On February 19th 2010 my life changed forever. At the young age of 31 I was given the very large shocking blow in the words of (i'm so sorry to tell you this but yes its Cancer) At that moment that is all i heard. However , as learning to be my own advocate i had many quick doors open for me that have created this opportunity of being given a second chance at life. Within a few weeks of the diagnosis and after my 8 hour surgery i learned that my stage 0 cancer was now stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma (multi-foci disease) which had somehow managed to travel and infect my nodes. News again i wasn't expecting. But what out of any of this news was supposed to be expected. I have learned in these past months , and 8 chemo treatments later. That the only thing that is to be expected is that it is certain we as young woman have been given this chance to learn to live a new normal. As strong and courageous people that are blessed to be able to change others lives,and pay it forward to those whom may also not be expecting to be affected by this greedy disease. With two small children and a loving supportive husband i am now going to do my best, do the only thing i can ,move forward and HOPE that i may not now live my life in fear of what may be to come . No, nobody should have to go through this but that is too out of our control,so we do the best we can. I will certainly never be the same but know that my amazing doctors, nurses, family and friends have contributed to my "miracle of life".

Melanie Butler
Middlebury, CT