Jana's Story from Utah

What is Cancer?

Listen to me. I will tell you what cancer is. I am in my bedroom getting dressed on Christmas morning. My husband walks in and asks me how I got the bruise on my left breast. I haven’t ever noticed the bruise. I walk closer to my mirror, and notice the blue, hard circle. My husband advises me to get it looked at as soon as possible. The next day I make an appointment to see a doctor. I have a mammogram, several doctors poke and prod me.

After several tests and hours of waiting; a doctor, who is a woman, comes into the waiting room where I am sitting and asks me to follow her to her office. I follow her and we step into a small, windowless office with bad lighting. She tells me that I have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

As she goes over the options of surgery’s and medicines, her voice seems to fade out. I cannot understand what she is saying. The office is getting darker; I turn around in my chair looking for a way out. I am blinking trying to fight back tears. I wonder how many other women she has told this to? I am only thirty one!

Listen with understanding. I leave the hospital and do not remember how I made it home. I wait in the kitchen until my husband arrives home from work. He comes in, and by looking at me he can tell something is wrong. I start to cry and try to explain. Words aren’t coming out my mouth. My husband comes to me, holds me, and he knows. He pulls me gently into a bear hug. My husband starts to cry and says; "I am so sorry, you don’t deserve this."

Cancer is having four operations in twelve days. The first operation is a lumpectomy to test the tissue around the breast. The second surgery is done in the Emergency Room at four in the morning; I am bleeding internally. The third operation is having your lymph nodes removed. The cancer has spread. The fourth, and most cruel; a complete mastectomy.

At first it seems too much to comprehend. I will only have one breast! Can you wear a swimming suit with one breast? How will I wear t-shirts? Will people notice? Cancer is secretly worrying that I will repulse my husband. That he will no longer find me attractive. Cancer is not having a choice.

Listen to me. Put yourself in my shoes. Cancer is being grateful for warm blankets and good pain medicine. Cancer is lying in bed, wondering if the physical pain and emotional shock will ever go away. Cancer is being tired. Cancer is being tired of feeling lousy. You are advised to start radiation at the end of the month. A treatment used like an ex-ray with energy waves to kill cancer cells. Exposure to this focused laser will shrink the cancer. The side effects will be fatigue and nausea. Your skin will feel like it is burning and will peel like you have sunburn.

After six weeks of radiation you are advised to start chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is six months of going to a doctor’s office each week. You sit in a chair and a nurse inserts an I.V. into your arm. For over an hour, chemo is pumped into your blood stream. It is poison. It will kill all of the cells that are living. Good or bad.

The doctor informs you that because of this poison, chemo, you will become sick. You will become nauseated, vomit, your mouth will have open sores, you won’t have any energy, you will get migraines, your body temperature will drop five degrees, the skin inside your mouth and nose will peel off. You won’t be able to taste things. Your red blood count will be low and therefore you cannot come in contact with any person under the weather, publicly or privately. "But we will give you medicine that can help with these side effects." They say. This medicine may have minor side effects such as; insomnia, diarrhea, burning eyes and itching.

They inform you that because of this poison; chemo all of the hair on your body will fall out. Your eyelashes, eyebrows, arm and leg hair, the hair in your ears and nose and the hair on your head. Are you still listening?

Cancer is wishing for something to take your mind off of yourself. To help end your self pity party. Be careful what you wish for. Cancer is hosting a birthday party for your four-year-old daughter. However, the birthday girl does not seem to be herself. She has been complaining of headaches. Her balance and equilibrium are off. She is running into walls and other people. Maybe she is just a clumsy four-year-old. She complains she cannot see the television and must sit close.

Cancer is taking your four-year-old daughter to an eye doctor. The eye doctor refers you to a specialist, a neurologist. She can see fine. Listen to me. Cancer is taking your four-year-old daughter to the hospital for an M.R.I. Cancer is being told by a man with terrible bedside manner that your daughter has an inoperable brain tumor.

The tumor is entwined around her brain stem and is swelling which explains the headaches and lack of sight. The tumor is wrapped so tightly around the brain stem, which controls her eyesight, hearing, and breathing, he is surprised she is doing so well. I start to cry and ask him how this is possible. He explains that they don’t know how long the tumor has been there. Don’t know?!? They are the experts and they DON’T KNOW?!

