by Regena Huffman, Survivor

I was diagnosed with stage 2 IBC (inflammatory breast cancer) back in December of 2015. After chemo, surgery, and radiation, I was 6 months away from my 5-year milestone when I discovered the cancer had metastasized to my bone in 3 places. I am currently on oral chemo and appear to be responding favorably.

The newest cancer was discovered during an MRI that I had to advocate strongly to have... I would like to share with survivors the importance of being your own advocate and asking what tests are available to you for early diagnosis!

Here is my story - When I went in for my regular annual checkup at the breast surgeon's office last May, I shared how someone I knew had a recurrence of cancer on the side they had already had a mastectomy on. I asked how we would know if that was my situation or not given that I still got an annual mammogram, but I could only have one side of my body checked. How would we know if all was good on the reconstructed side? My doctor said that for those of us who have only one breast removed during treatment, the medical field is starting to see the value in doing an annual mammogram, but then following it up with an MRI 6 months later so they can identify anything that might be occurring on the reconstructed side. He told me that most insurance companies fight doing this because of the cost of the MRI, and I asked him to submit a request to move forward with the MRI. He said it might take a time or two to get approval, but I told him to keep requesting until we were approved, which he did.

When I went to his office to review the results of the MRI, his exact words to me were "Your case is exactly the reason why I think it is so important for us to do these MRI's for survivors... we had something show up in your results that we need to investigate further.”

A PET scan was then ordered, and that scan showed that I now had cancer in my bones in 3 areas of my body, 2 cervical joints in my neck, one rib, and a spot on my pelvis. If I had not insisted on that MRI, I might not know about the recurrence yet! I am a firm believer that we need to not be afraid of what the doctors or insurance companies might think of us, we are fighting for our lives here!!! I am now on oral chemotherapy and had 5 radiation treatments to my neck back in July. My most recent PET scan (which my oncologist had to submit for three months in a row before we got approval!) showed that the affected areas are responding and for that I am grateful!

Thanks so much for all the Beyond Pink TEAM does for those of us who are living with this daily, and for the time spent educating and encouraging those of us who live with breast cancer.


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By Debbie Brecher, a Breast Cancer Survivor 

My family has participated in the Pink Ribbon Run since 2014 when my mom, Jody, was diagnosed with breast cancer. We walked in her name until this year. I would never have dreamed that this year would present one of the toughest things I've ever endured in the same way.

There are three things that I know for certain about breast cancer. Early detection is absolutely critical, a great medical team behind you is key, and a team of warriors who stand beside you is essential. One of those warrior teams that stepped up the day of my diagnosis to help was the Beyond Pink TEAM (BPT).

There were so many different ways the BPT offers assistance to breast cancer patients and their families. Emotionally, physically, and financially. Until you're one of them you don't realize how much this cancer consumes you. This team was reaching out to me on day one to provide help navigating cancer. I didn't realize how impactful this group was until I became the patient.
It is simply astounding to learn that one of every eight individuals will experience breast cancer in his or her lifetime. Two of those eight will find that they have the most aggressive form of breast cancer. I am one of those two and I can tell you it is not a position I would wish for anyone.

By the grace of God early detection and a great doctor gave me a fighting chance to win the race. I really do think of it like a race. You know there's a finish line. You're following the map your medical team gave you but you have no idea if your body is taking you in the right direction.

At the time there were nights I just didn't think I was going to be able to take much more. The finish line looked a long ways away back in March. I'm thrilled to report my finish line is in Photos from Virtual Run sight on October 1 which is so fitting as October starts breast cancer awareness month. I reached the finish line as my warriors are making sure of it with them by my side. You are my warriors!

Initially, I really didn't want to share the fact that I had breast cancer. It's an overwhelming diagnosis. The last thing you want to do is put your burden on others. But they gave me strength and confidence that I could do this. They made me realize how important it is to share and support one another.

I think we are all compassionate in our own ways. However, compassion in cancer gives me an entirely new perspective.

This was my picture* from last year's walk I'm in the middle, #276. 

While I know they say you're a survivor in your first year I'm anxious to know that by next year when we can all walk together, I can look back at how far I've come. Note: This year’s Pink Ribbon Run had a team, “Jody’s Pack 4-Ever & Debbie’s Warriors” – a family team of 41 supporters for 2 breast cancer survivors, mother and daughter. 

*picture can be seen in full newsletter

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