 32. Large fibrocystic (lumpy) breasts made self exams difficult.

Raising a family, homeschooling, home business, music ministry & caring for my parents....there was NO TIME to relax (and I didn't know how to slow down!)

Then it happened...our 27 yr. marriage ended and 2 weeks after signing divorce papers,.....breast cancer!!! Though rare, only 99% chance of spreading,...I WAS IN THE 1%....and it had spread to one lymph node & eventually a second site. Stage 2/3.

The next 4 years included 3 lumpectomies, lymphnode dissection, 6 rounds chemo, 7 weeks radiation, complete hysterectomy (to prevent ovarian cancer) & bilateral mastectomy/reconstruction....ALONG with the divorce settlement....without a clear brain, nor strength to fight it.

My life was "in pieces" as I clung to Jesus and my closest supporters, appreciating their love, support & encouragement. They allowed me to "feel my feelings, flowing through buckets of tears". I talked it out & wrote about it in my journal. Days of recovery seemed endless... the last 2 chemos were extremely difficult and I wanted to QUIT,...but didn't!

Today, I eat healthy foods (organic when possible), look for "fun" exercise & enjoy each day as "A Special Gift", trusting God for the future. I no longer put off til tomorrow....it's"One Day at a Time". Opportunities for travel with friends, I'm living out my dreams! Life has new meaning and purpose. My grown kids love their "new" mom...and so do I!

Breast cancer & divorce didn't kill me....with time, it made me stronger & happier! I didn't know I could survive either one, but God walked beside me each step of the way & I will be forever grateful....Life Is GOOD! :)

Ruth Ann
Georgetown, CA

Cancer...Been There, Beat That

My phone rang and an anonymous voice on the other end simply said, "It's cancer." With those two little words, my life was forever changed.

First, I dealt with the fear of dying. When I concluded that I wasn't afraid to die, I realized I had no obstacle to living. For me, living with my mortality meant I must make my life amazing. I love more intensely, and I cherish my loved ones. I breathe deeply as I delight in life.

I saw cancer as a detour in my life. Just as a detour takes us off our desired path, we eventually get back to it and go on our way. While I am back on my chosen path, I live more passionately. The support I received from my husband, family, and friends got me through the darkest period of my life. Now I know I can face anything that life throws at me, and I do so with the joy of being alive to experience whatever I have to face.

Other survivors mentored me through my cancer detour, and I have been blessed to "pay it forward" for those who have followed. This is a sisterhood that no one chooses to join, but once you are a member, it is a sisterhood like no other. Your "cancer" sisters look out for you and you for them.

I don't view cancer as a blessing, but it brought all of my blessings to light so I am able to appreciate them more than ever. None of us knows what tomorrow will bring, so I must bring the best of me and my life to today. I love not knowing what is next on my life's journey, but I believe in its promise, the promise of hope, love, and laughter.

Linda Wheeler
Denver, CO

NBC's 9News in Denver saved me

I had no reason to believe I'd ever get cancer of any kind - let alone breast cancer. However, when 9News (Denver's NBC affiliate) starts talking about BuddyCheck 9 every month, I tend to listen. BuddyCheck 9 reminds you to do a self-breast exam and asks that you enlist a friend.

So, on April 9th of this year (2010), I did my self-breast exam and felt a lump. I have no family history of breast cancer and am generally a pretty healthy woman. When I felt the lump, I immediately called everyone in my family... Apparently, we are a “cyst-y” bunch, so that’s what I figured it was, but still made an appointment to see my doctor. The doctor also thought it was a cyst, but recommended a mammogram, “just in case.”

I was scheduled for the mammogram on May 8th. By May 13th I was diagnosed with stage 2/3 breast cancer.

The past six months have been the hardest of my life. I’ve gone through six rounds of chemo and have had two surgeries. Next week, I’ll start radiation. But, I’m happy to say, I’m cancer free! I will now get to see my two little boys (ages 4 and 2) grow up, graduate and get married. Who knows how long it would’ve been before myself, or my doctor, would’ve noticed the growing tumor in my breast without the BuddyCheck 9 reminder and subsequent mammogram.

Susan
Boulder, CO

Too Young

There's never been any history of breast cancer in my family. Heck, I even tested negative for the gene. But, at 29, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
I had just gotten married, I was loving my new job, and I was planning to go back to school to get my master's degree. Then, this happened. I cried and panicked. What was I going to do?
Luckily, I was in an area that had excellent medical care. My surgeon, oncologist, and plastic surgeon all took me under their wings and took care of me.
Chemo lasted all that summer and was extremely rough. I missed a lot of work. There were even times I wanted to give up. My husband, who was 24 at the time, wouldn't let me give up. He came to every treatment and took care of me through every step of the way.
I'm happy to say that I've been cancer-free for three years now, and I hope to stay that way. I'm doing what my doctors tell me, and I'm taking care of myself.
If you think you're too young to get breast cancer, you're wrong. Always, always keep a check on your body because early detection was what saved me.

Amy
Charleston, SC

Only 29

I found a lump in October '08 and immediately started contacting doctors. Within a month I had an ultrasound, mammo and biopsy with results that would changemy life. Two weeks before Christmas I had a lumpectomy. My lymph nodes were negative, I had stage two breast cancer. Beginning of new year I had eight rounds of chemo and 36 treatments of radiation. At the time my oldest child was 13 and my youngest of my three was 8. It was one of the hardest things I had to deal with but I knew that I could beat this. With a wonderful husband I made it through without even getting sick once. He was so careful abou every I ate, drank and keeping my house clean. He didn't even allow my kids to use my bathroom. My family help in so many ways and without them I don't know how I would have made it. Now that it is over and my hair has grown back it seems like it was so long ago and it was only last year. This has taught me to follow my dreams and appreciate everything in life.We tend to take things for granted in our hectic lives. Today I struggle with the fear of reacurrance with ever blood test, mammo and mri I have to take. I hope in time this will get easier. It doesn't help the fact that the opposite breast has cyst that they are constantly watching. Staying positive and being loved is what made last year easier for me. Today I try to reach out to young women who have so many questions!! We all should try to help.

Christina
Panama City, FL