I come from a long history of breast cancer on my mom's side of my family, and although she died 4 years ago after complications from a bad fall, she was a 26 year BC survivor. Like her, I too, had a bilateral mastectomy. I have been cancer free for nearly 3 months now, and thank God & my husband as well as support from family and friends for their love and strength. Although I did not require chemo, nor radiation, the experience was more challenging than I expected. Over the years I had many yearly mammograms but deep down suspected the day would come when I would hear the diagnosis I hoped would pass me by. By remaining vigilante as suggested by my primary and gynecology doctors' my cancer was detected very early; it was tiny and encapsulated. Nevertheless, my oncologist suggested removal of a couple of lymph nodes to be on the safe side as well as removal of my other breast which up to this point did not show cancer. Agreeing to removal of both breasts has been a relief to me, and I am thankful for following her advice. An added plus was the discovery that the cancer had not spread.
This experience has changed me in ways I never imagined. I now am more selective in what is important and what is not. I also value and understand more readily what my mom, grandmother, and aunts went through. And I have made a firm commitment to speak openly to as many women as I can, encouraging them to take an aggressive approach with their health.
The first and most difficult Christmas after my mom's passing, which was 9 weeks after losing my dad, one of my daughter's-in-law told me she tried to focus on what she has, rather than what she doesn't. Her mom died 11 days before my dad. And so, I often reflect on her words of love and support. It is my hope, others will, too.
Irwindale, CA