A SURVIVOR’S STORY

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November of 2006 at the age of 48. I was already a four-year cancer survivor from squamous cell carcinoma which required a 10 hour radical surgery for removal. That surgery was a success and I was left deaf in one ear, but always felt that was a small price for such a positive outcome. I continued on with life feeling pretty blessed.

In early November I found a small lump while putting lotion on after a shower. I was nervous because once you have cancer your mind jumps to conclusions that aren't always pleasant. I let it go a couple weeks until my daughter encouraged me to have it checked out so I could move on and stop worrying about it. I had my mammogram (two months late) and an ultrasound. The small lump I found was non-cancerous. I like to tell everyone that small lump was divine intervention because during the process they did find two other lumps which proved to be cancer. It was hard to believe this was happening to me again. My fiancé was there for my diagnosis, right by my side, the same place he had been four years earlier, and the same place he is today.  But I think the hardest part of being diagnosed was telling my mom. She has already been through leukemia with my brother, my previous cancer, and breast cancer with my sister-in-law (all of us being survivors!), and I knew each time she wished she could have taken it from us. Unfortunately she is very experienced at being a caregiver and she truly is the best! I had a lumpectomy in November right after Thanksgiving and started my chemotherapy treatment before Christmas. I wanted to get started so I could get it done. My daughter and I set out to find a wig before I lost my hair. She tried on some, I tried on some, and we made it a fun outing. When my hair started to fall out she, being a hair stylist, brought her clippers home so we could shave my head. I remember crying and her doing the same. Once all the hair was off I looked in the mirror and said “Wow, I look exactly like my brother!” and we started laughing. Shortly after that my daughter came home with short hair. Although she wasn't bald (something she didn't think the salon would look kindly on) she had made a sacrifice. She had cut off her hair to encourage me, to honor me, and to express her love for me. She made this bumpy road easier for me just by being there every day. I accepted my breast cancer and wanted to believe it was me that was diagnosed so my daughter wouldn't be, or my mom, or any number of special women in my life - or maybe a woman I didn't even know that was not as strong as me. I met amazing people along the way from health care professionals and staff members to, best of all, other people going through what I was going through. Acquaintances turned into friendships, friendships became stronger, family bonds deepened and my appreciation for life became even greater. It was not a pleasant journey but it was a journey I had to travel, but not alone. For all of you that helped me become a survivor, I thank God for you! For all of you recently diagnosed or going through treatment, please try to look for all the wonderful gifts God also presents along the way.