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my breast cancer story

My story is about when I came to find out that I had stage two breast cancer I was 40 years old I had my annual mmammo done then I had to go back and have another one done I was really scared. After I got that done I had to have all these tests done then come to find out I was going to lose my left breast I was very upset but I knew that I would be ok and that god was with me and for me I was in the fox chase cancer cntr which is a great place with great people they made me feel right at home they were very supportive and they were there for me through my surgery then I had to have drains put in to my side for the stuff from my surgery to drain out and of course I had to have a full time nurse come to my home to drain my drains and once they healed successfully they removed them and I then started me with chemo everyday in the morning along with the lunasta shot which brought me down and made me sick so after I was done that I was just getting my chemo in a relaxing atmosphere with wonderful people I was always thinking to my self that I was always going to be alone in this fight turns out I wasn't I had friends in my groups there that made me feel like I was family they supported me when I was scared and depressed about my situation. And on my last day I cried when I had to leave all my friends that I had made so now I'm doing radiation and I'm doing well I feel great and everything I've been through I just want to be able to be an inspiration to other people out there who are fighting the good fight and want to be there to help other kids as well so they know that they are not alone.

amy
lumberton, NJ

I am beating Stage III Breast Cancer

I went for a mammogram on May 10, 2013. My doctor called me saying the mammogram didn't look good. He sent me to a surgeon. The surgeon told me you have breast cancer.
The surgeon said you need to go see an oncologist.
My oncologist told me you have Stage III breast cancer plus it has spread to the lymph nodes. I told him...I am going to beat this. CANCER isn't going to get me. He said how we are going to treat this is by doing chemo first. I had 20 chemo treatments without ever getting sick. I felt very blessed for not ever feeling sick just tired.
After I finished the chemo treatments, I had a double mastectomy...sure glad I did that.
Now I am doing 30 radiation treatments. The radiation doctor told me my tumors were so large and the cancer was very agressive this was a precaution. I said sure lets do it...if it will help me...I am all for it.
What really helped me through all this process was my faith and all the support I had from family and friends.
I would talk to my body then say a prayer to GOD. I know sometimes my body wanted to say...I wish SHE would SHUT UP.
I have stayed very POSITIVE throughout this process. I don't look sick, don't act sick and don't feel sick.
After losing my hair, I bought cute caps to wear. I didn't like the turbans..they make a person look sick or that is my thinking. I had some with bling, bows and etc. I found a lot of my caps at Walmart...always got compliments...that makes a person feel good.
My oncologist wants me to be a spokesperson for the cancer center. He said with your ATTITUDE it will help some of my other patients. I said SURE I will do it just let me know when.
Now I am on a pill for 5 years to lower my estrogen.
I am also on Herceptin infusion for a year.
At 70 years of age, I didn't do reconstruction.

Catherine Rose
Mission, TX

Last step.....reconstruction

In December 2012 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I started with a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. Good news and bad news....nothing in the lump nodes but the margins were not clear so in January 2013 I had a mastectomy. There was still good news even in that as the margins were clear for the stage 1 of my cancer but not clear for the stage 0. My oncologist recommended 4 chemo treatments in order to get Herceptin for the HER2 positive cancer. So I began treatments in March 2013, lost my hair, was very tired but the treatments went well. The chemo finished in May and I continued every 3 weeks with my Herceptin. During my treatments my husband and I were able to squeeze in a couple of wonderful trips, the best one being our trip to Ireland.

I finished my Herceptin treatments in early April.

In January 2014 I began the next stage of my total recovery....reconstructive surgery. I met with my surgeon in January 2014 and had my surgery in early April. I chose the free flap DIEP option, which involves taking skin and fat from the stomach area and reattaching it to the chest area. The surgery went fantastic! I am totally thrilled with the results, it was the best thing I could have done for myself. I still have to have the other breast lifted to match the new one and nipple reconstruction but those are minor surgeries.

I always knew that I wanted to have breast reconstruction, some women choose implants, others chose no surgery.....every woman should do what they want.

I am glad I was able to have the choice.

Margaret Quirk
Sutton, Canada

My Journey

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer very early Feb 2014. After losing my 17 year old poodle the week before I didn't think that I could feel any sadder in life! I remember being in the cubicle at the radiologist after an ultrasound, Mammogram, and Fine Needle Aspiration. All I wanted to do was collect my little doggies ashes from the Pet Crematorium and take her home as planned, not sit and listen to what was happening to me.. From there my journey began. I must thank my GP that investigated a lump I found, which was a cyst, but she insisted I get checked anyway due to my age. Lurking behind the cyst was something far more sinister. After surgery and removal of 27 nodes (of which 2 tested positive) my cure began. I have accepted this situation and am well on my way to recovering. After 2 rounds of chemo I have 14 left followed by radiation. I have embraced what I cannot change and have a very positive outlook on life, and I'm learning very much about myself and those close to me!

