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life changing

In April 2007 at age of 44 I was diagnosed with breast cancer . After chemo, surgery which removed the lymph nodes and a few weeks of radiotherapy I returned to work and day to life never suspecting it would return. But in Oct 2008 I had the worst headache ever which was diagnosed as a very nasty brain tumour ( secondary to my breast cancer). So straight back to hospital for surgery to try to reduce the tumour, then radiotherapy afterwards but it would not budge. So intense adio called stereotatic treatment was given. Then between my check ups I started to have more sight problems and an MRI showed a further brain tumour in Nov 09. Thankfully it was again treatable by another sterotatic surgery. I am now waiting for my next MRI chack up next week Yes I have been through some changes in appearances from my original long blonde hair to bold, partially bold, darks curls etc, weight increase and loss due to medication. I look at myself in the mirror and some days do not recognise that strange person looking back at me. But throughout this I have had the most fantastic support from my husband, family, friends, doctors and nurses and it would have been so much harder without them. A positive outlook has been my answer thoroughout. Plus fantastic treatment fom the special doctors and nurses. Going forward I continue to be positive as I know how lucky I am to be here to enjoy everything and everybody around me. To all those out there that have been or are going through the dreaded cancer - keep smiling - it can get better and there's a lot of us out there to prove it !

Anonymous
Cornwall, United Kingdom

Angels Among Us

Sometimes life brings a turn that isn't expected or welcomed but nonetheless, part of our journey. My life was cruising along with a devoted husband, three healthy sons and a rewarding teaching career. Then in an instant, a dark cloud surrounded my life. At 43 years old, I had breast cancer and a battle to wage.
During my masectomy and months of aggressive chemotherapy, I wasn't always able to do the routine tasks of life. I felt tired, weak and sometimes depressed. This is when my "angels" took over.
My husband was my support angel. He was always there to lift my spirits and remind me of everything I had to live for. My mom became my inspiration angel. She was a twenty year breast cancer survivor. I had watched her go through a similar battle. Yet, there she was helping with meals, laundry and giving me the hope that I would survive. My oldest son donated blood for me. The shopping became my middle son's job for several months and at nine years old, my youngest son, would lay and watch TV with me. My boys were my most caring angels. My best friend always brought laughter to me. (Of course, I was bald) She sent me a card with an old photo of us at a school function dressed as clowns. I had on a wild, black wig. The card was signed..."And you thought you were having a bad hair day today!!!" I so needed that laughter angel. I had so many other friends that for months brought meals, sent cards and lifted such appreciated prayers.
I felt blessed to have so many angels to guide and help me on my journey. Eventhough, this was 14 years ago, these angels on earth have touched my life forever.

Jennifer Griffin
Cameron, MO

I'm a better me!

When I got the word in Jan. 2001... I thought it was the end for me... The fear, the confusion of the disease and having to tell loved ones was almost more than I could bare... But through it all with the help of my family, friends and the Good Lord up above I'm still here.... Here to enjoy everything and everyone that means so much to me... I appreciate everything everyone has done for me over the years... While going through my treatments the hospital staff was absolutely wonderful with me... And when ur hair begins to fall out U wonder how will I ever do this.... And I wondered that alot... I went from hats, to turbins, to wigs and back to hats... Until I realized that this wasnt my fault... I didnt ask for it... It just happened and it happened to me.... So off I went with no hair and my beautiful bald head out for everyone to see... And u know what nobody cared nobody even noticed.... All they noticed was how brave I was and beautiful I looked... Because for the first time they really seen me and noticed what type of person I was... Hopefully I never have to experience it again and GOD keeps me cancer free... But I can tell U this is has changed my life and it has changed it for the better... It taught me not to worry over the little things and to alway live your life to the fullest and dont take everything for granite... Be the better person and help those in need... I love life and I want to live life and Thanks to GOD and the Breast Cancer Foundation I still can.... GOD Bless all my Breast Cancer Sister...

Pamela Brungard Kautz
Rote, PA

TAKE YOUR HEAD OUT OF THE SAND (DENIAL) AND GET TESTED & TREATED

. About 2 yrs ago I was treated for mastitis in my left breast. The doctor wanted me to have a mammogram ASAP, but I never got around to it. l. A short time later it all came back. I had severe pains in the left side of my neck, my left shoulder & breast,& it felt like someone was jabbing the eraser end of a pencil in my armpit. There were nights it was hard to sleep because the pain was so bad. May 2009 my sister was diagnosed with Stage II . 7/09 my left arm was swollen & I went to the ER. I was admitted for many tests & xrays.My breast surgeon came into my life on 7/22/09 did a punch & core biopsy & said it looked like Stage II/III breast cancer. I had a mammogram & more biopsies & a breast MRI. I had a full body PET/CT scan on 8/7/09. I had an appointment with my breast surgeon that day. When got to her office a few minutes later the results had already been fax'd to her: I HAVE STAGE IV BREAST CANCER! She grabbed my hand & said " this isn't a death sentence." She gave me hope. I didn't freak out or cry " Why Me?" I am on arimidex & my CT scan 12/09 showed things are shrinking. That was the best news. I consider this cancer a blessing because now I take better care of myself. And my family & friends & doctors are so wonderful! Without all the love & support I have received I would be lost. So ladies & gentlemen DON'T IGNORE THE SIGNS! I am here to tell you that treatment works! Love to all of you.

