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Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor

June 1, 2010 just 4 years ago today at the age of 43 years old i sat in my doctors office with tears in her eyes she told me the news I had breast cancer. She hugged me. I had just lost my Mom to another type of cancer. I think at that moment I was completely numb. Things look good in the beginning. I had been diagnosed early with a small tumor and biopsy results showed that is was a very rare type of cancer called Medullary Carcinoma. While this cancer tended to look aggressive it didn't behave as aggressive as other types of cancer. At first glance I thought this was going to be a walk in the park. That all changed when further testing resulted in being diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. All of a sudden I found myself with an aggressive cancer and aggressive chemo regimen. It has not been an easy journey and i ceratainly had some scary moments in the past few years with roller coaster tumor markers. My strength continues to come from my faith in God & the love of my family, support of my wonderful friends and some amazing doctors. Since then I have bought a house, gotten married, became foster parents and have continued to live my life. Tonight i celebrate my 4 year remission anniversary and what a special day since it hit on National Cancer Day. Congratulations to all of the survivors....Kerp Strong!

Debbie
Middleburg, FL

my blessings

I was diagnosed with breast cancer Oct 2010 I just turn 40 July of that year also had my 2 first grands they just turn 1 I went thru surgery & chemo went in to remission for 2 years reoccur in sept.12 2013 also had a right masetomony because that where breast was at first about 3 months later I was told that I need to do the genetic testing see if the maturation and I did so May 12 I had left masetomony also chemotherapy for 7 months. I thank God give me life every day.

Valerie Hood
CONWAY, AR

Breast cancer and the power of positivity

February 24, 2014, that was the day I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Other than my cousin, there was no history of breast cancer in my family; I had just turned 41 in January, was healthy as a horse and had no symptoms whatsoever, but I'm a firm believer that the routine mammogram I had just a week before saved my life.
Being told you have cancer is like having an out of body experience, you hear the words that the Dr is saying, but for me it was as though I was literally watching myself being told that I was now joining the battle with the millions of others that I either personally knew or had heard of that had this horrible disease.
I decided to have a mastectomy & learned after my surgery, that the cancer had grown in size since my original biopsy & had also spread to my first lymph node, therefore putting me on the chemotherapy track. I have to undergo 8 treatments & I already have one under my belt, which I came through with flying colors. The love and support that I've received from family and friends and complete strangers is outstanding. Having breast cancer has shed a whole new light for me; and I've learned not to take anything in life for granted. I wake up every day with a smile on my face & a positive attitude. Don't get me wrong, not every day is sunshine & rainbows for me & I certainly have my share of woe is me days and feeling sad and wondering "why me"? Thankfully those days are far and few between because I try my hardest to remain positive, not only for myself, but for those that are rallying behind me. While I still have a long road ahead of me, I'm very much looking forward to the end of this journey I've been put on & that final day when I can say "I kicked cancers butt"!

Lea Matayabas
Lynn, MA

Never Lose Hope

I'll never forget getting the call back for a second mamogram. I'd been going for 10 years and I never had to go back. I knew at that moment it was Cancer. My friends would share their stories of getting that same call only to find out it was nothing. But It was confirmed on 07-31-13. Breast Cancer.

I had a lumpectomy on 08-08-13. It was stage 2 breast cancer. After some infections and allergies Chemo began. I was scared but after the first Chemo I was like "is that it?" I've been through worse things than that! I started to notice thin strands of hair falling out so I made the "executive" decision to shave my head. I was not going to let cancer take my hair...Radiation, well that's a different story. After about the 28th session I got cellulitis from the burns and was in the hospital for 4 days. Okay I admit it, my spirit broke at that time.

I had a lot of support, so much that thee employees at the Oxnard Police Department (where I work)held a Bald is Beautiful fundraiser and over 58 people shaved theirs heads in solidarity. Two females. It was amazing. My family and friends were there for me always.

After I healed I took off to Park City Utah to find peace. I was being strong for everyone that I really didn't have a to let it out. It was a very healing experience. The calm of nature, the snow falling etc was therapeutic. I encourage everyone to take a "me" trip during your journey.

Now it's May 31st, exactly 9 months from the day I was told "I'm sorry, it's cancer". But because of this journey, I am stronger and i have a new appreciation for each day.

My friend who was battle stage 3 cancer at the time spoke these words of wisdom to me. She simply said "You got this", and so do you. My faith in God was my anchor, I tried to remain hopeful and upbeat. Remember we have/had cancer, It does not have us!

Margaret
Oxnard, CA

Still Fighting.

I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2011 at 45 yrs of age.That was when my world turned upside down.I had only just finished work 6 months prior and was looking forward to living the good life.Well i guess HE had other plans for me.I had a mastectomy then went through chemotherapy for 4 months.I then had reconstructive surgery using implants. After believing everything was fine and i was winning my battle,i was then diagnosed stage 4 metastatic in June 2013.It had spread to my bones and liver.So i went through chemo again and so far i am clear of the cancer in my bones,but still have a tumor in my liver.I have to take 8 chemo tabs everyday now,but i guess thats better than the alternative.I try to stay positive all the time.Although if the tumor doesnt shrink with the tabs,i will have to endure another round of intraveinous chemo again.I will do whatever it takes...i'll never give up.

