My personal battle with Breast Cancer started in Dec. 2005. I was diagnosed 2 days after becoming engaged. Just a year before that my husband lost his battle with a vicious leukemia that killed him in six month after undergoing a bone marrow transplant.
My mother is a 15 year survivor so I knew I was at high risk so I was vigilant about self exams. When I found a small lump I knew it was cancer.I really didn't want to deal with it. With prodding from my fiance Cal I went in and then did all of the usual things; mammograms, ultrasound, biopsy and ultimately a double mastectomy with reconstruction, chemo, and 34 radiation treatments. I had a really hard time with it all, I was hospitalized 4 times and have chronic pain issues today.
My cancer is Stage IIIA. I had minimal lymph node involvement.It took me a while to get my life back but I fought hard. I tried to work through everything but ultimately quit my job. That enabled me to focus on regaining my stamina. I walked every day I could and then found a more cancer friendly job that is flexible with my health issues. I'm finally back to where cancer is not on the forefront of my mind. It's always there but it doesn't consumer me anymore.
I now feel like I am at a place where I can encourage women facing this diagnosis - I am stronger than I've ever been and I think my faith and my relationships with God and my family and friends are stronger too. While cancer feels like a curse - it can be a gift in the way it makes you appreciate all you have and live life taking nothing for granted. It's all good.
Dubuque, IA