Fredi
New York, NY

The Earth Stood Still

I will never forget the first call from the Doctor telling me to call him, that I needed to have another test done. The message seemed more urgent than it had in the past. Then the hospital called the same way. I knew something was different this time. Sitting in the surgeons office having him expain to me I needed treatment, the earth stood still. The little things I was so concerned about just didn't matter anymore. When I stepped outside the air seemed fresher, the day seemed to be brighter.
I had fast growing and invasive cancer. It was caught very early. Five years surviving.

Myrtle Bassett
Plainfield, IN

Back Home

Both my husband and I had lived in New Orleans for over 20 years when Katrina struck. Although we had not flooded, we panicked and moved away. Within 6 months, we knew we had to move back.
I turned 60 in December 2006 and in January was diagnosed with Stage I, no node involvement, very small tumor breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy, a re-excision to get clean margins and radiation treatment.
While the cancer delayed our return to New Orleans, as soon as my radiation treatment was finished, we went on a house-hunting trip and returned in July 2007. Throughout my treatment, I remained focused on our goal, which truly helped me through this difficult time.
I am on an aromatese inhibitor for another 2 years and feeling great. Both Katrina and my breast cancer have helped me to live in the moment. Life is good--so happy to be alive and well and living in our beloved city!

Kathe
New Orleans, LA

Rebuilding Me

Almost daily, I’m encouraged to “keep fighting!” and, while I sincerely appreciate the emboldening intention, I’m always a bit perplexed.

I’m not fighting. In fact, I’ve never fought less.

During my 12 precarious years at Nortel, I was fighting. During my various vicious family torments, I was fighting. During my struggles with sundry insecure, thoughtless or just plain nasty humans, I was fighting.

But I’m not fighting now.

I’m healing. I’m nestling. I’m carefully rebuilding my body, my mind, my life; pulling things out, examining them, deciding what goes back in, and where.

The scalpel, chemo and gamma-rays do my fighting while I’m absolutely busy cultivating wellness and peace.

I am grateful to the citizens and politicians who have fought for free health care, to the scientists who continue to fight for cures, to the doctors, nurses and technicians who fight fatigue to care, to the taxpayers who fight daily to earn their OHIP contributions and to the many cancer patients before me who have fought for their lives as treatments continue to be tested, tweaked and tuned.

And I’m grateful for the opportunity to build a happier, healthier me.

Andrea Ross was diagnosed with breast cancer October 6, 2009 and intends to survive and thrive. You can read more from Andrea at WeCanRebuildHer.com

Andrea Ross
Ottawa, Canada

Keeping the Faith and Fighting Hard!

It was August 2008 and I was enjoying a back rub by my fiance. His hand slightly hit the side of my breast and he said "Babe you have a lump". I did not worry at first but after the mamogram, it was confirmed. I had stage III c breast cancer and I am only 34, and it had spread to my lymphnodes. 10 of 13 were positve. I had a modified mastectomy 10/08, finished chemo 2/09, and finished radiation 05/09. In Oct. 09 I had left breast reconstruction surgery, latissumis dorsi flap surgery. In Nov. 09 I had a profolactic mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. I still have the breast expanders in now! It is getting very painful during the expansions so I think I am about done! I have one more surgery to go! The final implants. This Jan. 28th, 2010, I finish my last herceptin treatment and get scans as well.

I have stayed very positive through my journey and can't thank my fiance enough for all that he has done for me! He has saved my life! He was very scared due to the fact he lost his mother from pancreatic cancer. So he took my diagnosis very hard. He has been a wonderful caregiver and it has brought us closer together. Whatever you do, don't give up the fight! You can beat this! I did! Hang tough and fight like a girl you can do it! I am here for anyone going through this if you need someone to talk to. You are not alone! I have been so blessed through this whole experience. Again I want to thank my fiance, family, friends, and wonderful co-workers for thier support. I could not have done it without you all! Thanks!

All my love,
Beth McCamey

Beth McCamey
Elgin, SC

One Lucky Gal

I was diagnosed 1 month after my 35th birthday. No family history, but my doctor just thought it would be a good idea to go in for a baseline mammogram and continue routine mammograms at 40. Well, that was my one and only routine mammogram. I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma that would not have been caught by manual physicals. I first opted for a "lumpectomy" to remove the cancerous tissue followed up by radiation (the lumpectomy consisted of a 5 inch x 1 inch x 1.5 inch piece of breast tissue). At my check up after that surgery, the doctor stated that all the margins of tissue were not clean and contained cancer cells. So my options were to remove more tissue, do nothing and leave it up to radiation or a mastectomy. After a long discussion with my husband, choose the double mastectomy with reconstruction. The only upside, the lymph nodes came back clean so no chemo. It was tough, but I have no regrets! I thank god everyday for my doctors, family and friends.

Carrie
Galesville, WI

Now its me

For many years I've been doing the click for Breast Cancer in memory of my mom and other relatives. This past December I felt a lump, went to the doctor. They did an ultrasound and mammogram. Following some core biopsies, I found out last week I have Breast Cancer. I'm going to fight this head on. I have lots of friends, family and loving husband that are there to help give me support. I have surgery coming up. I will go on.
And keep on clicking her daily too.

Anonymous
Elmore, MN