Cancer is your four-year-old daughter asking why you are crying. Cancer is telling your daughter, that everything is going to be okay, and she believes you. You ask the doctor what this means for her? He states that by the size and rapid growth of the tumor she may have six months to a year to live at best. Do you want to know what cancer is? Sit down, I have not yet begun to tell you what cancer is.

Listen with a heavy heart. To prolong her life, you are advised to have her go through radiation and an experimental form of chemotherapy. The side affects will be the same that were listed above. I try to look on the bright side of things. We can go together. A mother-daughter bonding experience. Some mothers take their daughters shopping or to the park. We will go to radiation and chemotherapy treatments to prolong our lives. Are you still listening?

Listen with your ears and with your heart. The first day of radiation we go together, I explain to my daughter that she has a big owie in her head that is giving her the headaches and we are going to try to make it go away. She agrees with the idea. Cancer is taking your small daughter to Primary Children’s Medical Center where hundreds of other cancer patients are being treated. Cancer is seeing first hand what will happen to your daughter. What happens behind closed doors.

To receive radiation, you must hold perfectly still while an oversized machine focuses on the area needing radiation. For my daughter it is her head. A four-year-old cannot hold still for more than thirty seconds especially when this machine is three inches from her head and very loud. She cries and begs you to come and get her. The nurses decide to strap her down. She starts to get hysterical, kicking and fighting the nurses. "Mama don’t you love me? Why are you letting them hurt me? Mama don’t leave!" I walk out of the room in tears. Do you want to know what cancer is? It is hurting your daughter to save her life. After the first treatment a mutual decision is made between the doctors and I that we should give my daughter a pill before coming in for radiation. The pill will be taken with food and will sedate her within minutes.

The next day it is time for the pill. She cries and pleads with me; "Please Mama, I will do anything, please don’t make me take that pill." She doesn’t know what it will do but the pill tastes bad. She slumps into a deep sleep after me forcing her to take the pill and both of us crying. She will stay asleep for over three hours. I must drive to the hospital, forty-five miles away and get her treatment done before she wakes up. I pick up my purse and empty out all of the unnecessary items. I put it over my left shoulder, my bad arm where the lymph nodes and breast were removed. I pick up my thirty-pound daughter and carry her on my right shoulder to the car. She is dead weight.

I park illegally at LDS Hospital in a red curbed No Parking Zone, knowing I cannot carry her very far, I try to get as close to the hospital as possible. The radiation goes smoothly. When she wakes up, she is mad that I tricked her. She complains that her ears are buzzing and that she sees double. I tell her I am sorry. Cancer is knowing we will have to do the same thing tomorrow.

Listen to me. Cancer is trying to live a "normal" life for your daughter and three other children while enduring your own personal hell of chemotherapy. What is "normal" with cancer? Cancer is knowing that the time you have left with your four-year-old daughter is very short and trying to make the very most of what you have. Cancer is hearing the dreaded news that your daughter’s tumor is again growing and there is now NOTHING they can do for her. These are the experts - - they can do NOTHING?!?!

Listen with a broken heart. Cancer is having your daughter say to you "Mama, I need to ask you a question and I want to know the truth." I say "OK, what would you like to know?" She then asks "Mama, am I going to die?" I cannot breathe, my heart has stopped beating and I am at a loss. I finally choke out "Yes, but we will all die someday." She then says with a knowledge that can only come to one who has endured what she has in her short life - "But I am going to die soon aren’t I?" Again, I feel an unbearable weight in my chest and manage to say "Yes."

Listen to me. Let me tell you what cancer is. Cancer is lying in bed with your beautiful daughter between you and your husband and holding her as she slips away to Heaven. Cancer is watching your big, strong husband sob and cry for our loss, knowing that there is nothing you can do to comfort him.

Do you know what cancer is? Remember I did not come from another place or time. Others like me are all around you. Look at us with a grateful heart. A heart; that can be healed.

Saratoga Springs, Utah

Karen's Story from New Jersey

I read the "For Every Body" ad while sitting in the doctor's office. It inspired me to write you the story of my younger sister, Karen. She has been the strong one never faltering when our mother needed us after my father died last year while in a nursing home. She was the one on vigil in December of last year at the hospital when our mother suffered a life threatening heart attack when my sister and collapsed in exhaustion.

