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Meet my pink co-survivor

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer 4 years ago, among the shock, horror, and disbelief was this little 5′ pink star who became the bell that notified my husband something was wrong. Like a little fairy, she hovered quietly, listening, watching. The only time I saw her laugh was when we held a shaving party because my hair was falling out in clumps. I was wobbly, sick. I felt like I was dying inside, but that day there were two pink stars beside me. . . .
At my last chemo, my family came to watch me ring the bell signaling I was done. Finished. Hopefully. My daughter was 16 but looked about 5—scared to death to walk through that room. I thought back to when my husband and I first saw the chemo room. I felt a bolt of lightning run through my veins so powerful I had a physical reaction. I did not want to go in that room. Ever. It wasn’t a pretty room, but the people in it were gorgeous. Absolutely stunning and beautiful.
After chemo, this little pink star really shone. Who else would have enough courage to wear a Save the TaTas’ shirt to high school and upon being made to change out of it by a pious, ignorant principal, would wear the exact same shirt on her very last day of school? Who else would chalk her car windows with pink ribbons and breast cancer awareness messages for the past three years, and upon being told by Better Half to please clean her windows so she could see [a good thing], would rebel and chalk tinier ribbons on her car windows? A breast cancer event? There she is, all bejeweled and pink-ribboned!
A pink rock star. My pink rock star.

Lisa McBrayer
Flippin, AR

My mom is a survivor

My mom had cancer many years ago and is a survivor. She has had check ups and is still free of it. I was little and don't remember much, except when she was joking around at my Grandmas saying that her favorite part of the cancer was not having to wash her hair, since it was all gone. She is always a bright happy person no matter what she has gone through. I love her with all my heart and glad she has survived. All anyone can do is hope and my mom brings hope to my heart every day. I love you mom, Thank you for being there for me, my sisters, my brother, and dad. I hope anyone going through this has the luck my mom had and stays strong, don't give up hope just because of the cancer, hope is a major thing in all of us when dealing with something like cancer. Thank you if you read and can relate to my story.

Anonymous
XXXXX, VA

Tribute to Joan T

I lost my sister to breast cancer she never gave up hope she fought till it took her with liver cancer..She also took a last minute trip and had a lovely time then returned to the cancer center and her children went to be with her by her bedside. I miss her.She passed in 1995.Just a few years after my other sister died from, I quess, limpnode cancer.We were all by her side till she passed.I am pressently praying for a miricle when i go for my mammogran this week. Pray for me? Cancer is so bad.Those with a "miricle" get to "tell" us about their fight to live!

Loretta
Clinton, ME

Early Detection

You can never prepare yourself for the three words "invasive ductile carcinoma". Once you are through the shock of being told you then have the horrifying experience of telling your husband and family. I have had breast cancer the only easy way a person can. I had a lumpectomy with radiation. The reason I was soooooo lucky was because of early detection. I had no prior family history, but did my yearly mammo faithfully. I can't emphasize enough to each and every one of you to be vigilant with your self exams and yearly check-ups. I am now cancer free for almost eight years and going strong. We are diligently fighting for a cure, but if you are diagnosed with breast cancer, then make sure YOU CATCH IT EARLY!!!

Becky Bauman
Fredonia, KS

My Mum Dee

My mum was diagnosed with stage 2 Breast Cancer in 2002. My mum was in her 5th yr of remission when she was diagnosed with Metastatic breast cancer. The cancer had travelled to her lung & 5 tumours on her brain. Dee fought for 8 long months until the disease finally ended her life of 59 years. I took full care of my mum with help from Blue Care & Palliative Care at home while she was ill & at home is where her life ended. I did everything I possibly could to help her through this tragic time as painless as possible. I worked very close with her doctors to manage her pain and to make her life as comfortable as possible. The last 8 months of my mum's life is something I will cherish & remember for the rest of my life. She was my mum, my best friend who I loved with all I had to give. But now she is in peace with my dad who passed away 4 years earlier. Rest In Peace Mum & Dad, God only knows how much I love and miss you both.
Love Always your daughter Sammie xoxoxox

Sammie Morgan
Brisbane, Australia

Silver Linings

This April, at age 35, while 5 months pregnant, I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. It was aggressive and growing fast. I had to "terminate the pregnancy" so within 2 weeks of the diagnosis, I was induced and delivered our son, Aiden, who we had 2 beautiful hours with before he passed on. The following morning I had my mediport put in and began chemo 2 days later. We were in the eye of the tornado known as Breast Cancer.

