My name is Angele. I'm a 36 year old breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with stage1/grade3 cancer in fall 2008: I was 35, my daughter was 5. I chose to have a mastectomy and I haven't regretted it. For me, it was something I could control, peace of mind in a sense, a way to avoid a lifetime of tests. But it's not for everyone and the doctors were good at explaining this wasn't the only way.
I didn't hide anything from my daughter, I explained as best I could. She knew everything every step of the way including what chemo was and how it worked. I hope I taught her that cancer happens, and you deal with it as best you can. "I know cancer mummy" is what she said when I finally told her what the disease was called. She also ran 10 laps during the Relay for Life last spring and told me she could go all night next year. She's the one who reminded me who I was and that cancer wouldn't change me. Even bald, eyebrow and eyelash free, as well as flat chested, she told me I was beautiful, and I believed her. She made me get up in the morning and live. Cancer or not, she needed her mother so I had to no choice. I'm now healthy --tired, but healthy, and very grateful for that kick in the bum. And, if I'm lucky, my eyelashes will come back soon!
Ottawa, Canada
