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.
Prairie City, IA