Kim Hawkins
Perth, Australia

MY mom the fighter and strongest women I Know

My mom was diagnoist with breast cancer 3 Years ago she fought hard was always sick but never complained ,she lost her hair couldnt do what she loved to do most go for walks and visit with friends i as her daughter fought to keep her comfortable but i could not do much after she lost the ability to help with everyday task i had to put her in the nursing facility i worked at,We were together every day in the end she ask me to stay all night with her i am so glad i did i really needed to spend her last days with her, mom lost her battle with breast cancer but she fought hard and now is at peace she is and was a very strong women and my best friend love you mom(Ruth)

susie scott
Columbia city, IN

What Next?

After suffering with increasing problems breathing I finally received an appointment for a CT scan. The day after, I received a letter from the Consultant asking me to attend her clinic in three days time. It was to be in the MacMillan Clinic so I was already aware of my problem. When I arrived, she told me she was very sorry but it was very serious. I had a large tumour in my trachea and it was taking up 80% of my airway and it was 'incurable'.
I was quite calm but my husband crumbled. I was then rushed through to Norwich hospital where I was told by a lung specialist who had shown interest in my case, (it is a very rare type of cancer) that there were several things that he could do starting with the removal of the middle of the tumour and laser treatment. As I came round from surgery, I couldn't believe it, I could breathe!!!
Unfortunately, the tumour, although it doesn't spread, had grown into my oesophagus, meaning I had to have 6 weeks of intensive radiotherapy.
My treatment finished exactly one year ago and I am still here! I have three monthly CT scans to check on the tumour but to date, it has remained stable.
I may never be cured, but I can live a healthy life, enjoying my children and my granddaughter and this is totally due to the skill of Mr Van Leuvan at Norwich hospital and the care of the radiotherapists at Adenbrook's hospital.

Maxine Wilson
Spalding, United Kingdom

When I found out

I found out I have stage 3 breast cancer on January 3rd 2014. Yes 3 days into the New Year. I have been having mammogram every year since I was 37 because I had a cyst in my breast. In the same breast that I have cancer in. I had just had a mammo and the letter I got after my mammo was everything was fine see you in a year. I was in shock after, I had just took my daughter to college that August. I have to see my daughter graduated I have to see me son grow up. My kids are 19 and 13 I can't leave them. So now I am 5 chemo down with one more to go. Then surgery then radiation. I have gotten through this with the strength of my Lord and Savior, my kids, friends and family. I know my journey is not over yet but I will get through this. I pray every day for all the people that are fighting this fight.

Ossie
New York, NY

It's only the beginning!

34 and diagnoised with stage 3 breast cancer! Single mother of 4 gurwgus kids two boys 1 and 2 and boy and girl aged 14 and 17! Changed my life? Yes a hundred percent brings everything into prospective and maybe sometimes in a good way! I will not give up the fight and will do all I can to help others as it's not easy but it's not the end x

Christina Photi
Northamptonshire, United Kingdom

my hell & good place

in 2009 my husband had a heart attack 2 months later i was told i had breast cancer ,i had 2 lumps removed & noad clearence then chemo & radio i bloomed on radio but my last chemo i almost died my bloods went really low i was in christies hospital for 1 week & for my 60th birthday , i am this year hoping for my 5years cancer free , we sold our house as my husband couldnt get a job & live with my son & have some fab holidays to live our lives to the full . i stayed very positve & still do & i hope to live to a ripe old age & couldnt have got through this without my family & friends . i also had cold cap on my chemo was horrendous but well worth it to me my hair went very thin but didnt loose it all & as my daughter was getting married 5 months after treatment it meant i had a bit more confidence on the big day . if you are reading this & just about to start this journey be brave & look to the future as i have done . the pic i have enclosed is a tattoo i have on my foot all the family had one to raise money for my local chemo centre the tattooist did them all free & i raise nearly £600 .xxxx Sorry i cant get the pic to up load xx

angela
greater manchester, United Kingdom

Cancer-free--That's me!

I have had breast cancer twice since 1994. Two different kinds to boot! My first bout came during my daughter's senior year of high school and I was so busy I forgot to worry. We even went on a Cruise and I had my surgery AFTER my fun. I remained cancer-free for 16 years and then I was diagnosed with a more invasive type. I had such a wonderful support system--husband, family, Parish Nurse, surgeon, prayer warriors, etc., that no cancer had a chance! There were times that I was frightened but then I would get a card or a phone call or a hug and my spirits would lift. Prayers work and I've been cancer-free again for 3 years. Never give up. Believe that you can beat this thing and keep fighting every day. Both of my cancers were found early thru mammograms so get them when they are due. Cancer may be tough but I'm tougher and so are all of you. God bless you on your journeys and never give up.

Kathy Rhee
Bay Village, OH