She didn't skip a beat as a mother when her world was rocked just after her 50th birthday in Feb 07 with a 3rd stage breast cancer diagnosis. She worried more about how to tell her three beautiful daughters than about herself. Always the giver never expecting anything in return. I would like to give back to her what she has given to us and more specifically to me. Because, you see, she was the one who was my support and kept me fighting when I was diagnosed with 3rd stage breast cancer three years ago.

I may be a survivor but it was from her strength that I'm here today. She is still in the uphill battle for her life as she continues with the chemo and faces a double mastectomy in November 07 followed by radiation. Only those of us who experience how difficult it is know the true meaning of the word "survivor". I pray everyday for both of us. I believe there is always hope for a cure.

With two of us in one family dealing with the same diagnosis, the worry of our future and that of our children will forever be with us. Please consider her for this support. It would mean a great deal to me to be able to give back to her in a "big" way for what she did for me and our family.

She is struggling financially and had been trying to do much needed repairs on her aging home when she was diagnosed which is now on hold until they can determine the money needed to cover current and future non covered medical costs. I truly believe your heart rendering ad in the Hallmark Magazine was meant to be read by me at that moment in time to force me to reflect on how lucky I am to have such a great sister. Regardless of your decision I applaud your organization for supporting our cause so aggressively and helping prevent our daughters from potentially facing this same fate in their future. Thank you.

Marlton, New Jersey

Carol's Story from Michigan

Eight years ago I went through a divorce I did not want. I found the yard work and the finances overwhelming at times. I grew tired and lost weight. My doctor thought the house held too many memories and maybe I should think about selling my home and start over somewhere new. I got a new home and also a new smile from my dentist. I saw my daughter Michelle graduate from college. I was doing ok.

I was happy for almost two months. I pulled a muscle in my chest at work. My doctor treated me but I was not healing so he sent me to another doctor. This doctor was very kind and talked me through each test he took explaining that he was indeed looking for CANCER. Test after test NO CANCER WAS FOUND. I knew I could face anything as long as it wasn't cancer.

I developed a large blood clot on my torn muscle. It would not dissolve. I was scheduled for out patient surgery to have this removed. That week 9/11 happened. We rescheduled surgery for Oct. 2, 2001. No cancer was all that mattered to me. I could afford to wait, the world was in turmoil.

The next day was Wed. Oct. 3, 2001. I had just received a call from my daughters that morning that my ex-husbands new wife had just passed away from breast cancer. Then at 1:10 pm that afternoon my doctor called me and told me I had breast cancer and it was stage three. The tears I cried came from my very soul. I chose aggressive surgery followed immediately with reconstructive surgery at the same time. Then I took the most aggressive chemo I could. I chose to fight.

In the three years that followed, my daughter Amy graduated from college and both girls got married within eight months of each other. I had four more surgeries and lost my pretty smile. The good news is I am now "NANA" to three beautiful grandchildren and I have been surgery free for two years.

My medication has been straightened out now and I feel better than ever. I want to embrace life. I want to date. I want my smile to match my attitude. I took a new job at work to help make my dream a reality. I found a new dentist to help me. I am going to be 54 years old Sept. 28 and I just don't care...I am just glad to be alive!! I have bills like anyone lese but now I tell my friends DON'T DREAM YOUR LIFE...LIVE IT!

Kentwood, Michigan

My Friend Sue's Story from New Jersey

My friend Sue is a perfect example of how this disease comes out of nowhere and changes your life forever. She is a mother of twin boys age 10. She has always been the caregiver to her parents and sisters. It was very difficult for her to accept help from anyone but she had no choice.

Sue was diagnosed in April and was told after her biopsy to start chemotherapy immediately. She had a fractured shoulder that she was not aware of. It was a blessing in disguise because originally she thought it was a sure sign that the cancer had spread. The Doctor said they would work on that problem after her mastectomy.

During her eight weeks of chemo, her mother had really stepped up and put her illnesses aside to support her daughter. Everyone was so amazed, but she died suddenly in May. I really felt it was too much for one family. I kept asking myself, 'what is the lesson that should be learned from this?

