BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS – NOW A DISTANT MEMORY

Eight years ago I never thought my diagnosis of breast cancer would be a distant memory. I felt as though my life had just been sucked up into the vortex of a tornado. But here I am 8 years later and doing great. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in December of 2008.

At that time I was working in the Mammography Suite. I wasn’t so much shocked with the diagnosis, as I have a strong family history of breast cancer, but it was more of a fear. Fear of the unknown. At the time I had a 13 year old son who I worried what his life would be like without his mom, and two adult children who were still finding their way. I worried about the treatments, work, family, friends, no hair, medical costs and the list went on with my fears. I have a strong faith in God, so I prayed along with all my friends, family and co-workers. My concerns were relieved by all the wonderful people who came into my life to walk the journey with me, including doctors, nurses, social workers, family, friends and even complete strangers. I elected to have a bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery done January 2009. I was very comfortable with my decision and still am today. I don’t recall feeling like “why me” when I found out I had cancer, but I questioned my purpose moving forward. That answer came quickly, as I was able to relate and talk with other women coming in for breast biopsies. I had firsthand information on what it was like to have a biopsy, what it was like waiting for those results. I joined the Beyond Pink TEAM. I enjoyed being around people who shared the same stories and discussing their journeys. I learned more of what I could do to advocate for a better tomorrow. Somewhere along the line time slipped away. The demands of everyday life slipped back in. The appointments were getting scheduled further and further apart, my hair came back and had to be cut more often. Kids grew, grandchildren came along. Now it’s just an annual trip to the Cancer Treatment Center and my primary care physician. My life has resumed to what I call an everyday normal. I have since left the Mammography Department and now work with a general surgeon. Today the diagnosis of breast cancer is now only a distant memory. It is no longer mine to carry. Someday I pray all cancers will be a distant memory of a disease we were able to eradicate.