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Good to be alive

July 5th 2003, I was rung by my GP to be told that I had breast cancer, I like everyone else thought why me and to be told on this day, my youngest sons 21st birthday, it was supposed to be a happy day, I told him then rang my other two children who at the time were living in England. I discussed with them that I was have a Mastectomy followed by 4 rounds of Chemotherapy. Luckily I did not need any other treatment only Tamoxifin for 5 year. I am Cancer free and take everyday as it comes. I click every day on this site and have done so since my mastectomy. All my family and friends click everyday also.

Jennie Doolan
Hastings, New Zealand

Two Time Breast Cancer Survivor

In May 2006, a spot was found on my right breast. I had a breast biopsy and stage 0 LCIS was found. On April 29, 2009 during a routine mammogram and ultrasound, a small spot was again found on the right breast on the left side of the nipple. I went through four ultrasounds and a MRI. I had a breast biopsy on May 14, 2009 and stage 1 LCIS was found. My Mom and older sister are breast cancer survivors. My younger sister is having a breast guided MRI because a small spot was found during a routine mammogram. I had three options: a lumpectomy with radiation, remove one breast with medicine or remove both breasts with reconstruction. I cannot tolerate the medicine and decided to have a bilaterial mastectomy with reconstruction. There is a 50% chance the cancer will return in the left breast. On June 18, 2009, I had a bilaterial mastectomy with reconstruction and lymph nodes removed under the right arm. I don't need chemo. I am in the third week of recovery, a star patient, and have a great attitude. Make sure you get mammograms every year-my life was saved.

Victoria Prestia
St Charles, IL

40 yr old single mom to a special needs child and breast ca too

My ex left me with a special needs child, believe me that consumes my life. It was one of the most challenging times of my life until breast cancer decided to come pay me a visit. After a mammo and all the other tests that followed it was confirmed that I had extensive DCIS, which meant a mandatory mastectomy. I opted for a double, so I could avoid ever hearing those words again and also for symmetry. My family flew in from across the country and I went in for surgery on 6/22/09. As most of you know the insurance companies boot you out in 2 days, so I was home on 6/24/09. I did have the reconstruction started, but have yet to look at myself. I have cleverly found many ways to get a bathing suit top on before I take off my medi-bra. I did find out that my lymph nodes were negative and the surrounding tissue was as well. So I can now focus on the next 9 months of reconstruction and of course taking care of my lovely son Nicholas. Hope and strength to everyone reading this post.
jeannie

jeannie
holbrook, NY

My Mother in Law, the Survivor and Advocate

My Mother in law Sunnie Jacobs was diagnosed with stage 2 Inflammatory Breast Cancer in December of 2005. Since then she has stopped at nothing to fight the cancer and inform women how deadly early detection of this breast cancer could be. She received a proclaimation from Gov. Charlie Crist (FL) that the first week of October would be known as IBC week. She doesn't stop at that. She speaks at the new cancer institute in Boca Raton Fl. and she has even made the trip to Washington D.C. to Lobby on IBC awareness. She has been an inspiration to me because when she should be enjoying the years of her life she is fighting to save countless others. I am an advocate for her in everyway. I try to tell someone everyday about IBC and early detection and inform women like I will here. That this breast cancer does not show as a lump, it is the most commonly misdiagnosed (which is why it is so deadly) and it cannot be seen in a mamogram. So women and Mothers Please inform yurself about this cancer and know what to look for. This cancer knows no age limit. It has been diagnosed in girls as young as twelve and the 5 year survival rate is only 50%. Inform your Doctors and insist on an MRI if you suspect something.

Jennifer Jacobs
Moline, IL

My Breast Cancer Journey

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in December, 1999 shortly after by 50th birthday. After a biopsy procedure and finding out the tumor was malignant, I shared with my surgeon that I needed to dance at my 2 year old grandson's wedding some day.

So in January of 2000, I had a mastectomy of my right breast, reconstruction, and six months follow-up of chemotherapy. In the name of the Lord, I claimed that I would be cured! While turning 50 was a bit traumatic, from that point on my philosophy of age is that it's only relative. The blessing in my experience gave me a totally new outlook on my life's journey. I joyfully celebrated by 51st birthday and I will be turning 60 next October. My grandson will be 11 in December; and yes, I am still planning to dance at his wedding, as well as the weddings of 6 other grandkids!

Linda L Blake
Dayton, OH

I beat breast cancer twice!