Anonymous
Perth, Australia

diagnosed on 05/19/14 with Breast cancer

Dear Cancer I know that you think you are on your way to victory since you have invaded my body but i got news for you, you are not going to win this battle not today not for a long time. I know one day you will because you got everyone in my family but none of us died this young from you and i am not going to be the first, you will have a battle on you that you have never seen before. Sure you are going to take my breasts from me but i will get new one's sure you are gong to make me lose my hair but it will grow back and yeah you will make me lose some weight but i need to anyway so by the time i am done with you i will use your own chemical warfare and use it to my benefit. no time for crying i do that at night when i talk to my Colonial (God) you see he has my back and when i wake in the morning i am ready with a new state of mind new strategy on how to win this and no where has my God told me to give up he tells me how to win and win i will so cancer get ready for a war you have never seen because you picked on the wrong bitch this time. Sincerely Voula Kalamatianos-Wilson

Voula Wilson
Elgin, IL

3rd time for me

I was happily going about my life, and 10 years cancer free. Went for my yearly mammogram it was clear, but I asked for an ultrasound, So glad I did, because there was another malignancy, I had a lumpectomy followed by radiation.. The following year I had another scare, MRI, needle biopsy, negative, but I was so tired of all of the repeated scares and tests, I called my surgeon and told him I wanted to have a double mastectomy with reconstruction.My surgery was 2 years ago, and as anyone who has had one knows, it is quite painful physically and emotionally. I was still uncomfortable, but finally in much less pain.
Well, 5 weeks ago I found a lump and went to my Oncologist, who said "it's nothing, just scar tissue, but because you are a worrier, we will do an MRI" Well long story short after a lot testing, a needle biopsy and a surgical biopsy, I have been diagnosed with cancer again, and face at least one more surgery in 10 days, still unknown if I will need more surgery or Chemo, maybe just radiation.
There are so many myths about breast cancer, you do not need to have a family history, and you CAN still get it after a complete mastectomy, 5 doctor's told me this was nothing. Trust your instincts, don't let them tell you, you are a worrier, if something does not feel right, check and recheck. I am responsible for all of my correct diagnosis., I did my exams and insisted on further testing when I was told it was nothing.
This new cancer is very curable, so for that I am very grateful, and grateful to all of my wonderful doctors who have seen me through all of this, but we are part of the team and we must be proactive in our care. I am also truly grateful for my wonderful husband, who has been with me every step of the way, to my family near and friends near and far, for all of there support. Let's fight the good fight,

Stephanie B.
Mesa, AZ

Male BC-It's Real

On Friday the 13th of April, 2012, yep it was, I found a lump on the left side. One month later, I got the word that I was one of the roughly 2200 males in the Country that get BC annually. After mastectomy, 6 rounds of chemo and 30 shots of radiation, I am going strong again. It is really a weird feeling to get a "female" disease, but that attitude must quickly be sloughed off in the beginning. The Crap, as I call it, does not care about gender. I have tried to use it as an educational forum that men can get it also. Needless to say, many folks are completely stunned that males get it annually at about the above rate. I have also been tested for the BRCA 1 & 2 mutations, but do not have them. Around 40% of males who get the disease have one of the mutations. While rare, we need to be aware that it is not a strictly female disease. All Survivors, Keep on Keepin' On, beat down the Crap.

Dan Dillon
LTC, USA (ret.)

Dan Dillon
Knoxville, SC

Since 1995, every time I have a mammogram, I get....

May 27th, 1995, the day I entered my doctor's office and his nurse sat next to me. He was a new doctor for me and first explains that he has good news and bad news.
I said tell me the bad news first. You have breast cancer BUT it's a very small tumor, the size of a pea and we can do something about it. You can choose a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. I was alarmed and the first thing that I could say; "If this was your wife, what would you recommend? He answered a lumpectomy."
Since 1995, I have had several lumpectomies, they call them biopsies but the surgeons take out enough tissue that my left breast is quite a bit different in size than my right breast, making my shoulders a bit tipsy.
I am still around 19 years later and my first grandchild turns 19 in September.

Jackie Richer St Hilaire
Manchester, NH

My journey begins---Again

Eight years ago in May I was diagnosed with breast cancer in the left breast. My surgeon told me that if I had to get cancer, this was the best type to get. Caught early, in the beginning stages and not aggressive. I had surgery, radiation and on Arimidex for 5 years. Life was good and I was well. Each year I did my yearly mammogram with good results until this week. My results were suspicious, so it was suggested I have a biopsy. I got the results yesterday and cancer is now in my right breast. I will see a surgeon tomorrow to see what steps we will take. Since I am on a familiar journey, a road traveled by so many of us, I am trusting in my Lord to take me and my family down the rocky path. I trust in Him completely as this diagnosis is no surprise to Him. He will give me the comfort, support and grace to rest in Him completely. I trust many of you will find such peace in Him as you travel this road.

Linda Schneider
Taylors, SC