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Surprised at Revelation

My doctor had said to me, "go get this mammogram, or else!" (something to that effect). So I did.

I saw a sample of the negative of the xray. I didn't think much. at the 1st March, I got a call from the health center. The doctor and the nurse ushered me into a small room. They said, "You have breast cancer".

Being a survivor of cancer three previous times, this one sounded serious. There were many tests. MRI with biopsy, followed by ultra sound, another MRI for a second lump and a biopsy, the stress was overwhelming.

Then, came the news in early May by the surgeon, "Mastectomy" followed by .... The months went by fast. I was scared. A hysterectomy from cancer, thyroid cancer, skin cancer and now breast cancer. I felt I looked awkward, what with the stitches sewn across my chest. Three weeks later, and I'm adjusting to a foam insert and a camisole. I feel lobsided. I feel strange.

But I'm alive.

Caught at an early stage, the cancer was an agressive one at a stage one level. One lymph node was affected. No chemo, no radiation therapy. But hormonal therapy is next on the list. I feel like I must do something to bring attention to breast cancer.

Today, I'm taking one day at a time. Cancer makes you think your life over. It makes one reflect and refine the perceptions of life. Being a Canadian Painter, illustrator and artist/writer, I donated a painting (abstract/symbolism) to the Breast Action Society in Ottawa for a raffle. I hope to do more to bring about awareness.

Cancer is now my fight, one day at a time.

Gail LaBossiere
Ottawa, Canada

My Mother

Three weeks ago my mom had a mammogram. The doctor found cancer. This past week, she had surgery to remove the cancer. Every thing went well. She is in the early stages of recovery. We are not sure yet, whether she will need chemo, radiation, or just have to take a pill. I'm not sure how long the process will be, but i'm going to be right there beside her through it all. My mom has been getting a mammogram since she was 40. If she wouldn't have gotten her mammogram, we may not have caught it so early. I just want to say for every woman out there to please get a mammogram as scheduled. It helped save my mom's life and could save yours.

Joshua
Greensburg, PA

My Journey

We all know someone who has been affected by cancer. I learned at early age about cancer. My grandfather and aunt died of pancreatic cancer. Years later my father had prostate cancer. He battled through it. In April 2008 my father died of renal cancer.
Little did I know just a year later I would be diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. I had a large tumor and 11 positive nodes. It has been a year and I had surgery, chemotherapy and then radiation. I take tamoxifin and a aspirin a day. I just added a calcium supplement with vitamin D. I am exercising almost daily. I can say right now I am a survivor.
What cancer gave me was so many blessings by way of family and friends. I have so many caring, loving people in my life. We tell each other we love each other more often. I share my story with everyone on hopes to spread the message of early detection and hope

Crissy
Barnard, VT

Battle for not only my life, but for my children as well

I have so much to my survival story that i hope i can sum it up in such a short space. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2009. I have three children that i have raised on my own for 10 years. I went through a double mastectomy with tissue expanders placed at same time. I had chemo and am on tomoxifen. December i had gallbladder surgery that wasnt related to the cancer. Went through the reconstruction part of filling the expanders and developed an infection and a big hole in my left breast. So that had to be removed and i had to wait for the implant surgery. They also have to borrow the muscle from my back to replace lost tissue from the infection. Two weeks ago i had a total hysterectomy. I had developed the cancer in my cervix. I still am recovering and still face reconstructive surgery. My children have been such a blessing through all of this. I cant believe how they have handled it so strong and helped me so much. Sure they had bad times and we always talk when they want to. I was blessed to find god again. The power of his love, the scriptures and feeling his spirit within me has been the only way that i have made it through some times. I just found out yesterday that once again, someone i know has breast cancer. I feel so strong to help her in anyway i can because i didnt have anyone that knew what i would be going through. Ive written to her and sent her a card and hope when she is ready will reach out. I feel like i need to help. God bless all those fighting now and the survivors.
Laura, Cincinnati, Ohio

Laura
Cincinnati, OH

FIGHTING like a girl and winning!!!

