“Never say never, and we all live in glass houses!” I was very fortunate in my diagnosis of DCIS. I was diligent in getting my mammogram yearly, which I believe was one–if not the most important–reason why I am a breast cancer survivor today. I was extremely blessed to have been employed by two of the… Continue Reading »
When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, it was like being thrown into a whirlwind. I had to make very quick decisions in order to save my life. Having the bilateral mastectomies with TRAM reconstruction was my choice. And in hind sight, it has made me the most confident I’ve ever been in my… Continue Reading »
“A ticking time bomb.” That’s what I thought every time I had to schedule an annual mammogram or bi-yearly breast exam and ultrasound. I was at high risk for developing breast cancer—my mother was diagnosed with the disease at 44 and died when she was only 50. In my mind, it wasn’t a matter of… Continue Reading »
When I learned my daughter was getting married, one of the happiest days of a mother’s life, I also received one of the most devastating news; I had breast cancer. They told me this was a positive conversation as it was found early. I had to have both breasts removed, and I would be cancer-free…. Continue Reading »
Breast cancer–I found mine during a self-breast examination. Once confirmed with a mammogram, I had three weeks before my surgery to research, prepare, and make decisions regarding my treatment options. The process itself was like a whirlwind. After each test, biopsy, and exam, I was looking for that definitive diagnosis about my cancer. What I… Continue Reading »
Grateful for having breast cancer? Strange, but true. It tried to take away my hair, but my hair grew back with a new, luxiourious fullness. It tried to deform my body, but my body looks better now than when I was 25. It tried to take away my courage, but it has made me fearless…. Continue Reading »
Before I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn’t know what a TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis) flap was. I had seen people with “boob jobs” and could only aspire! When the doctor told me I had breast cancer, the only words I could remember were “cancer”, “flat stomach” and “beautiful breasts.” That’s what got me through… Continue Reading »
“Three words that forever changed my life; “you have cancer.” Now that I know I’m a statistic, the 1 in 8 women who get diagnosed with breast cancer, I see the breast cancer awareness advertisements everywhere I go. Truthfully, I never paid much attention before. My Mother, who is a breast cancer survivor, tested negative… Continue Reading »
At the age of 45, I am a two time breast cancer survivor. In September of 1994, during a routine check up, the doctor found a lump the size of a pea in my left breast. A lumpectomy was done and while there was no cancer in the lump, there were cancer cells in the… Continue Reading »
Breast cancer helped me make a new best friend….me! It was the most inspiring journey I have been on. It was scary but inspiring! It humbled me and made me so proud at the same time. I feel strong and sexy and the most beautiful I have ever felt in my life.