I was asked to write something about my cancer experience for Get Inked for Pink. I am usually not at a loss for words, but for some reason, I can't think of what to say. Cancer sucks, but it was also a blessing for me. I have made some amazing friends. Cancer hurts, but I made it through without complaint. I always told myself that I was not the 1st woman to go through this and unfortunately would not be the last either. Cancer takes, but it also gave me so much. My relationship with my family is better now, my marriage is even stronger. I have gained friends, strength, knowledge and bravery. My sister said I made having cancer seem like fun. She loves talking to me on the phone because I am always so upbeat and laughing. It helps to have pills for that.
I was diagnosed with stage 1 grade 3 infiltrating ductal carcinoma on June 6th, 2007. I had a mammogram that February that showed 3 tumors. I was not surprised when I got the call from the Dr telling me the core biopsy I had a few days before showed a small cancer. I think we women know our bodies well. Talking to the Dr, the 1st thing out of my mouth was "Ok, so what do we do about it"? Don't get me wrong, I was not being brave, I was in shock but already in fighting mode. As the reality of breast cancer settled in I refused to accept the diagnosis. I knew I would get another call that the lab reports were wrong and then the Dr would be all embarrassed to spread this rumor! Of course, the call never came. I went on asking for more tests, mammograms, ultrasounds, MRI, MRI biopsies. Each test becoming more intrusive and horrifying. After a 4th tumor was found and I had enough of being stubborn. I accepted I had to loose my breast. It was like a huge weight had been lifted. I choose to have a left mastectomy and TRAM-flap reconstruction at the same time on August 29th, 2007. I was in surgery for almost 14 hours. My husband was by my side through the whole ordeal. We had only been married a year and a half and he was 24 years old, I was 41.
I started chemotherapy in November after getting a port put in. I did well, never getting sick, but I was exhausted. My hair fell out immediately. I was OK with that. We lived in Ft Lauderdale so cold was not so much as issue. I only wore a wig once out in public. I was fine being bald, it was who I was. It made me feel strong and that I was a survivor. It's been a year now since the mastectomy and I have my strength back and am doing well. My hair is growing back and it's still blonde and curly. I have a wonderful husband, son, family and friends. I have been blessed by meeting other survivors and they have made a huge difference in my life and hopefully I have made a good impact on others.