However, during this time...this journey, I have learned so much. Thanks to my amazing husband, (who shaved his head along with me and made me feel like I looked like a Goddess after my mastectomy) we have come through this with a dignity and strength that I am so proud of. Your perspective changes so much when faced with this. I have learned to find the silver lining in everything.

The beauty in everything around me, the appreciation for the simple things, the kindness of a stranger, and the drive and passion that may have been sleeping before all of this...I feel them all more than ever. So much so that I have done a complete career change. I will be spending the rest of the life I have been graced with helping others in this position.

And so, ironically, what inspires me is not just the unbelievable love and support of my family and friends, but the strength, beauty, and courage of those fighting this fight...and sites like yours...who help so much.

Kimberly
Richland, WA

The brave grandma

I remember 17 years ago my maternal grandmother received the news she had breast cancer. Very soon after she went in for a radical masectemy. I was 12 years old and had no idea what was going on. My grandmother has been the pillar that holds my family together and laughing.
Fast foward two years ago when she started to have pain on the same side of her masectemy. She never got reconstructive surgury, She was in her last 60's and really did not care. After many tests it was discovered the breast cancer was back, on the same side!
She has a free floating tumor in between her lung and rib and it is unoperable. Through a round of progressive radiation she has srunk the tumor to a point where she is out of pain.
My grandmother whom I love with all my heart is a walking cancer survior and patient. She is insperational. At the age of ohhh 70 something she is more active then me, her 30 year old granddaughter.
Grandma we all love you so much and keep up the good fight.
Love
Shelly

michelle
springfield, MA

17 yrs Later

I am a 17 yr survivor. Lost my breasts to cancer. During that time I thought I was going to loose my 2 yr old daughter now 19 and my 11 yr old son now 28, I had instructed my sister and brother in law to adopt them should I now make it. It was a long hard battle but I WON!!! I am still her with my kids and grand kids and loving every minute of my life good or bad. There is a light at the end and it brings beautiful days and joy to see each day arrive to be lived. I thank God and my family for all the support they gave me and always being by my side to support me and encourage me to fight and never give up. To all love and embrace life like it is the first day of your life I know I do.

Becky Romo
El Paso, TX

In The Memory Of My Sister Peggy

In the memory of my sister Peggy. She was a mother of my five nephews, two nieces and she is my sister, a wife and a daughter and she was an Aunt to my four children. I click in honor of my sister Peggy. She helped anybody who came knockng on her door asking for help. She has a big heart. She gave up a good fight. She collected Elvis Presley, a big fan of his and love his songs. She favorited, The Old Rugged Cross and Amazing Grace which my younger sister and I sang at her Memorial servce. And now she is our Angel who watches over her sisters.
On January 17, 2007, God called her home. He new she was getting tired, and knew a cure could not be found so He whispered in her ear to close her eyes and go to sleep, my child; I am waiting for you to come home to me.Sister Peggy fought to live with little strength she had left but she told us she was tired, she was going to sleep, she took her last grasp of air went home to be with the Lord. On January 27,2007, my younger sister and I had a memorial service in her memory.

Dotti
Duncannon, PA

Walking that mile!

I was diagnosed in July 1999, It was a real shock! Thankfully I had two Stage 1 tumors and only needed a lumpectomy and radiation. I also made a decision I would keep my life as normal as possible for my own sanity as well as my families'. I decided to keep working.
There were so many people who walked that mile with me during this time. My family rallied together and decided not to make cancer my lot in life, I was going to live!. My co-workers were trully amazing, they made sure I was an active part of the work environment, yet when I needed their assistance when I began to show the weariness of radiation, they were there no questions asked.
Everyday, someone made sure I was emotionally "up". A joke, a special smile, and most importantly no looks of sympathy!!!!. Many people cried with me when I needed to cry, when I stumbled into the "whoo is me stage" they were there to say "Buck up, you're in this for the long haul!"
Cancer defined a period of my life where I experienced the joy of being loved and sheltered by family, friends and the blessings of God, who put this amazing people in my life.
I ended my radiation the week of Thanksgiving and each year I thank the people who walked that mile with me, beside me, behind me and stayed positive.

Darlene Burton
Pasadena, CA