After loosing her hair and having her double mastectomy, she will now have nine weeks of radiation. Even in the midst of all this news, she still feels blessed. She has truly taught me what it means to have faith and strength. I don't know if I have it in me to be that strong.

I told her that now every time I see a woman who has lost her hair and is waiting for her kids to get off the bus, or is at the grocery store doing ordinary things, I think to myself: "THERE IS A SUPER WOMAN!" I am in awe of women who battles through this disease and are still supportive spouses and loving mothers. God bless every single one of you.


Stewarsville, New Jersey

My mother-in-law, Anna's Story from Tennessee

My name is Brandey, and I know someone who had cancer twice and survived. She also has had congestive heart failure and survived. It happened to be my mother-in law.

My mother-in-law, Anna, is the mother of three children. One is alive today. Chad died when he was a baby from crib death. Her second child, Ginger, died at age 20 because of a car accident. Her third child, Bradley, is my husband now.

In 1998 she had breast cancer. She told me about it and what happened. She didn’t tell me much because she keeps things to herself. She didn’t want her two children to know, but they finally got the hint because from her hair loss.

She felt lonely, scared, emotional, but finally she opened up to someone she felt she could express her feelings. The only people who really helped her any were Ginger, her sister and Bradley. She finally wound up having to have a breast removal on her left side. Soon after that, her daughter had a car accident and died instantly in year 2000. So then it was just her and her son Bradley.

In 2001, she wound up getting thyroid cancer. The doctor had to do surgery on her throat. She is takes a lot of medications for that. She gained about 100 pounds.

In 2005, Anna had congestive heart failure. The same year her mother, Sutie, died. She is in the process of recovering still to this day. She has to sleep on a c-pap machine and oxygen, and many breathing medicines.

When I read the paper and saw an ad about your breast cancer project, I was suddenly amazed because I know a two time cancer survivor for five years and been living with her for two years.

She is the sweetest person I know, because anybody that ask her for something she was willing to give it up, whether is was all she had or not. She let friends or family live with her for weeks sometimes months because they had no place to stay. She told me and her son Bradley that the reason why she does it is because she knows how it feels when you don’t have anything or a place to go to.

Adamsville, Tennessee

Marie's Story from Tennessee

My name is Marie, and I am a breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed in Oct. 2005. My doctor would always schedule my appointments later every year. In 2003, I had a mammogram. They thought they saw something in my right breast, but I knew it wasn't because I had hurting in the left, nothing was wrong with the right.

The next year they thought they saw something in the left and then they said it was just folded tissue. The next year they thought they saw something in the left and they said it was a cyst. I thought they were going to remove it but they said it was benign so it was okay.

I had an ultrasound and a mammogram. When he did the ultrasound I could feel it myself. It began to hurt and get bigger and I wanted to get checked early because I was about to lose my insurance, but my doctor would not see me. Then I went to the health fair here in the city and had a breast exam.

The practitioner who saw me said I should be tested again. She asked the nurse if they would schedule an appointment for me. They told me to go back to my doctor and see if he would schedule me an appointment. If he wasn’t able to, I could come to their clinic because they would be giving free ones in October.

This was all in Sept. 2005. I called my doctor and told him that the lump was bigger and it hurt. So he did schedule for the test. This time they told me it had changed and had turned to something different. They took me to a private room and I waited for the radiologist.

By this time I knew something was wrong, but I was not going to give in to it. They explained that I needed a surgical consult. They called my doctor and told him to schedule an appointment for me with a surgeon. I went to the surgeon on October. 12, 2005. He did a biopsy and he said right off that from the film it didn't look good.

He told me to call back on the 17th, even though he would not be there. He told me to talk to another doctor depending on the outcome. On October 17, I had an appointment for my pap smear. I was waited for a call back.

Just as I walked out into the parking lot, I received the call and they told me then I had cancer. My doctor asked if the doctor I saw told me to call him back and I told him no, he just said I might have to talk with someone else.

They scheduled an appointment for me to come back on October 26. When I went back the doctor I saw first, he wanted to schedule surgery for the next week. When I told him I want a second opinion he became very upset and rude.

