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A Not-So-Average Experience From Your Average Woman

My story began in 1978 when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, resulting in a total mastectomy. This procedure was successful and I was in remission until 1991, when the cancer unexpectedly returned. I then had my second total mastectomy. In the interim I had reconstructive surgery with silicone implants. After the '91 mastectomy, I decided to have the implants removed, even though I was fortunate to not have had any complications with the implants themselves.

I have been blessed to be a 31 year survivor of not one, but two total mastectomies. Reflecting on my story, the most important element in beating cancer, in my estimation, is to keep a positive attitude during and beyond recovery. The Lord let me live to raise two wonderful boys, I have now met my 5 grandchildren who I am watching grow up, and I am now looking forward to meeting my great-grandchildren [which will hopefully be coming sooner rather than later:)]. I am also now working down my life-long to-do list and most recently scratched off "Trip to Hawaii."

If I could send one other message to women beyond staying positive if you are diagnosed with cancer, it would be to take proactive measures with breast health. Breast cancer does not exist according to predictive rules. In fact, contrary to "normalcy," my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years AFTER I was. And before our own experiences, there was no history of breast cancer in our family. This goes to show that regardless of age or family history, always get your mammograms and do self-examinations.

Deana Stayner
Angola, IN

15 year survivor

Fifteen years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
I found the lump myself and I thank God my doctor did not put off checking it out.
I had a lumpectomy and all the tissue around the lump and my lymph nodes were clean.
I was able to just have radiation treatment.
I feel it is very important to check on a regular basis and if you find something insist that it be checked out immediately.
At the same time that I was going through this I was able to connect with my daughter Cheryl whom I had placed for adoption in 1966. It was a great year.

Jean Campbell
Camlachie, Canada

Hoping to save a life

Hi my name is Bev & I thought I would share my story in the hope to save other woman all around the world. 4 yrs ago I was diagonsed with Breast Cancer & underwent Chemo & Radiation and a masectomy.. I was going great up until xmas 2008 when on xmas eve I got the worst news of my life that the Cancer had come back in my bones & was spreading in my head, spine, etc. I am very thankful for everyday as I have 4 children & 3 grandchildren. I have a bone scan coming up next week. I have been on chemo most of this year & bone tablets. My message here is that all woman no matter how old you are please have a check up & watch for those lumps. I was very lucky that I found mine when I did otherwise I would not have been here for the last 4 years & seen my 3 grandchildren being born. This is a very important message & I hope even if I can save one woman from going down this path. Then its been worth it to me to write this story today.

Anonymous
sydney, Australia

i will survive by stephanie g

I am a proud dtr of a breast cancer 10yr survivor my mommy she is 10 yrs clean but we were lucky and not her sister my aunt or grandma..I am walking this cause because of the first 3 generation history in my family. my ob told me I have 95% chance of getting breast cancer if the genetic gene test comes possitive. My mom is getting it done for me because insurance will cover her test since she had brca and i do not.

We lost my dad to esophagiel cancer also and she just continues to fight all that comes her way. I survived a major car accident so i guess I take after my mom.. a non quitter... I write this letter to say I love you mommy so much and I am proud to walk the breast cancer walk for you and all we have had in our family with this cancer and for all others who have family and or friends who have had it or suffered.

Please all pray for my test to be negative because if it is not i have to have sx on my breast and uteris so to all we pray............

Look forward to my support against brca this saturday and god bless all... stephanie from castle hayne nc

stephanie
castle hayne, NC

My Story

In 2006 I discovered a lump in my breast while doing a self exam in the shower. It was very hard, movable, and large (felt like a marble). I waited months and months to see if it would go away by itself. It didn't so I made an appointment with my doctor. After several ultrasounds and one very painful biopsy they discovered it to be a benign tumor, but the radiologist said there is one more under my breast tissue and we would have to wait for it to surface. They could not biopsy it because they could puncture my lung. On February 21, 2007, I had my benign tumor surgically removed. I still have a very obvious scar. Breast cancer/breast health problems do not run in my family. I am the first person in my family to have any sort of breast tumor. I know that it could have been worse and I just have to keep a close eye to see if the other lump surfaces. I strongly support any foundation which donates money to aid in the research of cures for breast cancer. It was a very hard time in my life, very emotional time. I am so lucky to have gotten through this to find out that I did not have cancer and I have wonderful family members and friends who stuck by my side, went with me to the doctor appointments, and let me cry on their shoulders. I urge everyone to get a yearly mammogram if you are over the age of 40 and at least once a week do a self-breast exam. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!!

