Early in 2013 after having a normal, scheduled mammogram I was diagnosed with DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Site). 1 week after my surgery to remove the tumor, my youngest daughter Cheri (33 years old) was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma stage 3. Cheri's boys were 3 and 5 years old at the time and we have no history of cancer in our family.
Cheri had a total mastectomy including lymph nodes on her left side. Then chemo, she lost her hair and each time it made her extremely sick. I was working, going thru radiation treatments 5 days a week and doing what I could to help Cheri and her family. Watching her boys while mommy was in the hospital or too sick to get out of bed, bringing meals for all, trying to calm their worries and fears was especially hard. 3 and 5 year olds aren't suppose to have worries like this. When chemo ended, Cheri's Oncologist told her she had a couple of dark spots on her right breast they were going to watch. "Take it off" Cheri said, and they scheduled surgery to remove her right breast. She has completed her radiation and will start reconstructive surgery in 2015.
We are both cancer free and would not be here without great medical care and the love and support of family and friends. My daughters Cyndi and Carynna and granddaughter Sage helped many times with child care, cleaning, meals and being there as a friend, nurse, great sisters and Aunties. Food and support from many family members and friends was so needed and appreciated. We both appreciate life more and are so relieved that the nightmare is over. We have participated in the "I Believe" walk held in Redlands, CA for the last 2 years and plan to be survivors for many years. This is a recent picture of Cheri and her boys who are 4 and 6 and so happy to have their mom happy and well.
Redlands, CA