Three Christmases ago I learned I had breast cancer for the second time, and for the second time my life was spared because of early detection. Even though I lost both breasts and endured 18 months of hell, I emerged healthier in body and spirit, and now I gladly devote myself to supporting people whose lives have been touched my breast cancer. Through my website I hear from women all over north america who are facing or recovering from some stage of treatment. I am particularly interested in reconstructive surgery since I had the latest and best DIEP flap procedure and have perky breasts and a flat tummy to show for it. I am a DIEP sister and will sign off with my motto

I am alive and I have cleavage!

Jamie

Jamie Inman
Hollister, CA

The Journey

What I thought would be a horrible battle 5 years ago, turned out to be a pleasant journey. At 39 I was diagnosed with breast cancer stage 3. The wind was knocked out of me! I had just gone through a horrible divorce and was thinking that the kids and I would be okay.
The 1st thing I can say is I am so glad that I know God. He carried me through all of it. There was days that I really could feel him holding me and saying it will be OK.
When they were doing test to prove the diagnosis I received a phone call that I needed to come home immediatly. They did not think that my father would make it through the night. I made it to my car and on the verge of colapse this song came on the radio about it will be well with my soul that the Lord would take care of it all. The Lord gave me strength and mindset to get through the fight for my life. I felt like I was a warrior at that time but also numb to the pain. He took the pain. He put me in the path of wonderful people that fought with me through prayers, love, friendship and being a servant to him by helping me.
I am so thankful to everyone that has been put in my life. I am so thankful for all the adventures I have had with the people that he put in my life. I am so thankful for the opportunity to use this thing meant for evil to bring goodness to others by testifing to my Lord's love. Thank You Heavenly Father for showing me how to be more like you.

Jacqueline Harlan
Mesa, AZ

My Mother, My Hero

My mother was my hero. She passed away in 1994 of breast cancer. She fought it for 10 years, and then finally the battle was over. She was the most loving, sweet and kind woman there ever was. She put her everything into taking care of me and my brother and baby sister. Sometimes she would go without, so that we would have what we needed. In 1984, she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She underwent the Chemo, and the pills, and the laying on of hands and prayer. She bravely boarded a plane in 1989,(she had never flown before), and came to Washington to be with me as my 2 year old daughter underwent Open Heart Surgery. She was not feeling well, but came anyway. She was a very giving, loving Grandma. My kids did not get to know her, and I wish they could have. The cancer and chemo finally got the best of her. It spread to her Esphagus, and then to the brain, and one sunny day in October of 1994, she breathed her last breath. She is gone, but never forgotten. Every Mother's day, I buy a balloon that says, Happy Mother's Day, and I go somewhere private, talk to Mom, and let the balloon go. I have not missed a Mother's Day yet, and I never will.

I walk the Breast Cancer walks, and light a candle for my mom everytime. I love her and miss her desperately.

Kirsty Clemensen
Melbourne, FL

I was lucky

i was taking a bath one day and felt a lump as i was washing.so i made an appointment with my dr and she sent me to a surgeon and he first tried aspiration but nothing came out of the syringe.then he said lets get a mammogram done .so the following day i had my mammogram they found what was called microscopic calcifications.i was worried when i read up on it.so i waited to what the next step was,so the next week i was sent to the hospital to have a biopsy done.he removed i think was 5 or 6 cells,but thank god they were negative.then again i had another biopsy done.removed some more cells again negative.i was very happy as breast cancer runs in my family.i like to think i am a survivor cuz they could have been positive but the good lord was watching over me.

angel
bradford, RI

The fight continues

Stage II cancer was diagnosed in my left breast in October of 2002. After three months of preoperative chemotherapy, I opted for a bilateral mastectomy, thinking that would prevent worry about getting cancer in my other breast. However Yesterday I received the news that a lump on my mastectomy scar is indeed cancer. I don't know what is in store for me, but I figure if I beat it once I can beat it again.
Whatever the outcome, I am grateful for these last seven years. I've tried to live my life with appreciation and mindfulness. It is not what we are dealt in life that makes us happy or miserable, it is how we play those cards. I can't say I've been given a very good hand: my husband had a stroke three months ago, as with many other families out there, our economic future is uncertain, and difficult situations seem to pile up on us constantly. However, my life is full of richness: my wonderful family, friends, the pets we have had the honor of sharing our lives with, the world I get to commune with everyday just by walking out my door. I focus on the time I spend with my husband rather than think of everything else I need to do. I enjoy spending time with my children and give them credit for growing up into such wonderful adults. I let the antics of my four legged children entertain me rather than get annoyed at the mess they make.
Most important, I have learned that by giving of myself, by doing small acts of kindness, compassion and respect, I build my own strength. This strength will aid my new fight against cancer and sustain my appreciation for each day I am able to fight it!

Jean
Jacksonville, NC