Rebecca Wright
Pensacola, FL

NEVER GIVE UP

I am a one year breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed in 2008 of having stage one breast cancer. I had gone for a routine mammogram and a spot was found on my right breast. I immediately scheduled a biopsy and a week later was told I had breast cancer. I was devastated. I thought, this couldn't happen to me, but it did. A couple weeks later I had a lumpectomy. After the surgery, I found out from my surgeon that the cancer had spread into my lymph nodes under my arm. He had also removed the cancer there. I recovered from the surgery, then a month later, my surgeon wanted to go back in under my arm, just to make sure everything was ok. It was. He had removed all the cancer. I am so thankful the doctors caught it when they did, because I had no symptoms, I had no idea that I was walking around with this cancer in my body. After I recovered from my surgeries , I underwent four chemo treatments and thirty-three radiation treatments and am on medication. I can't stress enough the importance of regular checkups by you and your doctor. This can happen to the young as well as the old.

Anonymous
Bunker Hill, IL

MY JOURNEY.SO FAR.

I WAS JUST DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER AFTER A ROUTINE MAMMOGRAM ON SEPT 10 OF 2009 IVE JUST UNDERGONE A LUMPECTIMY AND RADIATION TREATMENT WITH A MAMMOSITE WHICH IS A BALLON INSERTED IN MY BREAST AND RADIATION IS PUT IN THAT . I WENT 2 TIMES A DAY FOR 5 DAYS. IN TWO WEEKS I WILL FIND OUT IF I NEED CHEMO. I THANK GOD FOR THE EARLY DETECTION WITH THE MAMMOGRAM. IT IS ONLY GOD WHO HAS GOTTEN ME THROUGH THIS. IM NOT DONE YET BUT IM SO THANKFUL PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO GET THERE MAMMOGRAMS. IT MAY SAVE THEIR LIVES. PAM

Anonymous
west liberty, OH

I am a Seven Year Survivor

I found out I had cancer in May 2002 after finding a lump in my right breast. I had a mammogram a few months before and nothing showed up. My surgeon performed a lumpectomy the next week and he called me the next day to tell me the biopsy came back maligiant. I went to his office and he explained my options recommending a bilateral masectomy with reconstruction . In June he performed a sentinel node biopsy and a masectomy on both breast with reconstructive started at the same time. In July had surgery to remove an expander due to infection.. I started my chemotherapy treatments in August taking one every 21 days for 8 treatments. I finished my chemotherapy in February 2003.

I had lost my husband to lung cancer 2000 so I was devasted when I heard the news and immediately thought of dying. My priorities in life changed and today I live for now. I have learned to LIVE - LAUGH - LOVE. I love my hair and still wear a wig to feel good about my self as I'm very self conscious about my looks and appearance. Life is short so tell the people in your life you love them.

I encourage all women to have your annual mammograms and do your self checks. Call your doctor,get a second opinion if needed as it affects the rest of your life. Join a support group and no matter how hard it is to talk about your cancer talk to your friends and family and let them know how your feeling. No matter how strong you think you are let your family help. Thanks to my family I am a 7 year survivor.

Marilyn Penrod
Oklahoma City, OK

NEVER TOO LATE

On September , 1998
Is the day I thought I met my fate
Wheeled into surgery at 9 o clock
I realized it would be over soon.

To regroup my thoughts, what is special to me
Not a house nor money, but my family
Who rallied support there by my side
Looked at me with love and pride.

I just wanted to thanks my parents theare words provided
a tremendous amount of strength and support to me.

I LOVE YOU MOM AND DAD

INGRID
MIAMI LAKES, FL

I am a winner

Jan. 2009, found cancer in my left breast, started chemo, was very blessed with this treatment! I never got sick, yes I was tired and lost my hair, losing my hair gave me a lot better summer! Took 32 radiation treatments, recieved a hole in my breast because of radiation, 4 by 4 circle- 6 cm deep- and very painfull but the healing is comeing along. Stell takeing chemo but in Jan. 2010 It will end! And right now I am cancer free. By the way this was the 2nd round for me, back in 1978 I had cervical cancer and after surgrey it was gone! Trust and Belive in our Lord for he WILL get you through it!

shauna byroads
tulsa, OK