In 1997 I found a lump while drying off after a shower. I battled for 2 months just to get the test I needed. See, just like many here, I was 32 with no history of cancer, I exercised, did not smoke, my diet was good, but I too was diagnosed with Stage 2 DCIS also invasive. I did not cry, I only asked "what do I do now, what are my options". After a lumpectomy w/ auxillary disection, 1 lymph node out of 32 was positive, I did 4 rounds of chemo, 37 days of radiation and I was off to a different life, A life where I knew without a doubt that living is a blessing. I had two children 6 yrs old son and 12 year old daughter that I very much wanted to enjoy.
I wasn't placed on any form of preventive treatment until 18 months later. When we moved and I got a new doctor. I feel that this delay is what brought on the return of the cancer in 2004, the same day my daughter told us we were going to be grandparents. This time I was told I had metastatic breast cancer and did another 6 rounds of chemo. I had been clear at that point for 6 yrs! I remained cancer free two more years. I am battling now, I live a pretty normal life. I work, I travel to see my grandbabies, I saw my son graduate and he is now in college. You all know that at some point you have a fear of never seeing these things come to pass. I trust in God! I smile,to show that I know, that even on a bad day, that yes, even then, living is a blessing.
It won't bring me down......
Vine Grove, KY
