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Still Going Strong

A routine mammogram picked up cancer when I was 47. The surgeon thought the tumor was small, but during the surgery it turned out to be very long. And with 4 lymph nodes involved, I was staged at a 3. Even after chemo and radiation the odds were 50 percent I would live 5 years. It has now been 13! Cancer was a wake-up call to make changes both internal and external in my life, deal with issues and live life in the present, stop worrying about "shoulds" and go for the "coulds." I would never wish it on anyone, but it was a life-enhancing experience for me nonetheless.

G. B. Wagoner
Denver, CO

Since January 2009

I have been a survivor for almost seven months. It has been a very emotional journey, and continues to be one. Without my husband, family and friends I have no idea how I could have made it through. My chemotherapy ended a week ago this past Monday, but I still seem to be emotional. I see things in such a different way each day. I am so thankful that the cancer was found. I plan to be at least a 30 year survivor.

Diane
Vancouver, WA

Yes, they work!

Two years ago, I went in for my "annual" mammogram. I put it this way because I had been rather lax up until then. They had been my "every five years" mammograms. I didn't give it much thought--just routine.
Of course, it turned out to be anything but routine. The mammogram saved my life. It detected my cancer while the lump was still too small for my doctor or me to feel.
Now, I have regular mammograms and urge every woman to do so. Don't wait. Don't put it off. Mammograms work!

Anonymous
Boise, ID

thanks to a wonderful doctor

Having a knowledgeable doctor whenit comes to breast cancer is so important!! In 2000 I went to a surgeon because of a teoublwsome cyst in my left breast,. Over the course of about 5 years, I had it dra8ned several times, but it kept causing doctor visits and concern, I chose to see a surgeon to discuss options. Because she was a survivor herself, she suggested removing it. Surgery revealed that it had leisions and was pre-cancerous! Having it removed was the best decisioni ever made! If I had not done that, I most likely would have faced breast cancer. I amthankful every day for the surgeon I went to!

Anonymous
Albuquerque, NM

16 Years and Going Strong

I never expected to see age 60 when I was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer at age 44 in 1993. Then in 2001 - Stage IV - metastasis to the C-6 vertebrae of my neck. I have maintained aggressive treatment and maintenance thoughout. The picture was taken three days following my 60th birthday while on a 4-wheeler ATV ride in the mountains at approximately 9500 feet. God is awesome and I am still going strong. I AM a survivor! Trust God, keep your humor, and be aggressive in your treatments.

Dona Cowan
Cheyenne, WY

My Breast Cancer Journey

I was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in 2005. I had regular yearly mammograms. It was time for mine when I discovered a lump. They knew before the biopsy that it was cancer. I will never forget the day that the call came through to confirm it. I have no sisters and my mom has not had breast cancer. I urge all women to have their mammograms. I had a lumpectomy followed by chemo, radiation, and a breast cancer medicine in 2005. In 2007 I met with my surgeon and a plastic surgeon and had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. It was my choice and decision. Every woman's story with breast cancer is different. What I chose is permanent but I feel it was the best decision for me. I could not be more thankful. God brought me through it all. He gave me such strength. No matter what my future holds he will see me through. I hope for 2010. One day at a time. I was fortunate to be diagnosed early. I cannot say it enough, "Please get your mammograms." It's not the most pleasant test, but it could save your life. :-)

Becky
Southaven, MS

Surviving Leg and Breast Cancer

I was dx with Stage 3 Sarcoma Cancer in my leg 2 yrs ago we weren't sure if I was going to lose my leg or not.. 4surgery's , 2 skin grafts and radiation and i'm ok.. It was the hardest thing I had to go thru but I survived.. Now Last month I had a cancerous lump on my breast removed they think they got it all.. I have faith and I have to trust my doctors
I will survived....
Always remember to have Faith and Believe..... And never forget to get checked. Everyone knows someone that has had to fight the battle and we all have to remember the strength and courage it takes to get thru it.. It will be the hardest fight but your life is worth it..... God bless everyone ......
And remember this cute saying:
"I didn't survive Cancer to Die of Stress: lol

Anonymous
Winter Haven, FL

CELEBRATING LIFE

I'M 53 YRS OLD AND I WAS FIRST DIAGNOSED IN 1990 @ THE AGE OF 32. WHAT A SHOCKER FOR A YOUNG MOM WITH 2 YOUNG CHILDREN. BUT WITH THE HELP OF GOD, DOCTORS,MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS I WAS ABLE TO BEAT THE BEAST. I CHOSE TO HAVE A MASTECTOMY FOR 2 REASONS, 1 - MY SISTER DIED @ THE AGE OF 28 FROM BREAST CANCER. AND 2-I WANTED THE BEST CHANCE OF SURVIVAL. I HAD 6 MONTHS OF CHEMO. THROUGH THE CHEMO I WORK THE WHOLE TIME. EVERY THREE WEEKS I WOULD TAKE CHEMO ON THUR. AND BE BACK TO WORK ON MON. I THINK THAT'S ONE OF THE THINGS THAT SAVED MY SANITY.AFTER CHEMO ALL MY TEST WERE GOOD NEWS. 10 YEARS WENT BY AND I THOUGHT" I'VE BEAT THE CANCER." THEN IN AUGUST OF 1999 ,WHILE I WAS ON VACATION, I FOUND A LUMP IN THE OTHER BREAST . IT TURNED OUT TO BE A DIFFERENT TYPE CANCER FROM THE FIST TIME .BY THE TIME I HAD THE MASTECTOMY IN OCTOBER THE LUMP HAD GONE FROM THE SIZE OF A PEA TO THE SIZE OF A GOLF BALL. SO OF COURSE THE DOCTORS WERE TALKING CHEMO , RADIATION AND STEM CELL TRANSPLANT. LO AND BEHOLD AFTER THE MASTECTOMY THE PATHOLOGY CAME BACK THAT NO LYMPH NODS WERE INVOLVED. HURRAY!!! JUST CHEMO AND RADIATION. 10 YRS LATER I'M NOW A SURVIVOR FOR THE SECOND TIME.. SO WHEN I HERE SOMEONE SAY ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE I BELIEVE IT.

DARLENE HALL
STUART, FL

Winning the fight!

March 2002 is but a blur. That was when I was diagnosed with stage IIB breast cancer. I was only 43, and my daughter was only 6. It was going to be a tough fight, but I had a lot to fight for. There was so much of her life ahead of us, and I wanted to be around for it all! I had a lumpectomy, and sentinel node surgery. It had spread to 9 lymph nodes, so I had to have very aggressive treatment. I was also Her-2 positive, which means I have a greater chance of recurrence. After 8 rounds of chemo and 33 rounds of radiation, I found that I won the fight and I remain cancer free 7 years later. No matter how dark and difficult the journey seems, there IS a light at the end of the tunnel.

Cheryl Freeman
Cape May Court House, NJ

Something to Smile About!

In May 2007 a tennis-ball sized mass was found in my right breast after CT scan to evaluate fluid on the lung. June 2007 a diagnosis of Stage IV metastatic breast cancer was made. July 2007 treatments began after entering a clinical trial. August 2008 I was taken out of the study, but am being monitored, and Tamoxifen was started. As of last week, I am now stable for the past nine months. No new growth even though the cancer remains active; however, after having approximately 14 sites involved and the great news of stable...my husband even has that glow of happy back on his face. I have the worlds most wonderful oncologist and his staff as my partners in medical treatment. I am a very blessed and thankful person and determined to "Fight Like a Girl"!

Cynthia Groff
Garner, NC