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Always had a mamogram every 1 to 2 years.

I was never thinking of breast cancer. Always had a mamogram every 1 to 2 years. I was scheduling skin doctors and colonoscopy and my husband said :did you schedule your mamogram" I said no, but I would do it tommorrow. He asked me 3 days straight and I finally did. I had no lumps..nothing...regular exam. I went and they called next day to redo."no problem...probably nothing". went back..waited and they needed my doctor to call. I had the dreaded breast cancer...clusters of 8.5 centimeters ...took both breasts and I am recovering. Thank God for family and friends...mostly my breast cancer friend Linda. Am I ok? well it is still a journey...more surgeries to be had....cancer free for now and I hope for always. From all I know...this is an epidemic...curable if found...but an epidemic. I want all breast cancer patients to live....and the support makes it happen. "Tears may be in my eyes...but strength is in my heart"
Survivor, Peg Varani

Peg Varani
Upper Providence, PA

My sister

My sister died of breast cancer in 1998. she was the best elememtry teacher ever. she helped my daughter to progress through a tough time in her education. She also spent a great deal of time with my daughter, traveling , going to music festivals, meeting musicans, just playing out there. she made a huge mark in my childs life. My daughter will always have that. I am currently envolved in the Sister Breast Cancer Research program. It is a ten year program it is very interesting. at this time I am one of the very poor who need a mammagram and would like to know how to get one. My daughter sent me this site. Maybe she knows I need help.
Robin Horton

Robin
Bastrop, TX

A Diamond in the Rough

My mom had breast cancer twice, my late grandmother had it, and two of my aunts (1 from either side of my family) also were diagnosed and treated. My mother was first diagnosed in 1992 and then again around 2002. My mom and I have been advocating for breast cancer research since I was about 4 years old (when she first was diagnosed), particularly with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the Sister's Network. My mother has participated in a Breast Cancer Awareness fashion show and she was even pictured in a Richmond magazine article on breast cancer. My mom has been cancer-free for almost 10 years now and it has been a tough, but triumphant experience. Due to the chemotherapy and radiation, she has developed congestive heart failure so her heart is very weak at this point. However, she continues to keep a positive and upbeat attitude; her warm personality keeps us all positive and energized! She is truly a role model for me, and I just hope I grow up to be as great as she is. We continue to advocate and stay strong for each other! God has truly Blessed us.

CJ James
Richmond, VA

Cancer Survivor . . . . . x2.

My cancer journey started in July of 2003 with a lump in my throat. It was cancer, stage 3B. This is when my life changed and will never be the same. I had a 50% chance of survival, but that I should see a Dr. at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. They gave me an 80% chance of survival. I spent eight weeks in Rochester. Treatment consisted of 32 radiation treatments and 7 Chemo's. I was in the hospital for three weeks and don't remember two. I have many side effects from the treatment, but, I survived. I took each day as a gift, and thanked God everyday for it.

In March of 2008, I found a lump in my L) breast. 3 Dr's told me that it was nothing, My mammograms & ultrasounds were the same for years. I urged my surgeon to take a closer look. I got a call the next day. It was breast cancer .I couldn't' believe it, cancer again. IT WAS NOT EVEN RELATED TO MY FIRST. I went in for a lumpectomy. Stage 2. My surgeon and I decided to do a double mastectomy. So, after a cruise with some close friends, I had surgery, went through Chemo & lost my hair again. People have told me I am one of the strongest women they know, Some say I'm the most positive, they haven't seen me in a melt down. The one thing that I do know is you can NOT go through this with out laughing. Love brings laughter. You HAVE to have a positive outlook on life and a determination that won't quit. I will survive as long as God allows. Until then, I made a promise to myself to be happy, positive and determined.

Sherry Johnson
Prairie City, IA

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger...

On June 3rd I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Four days after undergoing a bilateral mastectomy on June 11th, I was told that I would need both chemotherapy and radiation due to the aggressive cancer cells that were found in the tissue.. When the oncologist broke the news that the cancer had spread beyond the ducts, my hair was the first thing I thought to ask about. She told me that she was pretty sure that I would lose it, but I wasn't ready to believe her.

