I have realized that as a woman you never realize your strength until you become a mother. I was 30 years old and the mother of a wonderful 6 year old little girl when I was diagnosed with IDC. There was no history in my family of breast cancer and needless to say it was a shock. I had a flood of emotions mostly anger because I was too young to be dealing with all of this but I quickly got myself together. I was able to regain my composure and quit accepting defeat. I gained the will and determination to fight and beat the monster that is called cancer. I did so by looking into my daughter's eyes and saying, "I have to be here to raise her." I knew that if I lay down to it it would defeat me but fighting head on I had a chance. I got the idea out of my head that anything but recovery was a option for me and a lumpectomy, 26 chemotherapy treatments, 33 radiation treatments and several overnight stays in the hospital later I am still here. By the grace of God I am still here. I was surrounded by a wonderful support system and I am beyond thankful for my family and all of my extended family that was there with me and for me every step of the way. It's a shame that we at times have to look death in the face in order to begin to live but with my battle I begin life again. I am one-year survivor and looking forward to many more years cancerfree.

Berdnetta Browden
Saint Louis, MO