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ANNIE'S STORY

During 2000 I was diagnozed with breast cancer in my right breast, 19
glands were removed and I had an masectomy. After a year of chemo-
therapy and twenty radiations I have never been so healty.

The story is to give GOD all the praise, I was so positive and still
believe that I was completely healed the day they removed the
cancer glands. I never got sick with the chemotherapy, went on
a Friday had the chemotherapy went shopping and the monday
went back to the workplace. The only side effect that I have was
hot flushes that is all. After the 20 radiation treatment I never had
sore or anything on my skin.

Since 2000 I have been to the Oncologist on a regular basis
and never in the ten years was their any sign of negative tests,
in fact I have never been so healthy as know.

To all the people out their that suffers from cancer, their is
hope trusting in God and being positive will help you through
a difficult but learning process in your lives. Never ever give
up hope our time is not GOD's time.

Anonymous
Clayville, South Africa

13 year breast cancer survivor

13 years ago this past January I was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer I had 6 months worth of in patient chemotherapy I had a positive
attitude during my whole treatment time and still have the same positive attitude I am celebrating each day god has given me with my family and
friends. I lost my mom to cancer a year ago my brothers say I am
helping to keep the tamily together. my family consist of 3 brothers, 5
nieces and 4 nephews I also have 1 great niece and nephew.

Anonymous
Merryville, LA

Two Years Breast Cancer Free - I am a survivor

Near the end 2006 my husband and I was preparing for retirement to a small farm in Tennessee when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It put everything on hold while I underwent surgery and treatment. There were times when I thought I'd never make it. But in January 2008 I got the all clear. Although I continue on medication for five years, I am now 2 yrs clean.

March 14, 2008 we retired in TN. Each time I have to go for a mammogram or blood work, it is scary, but with God and my husband by my side, we enjoy each new day together. Breast cancer research has come so far but still has a long way to go. I love waking up to each new day and really enjoy life as our dream of retiring in TN has come to pass in spite of the breast cancer.

Lana Hollenback
Deer Lodge, TN

If you are diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer....

Dear Sisters in Pink,
Three years ago I was diagnosed with a more rare form of breast cancer, triple negative. There is little research on it because on 15% of us get it.
I fortunately found the lump doing a monthly exam. I was stage 1 and doctors recommended a lumpectomy with just radiation.
Unfortunately it took 3 lumpectomies to get clean margins. Then they told me because it was larger than first thought that I needed chemo and radiation.
Three years later, this Oct 20th, my birthday, I was told that a new lump in the same breast meant I need a mastectomy right away. I opted to have both breasts removed. More for symmetry than anything else. My surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic gave me some clear answers and I made the hard decision that I wish I had made three years earlier.
Triple negative breast cancer is more agressive and if they had made that clear three years ago I would have had the mastectomy then.
I have been very fortunate because if came back to the same site and not to a new organ. Also no lymph node involvement. So I was stage 1b. I was told I need four rounds of Paraplatin and Taxotere as a profilactic. ( prevention)
I have been blessed by the love of my husband, daughters, sons, and friends and neighbors. I plan when this is behind me to "pay it forward " and help others who perhaps don't have family in the area for support. Love and prayers are very healing. Sincerely, Jody

Jody Stewart
Fenton, MI

The start of a Journey

It all started with my hiatus hernia acting up after a party... I was stunned to find a lump -- crud! I went to my doctor followed by a series of tests. Two days before we were going on an early Christmas vacation it was confirmed that I had invasive lobular cancer. The doctor recommended that we still go, which we did, and had a wonderful time. Afterwards I was booked with the surgeon who was wonderful, straight forward but compassionate, agreeing to my having a simple mastectomy. Again, we had another trip booked, so my surgery date was set for two days after we returned. We once again had an amazing time and I had one more thing to look forward to -- my friends were arranging, at my request, a "Bye, Bye, Booby" party for me in advance of surgery.
I would highly recommend a "Bye, Bye, Booby" party. It was held at a friend's house, after work, with a cake in the shape of a breast along with similarly decorated cupcakes, pink balloons, and games. They gave me a crown, pink boa, sparkly wand and I wore a plain white t-shirt so that they could all sign my shirt which I would have as a keepsake. We laughed, giggled, shared hugs, kisses, and tears while giving me incredible strength to get through this first step.
My surgery was straight forward and I've been at home recovering under the compassionate and loving care of my boyfriend, family and friends. I go to the surgeon in a couple of days to find out what the next step will be but I'm confident and know that "I'll get by with a little help from my friends".
Anyone up for a "Meet My New Breast Friend" Party next?

