How could I have Cancer? I had children to care for, a husband that needed me. Young Michael was about to go to his first prom. I was much to busy for this. Then I found Rick Michaelson, MD who eased me off that cloud and back to reality. I was frightened, angry, and even embarrassed by this "Breast Cancer". I had the mastectomy, chemo started on our wedding anniversary (so I could celebrate more) and a year later another mastectomy followed by reconstruction. I remember the fear of not being there for my boys. With the most wonderful friends in the world, a brother who ran an ironman (Hawaii) for me, the love of my most special husband and the continued guidance and support from Dr. Michaelson. I am here 18 years later, to not only see Michael and Ryan as grown, successful men but also to be at their weddings to the most wonderful women and to be at the births of each of my four beautiful grandchildren (1 born on our anniversary)! Breasts are for nursing children, their purpose was complete, I did not need them to eat, to communicate, to travel, or to live, what I needed was support, compassion, and the best medical care.
Every woman in the world should be so lucky! Thank You Michael, Michael T, Ryan, Benson, Barbara, Linda, Jerry, Rick, Faye, and all of my brothers and sisters-in-law. Thanks Mom and Dad S. for allowing me a place on the couch when I was to tired to make it home. Mostly Thank you to all of the women before me who heard the same words "You have Cancer". You made my life possible, and it is a grand life!!
Tinton Falls, NJ