Summer 2012 suspicion turned into reality ..I was on the receiving end of this most uncertain diagnosis and know firsthand the mental anguish involved when I read biopsy results diagnosis Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.....giving up was something I had thought about often and said "aloud" to myself, but my children needed me to fight ...side effects to Chemo had taken their toll....I had complete frustration... for a time I thought that "I wouldn’t do Chemo again if I had to be in so much pain" but I quickly took it back as I saw the faces of my children each time I closed my eyes…. We women fight for ourselves but more for those we love. My husband, children and family got me through I’m sure….Unrelieved pain was my worst nightmare. I still believe it is the most inhumane act to commit, inflict pain or ignore physical pain. I had taken a lot of pain medicine and sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t. During those times my mind ran away with my sanity. I was convinced that somehow the cancer was in my bones….. cold and clammy and ready to be put out…..I had to remain calm because I didn’t want to frighten my loved ones my sweet Mother, my first love my Husband ...... my beautiful children. I definitely remember that time as the worst of my fight. I should countdown, someone suggested... but I never was one to “wish the time away”. Today, I still believe that life is beautiful despite the predicaments we sometimes find ourselves in I now know it was the light at the end of the tunnel that had me continue to put one foot in front of the other……. "Yes" there was a light....so although it has been said that I am the strong one, it couldn't be farther from the truth. My husband and Mom dictated to me and guided me through. I went through the motions....but they were my eyes and heart.......my children were and still are my inspiration. Set your own limits, do not allow cancer to......set them for you.

Sandra
Fredericton, Canada