In May of 2008 my life change dramatically I was a very healthy 51 wife, mama, and new Nana, and now an invasive breast cancer patient. I had always worked in health care so I knew the consequences but I was in complete denial. My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at 51 but we had been estranged for years so I did not know her complete history, but she was actually the reason I had additional test that acknowledged the lump that had been there for three years on my mammograms. My husband was with me when I was diagnosed, but I really wanted to talk to my sister. My surgeon knew me from previous years of working in trauma care so he did my lumpectomy the next day. During my recovery I called my sister and rekindled a love only sisters could have when that special love is needed. During my treatment and for all of the years following my husband has been the most absolutely wonderful, loving and kind man God could give to any person. I responded very poorly to the Tamoxifen and required a hysterectomy in 2009, a knee replacement in 2011, and a hip replacement in 2013 and have now been diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis which started with my radiation treatment and is now effecting my entire body, but through it all my very loving husband has only become more and more affectionate and supporting, wonderful and loving. I am a Nana of two boys 7 and 3 another reason to keep on going and I work daily with children with cancers. Children are amazing, they don't know about death or are they afraid like an adult so they continue on just like it is just another day for them, and they have the most wonderful smiles. My sister and I are closer now than ever, she lost the love of life after a 16 year battle with cancer. I live everyday to the fullest and my husband and I don't miss an opportunity to tell each other we love you.

Kathy Goodman
Orlando, FL