Well, it's a long story but I will try to keep it short. I didn't have a lump on Thursday but woke up Friday morning with a lump. This was in June 2008. I had a mammogram and ultra sound that day and was scheduled to see a breast doctor July 3rd. She said it was 1.5 cm and she wasn't worried about it so I had to wait till July 31 for my biopsy. The area would not numb and ending up being a very painful biopsy. August 8th 2008 was the day I learned I had Invasive Lobular Carsinoma. Had surgery Sept 4th and she removed a 1.7 cm lump, then started treatments Oct 30. Was allergic to the chemo and went into anaphylatic shock. Had to be rushed to the ER. Had 3rd degree burns from the 38 rounds of radiation. Was allergic to the Tamoxifin. Had to then have my ovaries removed (whoops, forgot that I also had a motorcycle wreck during all of this)...Now I'm on Femera and it causes major pain all over so most days I feel like I have been hit by a truck. But my God saw me thru it and he's the one in control so I am continuing to FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!!!!

Karen Locklear
Buchanan, GA

"It's a diagnosis, not a death sentence"

When my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer my sister and I were her personal nurse and social worker cheering her on "you can do it, we need you!" In my career as a social worker, I have often cheered people in similar health crisis on, with very little understanding on a personal level what exactly it would feel like to walk a mile in their shoes. Little did I know that I'd experience the same thing only two years after mom. Thankfully our doctor felt it was important both my sister and I were checked early. I'll never forget the day those words left the doctors mouth, "it's cancer." I remember thinking "are you kidding me, I have children who need me" My youngest one was only 5, my other two 15 and 18. In a matter of moments, my world changed forever. At the age of 39, a single parent of three amazing children who needed me to be me, I embarked on an adventure that changed my life, our lives forever. No longer do I sweat the small stuff. Each day is a blessing to behold. Now with the surgery and treatments behind me and 4 years in the clear, (my mom also a 6th year survivor) I look forward to continuing to be a part of my loved ones lives, and the lives of other women touched by this terrifying diagnosis. In the words of my doctor, "it's a diagnosis, not a death sentence" and I intend to live my life as such, a little more wary and health conscious, a little more mindful, and a lot more grateful for every day I wake up to see the faces of my three amazing kids! Stay strong and believe!

Jackie
Pawling, NY

The Scariest Year of My Life

I found out I had 2 tumors in May 2009. Stage2 IDC and DCIS. I had a lumpectomy, brachy therapy, chemo and finally radiation. There were alot of complications but I am cancer free, feeling great and happy to be alive!

Edna Masters
Phoenix, AZ

Survivorship Again

Four rounds of cancer in eight years...and I'm still here to tell the story. I am a bi-lateral survivor and proud of each small accomplishment through surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy.

The last round, starting more than a year ago, was the most scarey. They went in to remove a known invasive ductal carcinoma and sliced an unforeseen DCIS in half. Two different types of cancer in the same breast at the same time; the only good news was that the lymph nodes were clear because of regular mammograms and early detection.

Losing my hair, and the other side effects of chemo were not fun, but they meant being one step closer to surviving again.

Now I'm back in the garden, at the stable, at church, and trying to get back the energy to return to a normal life. It will come with time - and that, I again have plenty to spare!

Lauri-Anne Hammond
Tonawanda, NY

14 year survivor

I'm a 14 year cancer survivor after finding a lump in my left breast one year after my oldest daughter had died of breast cancer at the age of 35, in 1995. I'd had regular yearly Mammograms, but they didn't show any abnormalities. She wanted to have a Mammogram for a base picture but was not able because of her age at that time. I have been cancer free since a radical mastectomy in 1996. I highly recommend self-examination in addition to Mammograms--it is well worth the effort!

Jane
Fairbanks, AK

Fight the Good Fight

I have faced 3 difficult hurdles in my 72 years-the latest being diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer last year requiring a mastectomy and chemotherapy.
At age 61 years I lost my father to an auto accident and I was seriously injured requiring a 23 day hospitalization.
At age 58 years I lost my husband of 40 years to a sudden hear attack.
My experiences have taught me to fight the good fight each time and to grasp at life as though each moment counts more than the last. Once again I will prevail and beat my breast cancer.

Francine Ehrman
Sheboygan, WI