When I discovered my fairly large breast mass, that seemed to have appeared overnight, I immediately knew from its characteristics that the diagnosis probably wouldn’t be good. During those first several weeks I was overwhelmed with the feelings we all seem to share; shock, disbelief, fear of death, dread and sadness. I coped with these… Continue Reading »
In February of the year of my 50th birthday, I found a lump. Having no family history of cancer, I was not overly concerned. I contacted my doctor and was told to come in for a mammogram. I had a history of annual mammograms, as I know their importance. The mammogram showed something unusual, so… Continue Reading »
I always knew it would happen, but I didn’t know when. Both my maternal grandmother and my mother fell victim to breast cancer. I had been having annual mammograms since age thirty-one, the year my mother was diagnosed. A few ultrasounds and benign biopsies kept me hopeful, but before Christmas 2002, at age 46, my… Continue Reading »
I have found it important to keep a very positive attitude throughout the whole process. I give praise to my wonderful surgeons and staff. The reconstruction was a long recovery, but well worth it in the end. My grandmother and my mom are breast cancer survivors and they didn’t have a choice of the reconstruction. … Continue Reading »
DCIS – what a stupid cancer. Supposedly stage 0 or stage 1. I liked the idea of let’s wait and see what would happen. Three doctors thought I was crazy, and suggested a mastectomy. I thought they were crazy. The 4th doctor I visited was my plastic surgeon. She listened to me, and very calmly… Continue Reading »
Happy 50th birthday to me! I received my cancer diagnosis one week before that greatly anticipated date. Not exactly the present I had expected. After the initial shock wore off, I began to prepare for the inevitable loss of my hair. Imagine my shock when I was told that my cancer was entirely curable, but… Continue Reading »
My journey began July 2015. I had made lifestyle changes at the beginning of the year, with a healthier diet and daily exercise resulting in a 30 pound weight loss. I was thrilled with my progress until one day, kind of out of nowhere, my breasts went way down south. I decided I needed a… Continue Reading »
Dr. Alexander, When I was in the office on Wednesday, I made a comment about cancer being good for me. You asked me to write something for you: Cancer has been good for me. I have come to embrace a version of myself I never would have considered. Who knew my best look would come… Continue Reading »
Seventeen years–that is how long it has been since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember the emotional rollercoaster. Suddenly, death was no longer something I would have to prepare for someday when I get old, but a part of my everyday thoughts. I was in my early thirties with a two-year-old son, five-year-old… Continue Reading »
My world, a vertiginous roller-coaster of motherhood, family responsibilities and profession, came to an abrupt halt on December 15, 2004 at 3:30 PM. “I am sorry but you have cancer” was the doctor’s comment over the phone. Could she really understand what I felt? Through the torrent of tears flowing as never before I saw… Continue Reading »