Sandra Detering
London, Canada

Aunt Roselle

Aunt Roselle was married to my Uncle William. She was a great cook, and always in a great mood. I can still hear her voice and laughter. When Tracey and I were younger, we'd go to their house and visit. All the kids played together and had a great time.
Many years later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. I never saw her down, depressed or sad. She kept fighting until the end. When my Mother had a stroke (during her fight with Alzheimer's), Aunt Roselle was at the hospital with us, comforting as always. Aunt Roselle was undergoing chemo at the time, weak, and in pain. She joined us at the hospital, in the middle of the night, and I'm sure there were places she'd rather be, but there she was.
Her indomitable spirit touched everyone she ever met, and it lives on in her family and friends. When you feel down, and beaten by life, extend a hand to someone in need. It will help you to feel better.

Chuck Denson
Wilmington, NC

From Kat

I was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 weeks ago. On March 22nd, I will have my surgery and start my recovery. I'll be back with my survivor's story. I have been clicking on this site every day for the past 5 years and it's inspirational to see all the good that is done.

Kat
Raleigh, NC

My Current Battle For Beauty

I just turned 34 one week ago--- a little over a month after being diagnosed with breast cancer in my right breast. My closest friends are in San Diego but I live in NYC, so as a gift they sent me a breast cancer garden gnome. I named her Stella and have been taking her with me to all of my appointments and to my school so she can get photos with everyone I meet. It's her way of curing breast cancer by making people smile in photos! I just had my right mastectomy three days ago and I'm getting through it; no cancer in my lymph nodes. I have a lot of love from friends near and far, my brother is staying with me to help out, and I have so much love to give. I start chemo in April and have all the hope in the world that I will beat this thing. I never in a million years thought I would be facing cancer of any kind at such a young age, but I am finally at a place in my life that I feel strong enough and brave enough to fight and win any battle I have to face.

Marie
New York, NY

Barb's Story

I am a 31 year old breast cancer survivor and mother of three beautiful children, CJ, Kristen, and Jennifer. I was misdiagnosised in August of 2007 when my female gyonocologist mistakened my breast lump for my menstral cycle telling me the lumps come and go. She told me not to worry until I was 35 or so. Seven months later I found my lump was much bigger and my fiancee Ron encouraged me to get a second opionion. With timely surgeries, four rounds of chemo treatments and constant reconstruction, I am now going on two years cancer free. From the moment I was loosing my hair I started fundraising to help other people in my shoes. I realized it kept my soul happy to help others. It kept my mind busy and positive. I now volunteer with local charities, Nepa Komen foundation, Froggy's cure crew, All for a Cause, my own event Two Steppin' for the Ta-tas and a few more. The picture attached is the latest of events I modeled with my two girls in the Pink Elegance Parade. You can see I am loving my new hair! I enjoy creating baskets for cancer patients with nessities they need during chemo; including,books, music, movies, and "tips from a survivor". I like to write to their favorite famous people and get them autographs to bring them some happiness in thier troubled times. I love to share my story with at least one person a day. I love giving speaches at schools to teach younger teens to know their breast health. We know our bodies better than any doctor! Spreading awarness is my mission. I will not stop until we have a world without Breast Cancer!!!!

Barbara Connolly
Scranton, PA

I am blessed

I am a 14-year survivor and give thanks every morning that I get to live another day. My mother died with breast cancer, the second round. I give thanks my three sisters have never had to deal with this disease. One of my sisters is participating in the Sister Study. I wrote about my experience of being diagnosed and undergoing treatment in a book I wrote with two friends, Renee Fisher and Jean Peelen. "Saving the Best for Last: Creating Our Lives After 50" has a chapter titled "The Realities of Breast Cancer," where each of us shares our personal experiences. I give thanks that my experience woke me up to appreciating my life and living with joy and passion.

Joyce Kramer
Bradenton Beach, FL