I just had been recently separated and then my father passed away. I never thought that anything else could come across my door.
Shortly after my separation, I developed a huge lump on my left breast. I immediately had it checked out. It was only a cyst, thank goodness. It disappeared as fast as it appeared. I had previously had a cyst removed from my wrist and also one on my head. Well I came to the conclusion that I am just a lumpy person. Besides that, there was no breast cancer history in the family either.
A couple of years later, I develped a lump on my right breast. Of course, I wasn't too concerned after the previous findings. Well when the doctor checked me she looked worried and sent me for a biopsy. It turned out I had stage 4 breast cancer. I had a full mastectomy and breast reconstruction. I developed an infection and had to have another surgery to take tissue from my back to fix me up again. Then I had the chemo and the radiation. I lost all my hair including my eyelashes which was the hardest to take.
This has been a life changing experience. I have learned that I have been blessed with the most amazing friends and children. They kept me strong and courageous through the worst time of my life.
I have since taken up travelling. I have been to Mexico and have also spent 5 weeks in Australia (my dream) with my dear friend/sister-in-law. I no longer assume nothing. I smile everyday and treasure every blessed moment of life. There is life after Cancer!
Winnipeg, Canada
