I'm on the roller coaster for the third time and I don't like rides! First dx at age of 42- found lump,didn't show up on mammo but it was colloid carcinoma. Radiation for 6 weeks and off I go. Second cancer was endometrial which was second primary -hysterectomy and off I go. As I write the third cancer-ICD I also found the lump-same breast and I am triple negative. Grade 3 Stage 1. I lived at one time,in one of the two areas of our country with the highest breast cancer rate. ).
Well almost made 20 years but I intend to kick it to the curb again. Mastectomy ,chemo and reconstructin in the next six months.i have too much to live for. Two grown kids, four beautiful grandkids -two boys and two girls-one of whom is my namesake and a husband who has traveled this journey with me all three times, while also fighting prostate cancer. Where did you come from Steve? We weren't even married the first time I was dx- yet he stayed by my side and still does. Fake puppies, real puppies or no puppies- I'm only sexy chick. His words, not mine.
Here with the team. I have-about 30 of us- called the "Breast Friends", who I met through our local affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Triangle to the Coast. I have been blessed to have great resources over the last 20 years here in NC along with the best team of doctors. I have always been a take charge kind,of woman- and cancer isn't changing that. I am a warrior-stronger than ever before-I'm a warrior-and you (cancer) can never hurt me again. (Lyrics by Demi Lovato), I never ask why me but rather why not me ? I don't want anyone else to go through this for the first time-much less third time. I have also,had the genetic testing and I don't have the BRCA mutation.
Together in the fight,
Diane Kerkhoff
Clayton, NC