The bottom line was that though my tumors were small,I had DCIS with a metastatic invasion in a lymph node in the breast tissue. The classification was Stage IIb and grade 3, meaning it was very aggressive calling for aggressive treatment, and no matter how many second, third and fourth opinions I may get, chemo and radiation were going to be part of the prescription.

When the morphine fog from the surgery had lifted, I went to the infusion center for "chemo class". After hearing about all the terrible things that chemotherapy could cause, I asked the looming question: "Does everyone lose their hair?" I should stop and say that I somehow I had faith that I wasn't going to die from breast cancer, so whether or not I was going to lose my hair was the next "logical question" Angela informed me that in 20 years as an oncology nurse she had never seen someone receiving either of the treatments who didn't.

My chemotherapy started less than a week later.

I decided to have a professional photographer take pictures of me bald so I could remember this challenging time and the inner strength I was able to draw upon in hopes that others could be inspired in facing their own challenges.

Courtney Green
Los Angeles, CA

My Story

Friday, October 23, 2009 - There are no words to express what I've gone through today at the age of 48. Is this a dream? Will I wake up? Don't know, but here it goes... I have BREAST CANCER!!! SHOCKED, STUNNED, IN DISBELIEF, SCARED? It's all YES! YES! YES! The decisions surgery, then perhaps radiation, and/or chemotherapy, which one will it be???

December 1, 2009 had a double mastecomy was a tough ride but doing well today, stage 1, level 1 with all margin clear.

January 6, 2010 - Oncologist recommending Tamoxifen with (SOFT) Suppression of Ovarian Fuction Trail, need to decide by next week.

Now this is written by a friend who is documenting my story via photography:

I just wanted to let everyone know how remarkable this woman is. And that she is doing well. Of course she is no more remarkable then the women who went before her or those who unfortunately will follow after on this journey one takes when you hear the words "You have breast cancer".

She is looking forward to going back to work. It's been 5 weeks since her double mastectomy, stage 1 cancer. I photographed her yesterday and must admit, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to capture her beauty the way I wanted to. We shot in her house with natural light and both of us loved the images I captured. Her healing process is not over but she is well on her way.

Carmen Mendez
West New York, NJ

My Mom

I do not have the right picture of my mom. the one I have are too big and it will not upload.
My mom was told that she had breast cancer in 2007. Went through chemo and Radiation and and surguies and thought that it was gone. My mom now has M( I do not know how to spell this so bare with me) Matissis Terminal breast cancer, where it had spread. Chemo once again and as of today she went for another mammogram and they found something else in her left breast. My mom is a fighter but Her body is so tired and the fight is getting to her. I love my mom and I want her to live but she can not live like this. One bad news after another. Why breast cancer, why any cancer? Why my mom and every woman must have had to ask "Why me or Why my mom?" there is never going to be a goood or right answer for this. I love you mom and I will fight this with you until there is no more fight in you.

Michelle Kale
Clover, SC

At the beginning

I've just been diagnosed. Having lumpectomy surgery on Monday. They think it's stage 1 and should be able to get it all, but will know more after the operation. The doctor will also check my lymph nodes. I'm nervous about the surgery, but not the cancer. I had a biopsy last week and I sooooooo hate needles in my breast, but don't have any choice so might as well relax. Right? Right.

I lost my mom to this !@#@#$ disease, but am determined to survive and spread the word.

Hang in there all.

Candace
High Point, NC

Twelve Years and Counting

Twelve years ago, at the age of 59, my doctor found a lump in my breast that turned out to be a stage 3 cancer. I underwent a mastectomy, a year and a half of chemo and radiation, plus another surgery. I have been cancer free since I finished my treatments. The love and support of my family and friends helped me get through that difficult time and I will be grateful forever.

I recommend that all women have regular checkups along with mammograms. They are both important tools for early detection.

Miriam
New City, NY

Nicole Berube surviver

My Aunt Nicole Berube is a caner surviver.
She got breast caner on July 4 2008 .
She had her left breast removed.
It,s been 2 years she has been cancer free.
The photo I sent is her 2years celebration i had for her.
I just hope that some day they will find a cure.

Pauline Hamel
Kapuskasing, Canada