I had already scheduled another appointment for the next week. So I was going to get the second opinion and with him being upset he left the room. My co-worker across the hall from me told me about the West Clinic in Memphis. He told me it was hard to get an appointment because they were affiliated with MD Anderson in Texas. I called and I got an appointment for the next week.

When I went to the appointment, the doctor was trained at MD Anderson. She scheduled a treatment for me so I would not have to loose my breast. She told me I had an angry tumor and it was growing very fast. It was about 2cm and 0.1 -2 in but by the time I had gotten there she said it was about 4cm the size of a Reese’s peanut butter cup.

She scheduled two rounds with a total of eight treatments. The first dose, I felt the medicine go across the tumor and when I went back for an exam the tumor had shrunk in half. When I had the test done to see where the cancer was located it showed up in my left breast and my lymph node. By the time I had gotten to the second round and the third dose of this round which was seven doses. The tumor was down to the size of a dime.

Before I had the eighth and final round, the tumor was too small to find. The surgeon and the oncologist were amazed. My surgeon was really amazed at how I had responded to the treatment. She had to schedule test to find out where to do the surgery. When it came time to do the surgery, I had the mammogram done here at the clinic in Jackson, so the films could go to Memphis.

They also did other pictures before the surgery the same day. The pictures did not match the film that were sent from here. Then we found out that the clinic sent the wrong film. They sent film of another woman who had more serious problems then I did.

I was truly blessed, that this was caught in time. When I had my surgery, my nodes were tested and they were negative. It had left the nodes. The tumor was as small as a pea it was 9mm. I was blessed with God's Favor.

After chemo, surgery then 33 radiation treatments another hard task, because I was burned severely, but was blessed to still have my breast. I lost my hair. During all of this I was still able to work. My co-workers thought I was amazing.

I needed to miss the week of treatment but was there after. I share my testimony all the time, because it is meant to help someone. You can't have a testimony without the test and God will not put us through more than we can bear.

We have to “Pay It Forward.” He healed me now I have to heal someone one else. You have to keep the faith and stay in good spirit and keep your mind on the Lord. It is hard, but never let anyone see your pain.

My 14-year-old son was my caregiver throughout my treatment. He is an honor roll student and was there by my side the whole time. He never slacked in school. He is now in the 10th grade and is still honor roll. I am very proud of him. I nominated him as my caregiver at a cancer party and he won first place. He also went with me to have me surgery. He is a very smart and intelligent child.

Jackson, Tennessee

Margaret's Story from Vermont

My story really begins with my mother. Her diagnosis with breast cancer came when I was five. She had a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. She had about three years after that until it recurred and she died when I was nine.

My story begins with a mammogram at 40 with some "worrisome micro calcifications". I had a biopsy which showed ductal carcinoma in situ, DCIS. Non invasive cancer; I was lucky.

I was in nursing school at the time, single parenting my six-year-old son and living on student loans. I planned the surgery for my school break in February and hoped I would bounce back quickly. It was my final semester of RN school, and I wanted to be done so I could move on with my career and my life. It was not as easy as I hoped.

I did not have clear margins on the lumpectomy so another one was recommended. My stress level from nursing school alone was very high and combined with single parenting and recovering from one surgery I was at my limit. Looking forward to another surgery was just too much.

I was handling my course work well enough but was really challenged by my clinical. I found it hard to balance giving so much to my patients while I myself was in such a needy place.

I decided taking care of myself and my son was higher priority than finishing school right now so I dropped my nursing class and made a plan to finish the following year. This was a good decision for me.

I felt so much better after dropping my class that I sailed through the second surgery and finished up my other courses with ease. My story does not end here.

I was in a huge financial hole by now and was not earning the RN wage I had been counting on to pay off my school year. I went back to work as an LPN and began repairing my financial life. My Doctor recommended radiation therapy to follow up the surgery. I was resistant to doing it. I did not want to expose my body to potentially cancer causing radiation and the schedule of five days a week for seven weeks seemed totally unmanageable for me.

Single parenting, working, trying to restore balance to my life while preparing for take two on my final semester at nursing school; it felt like too much so I skipped the radiation. Six months after the second surgery and a few weeks before starting my final semester I had another mammogram.

Initially I received two reports in the mail. One said everything was okay and another said follow up with your surgeon to check out some abnormality on the mammogram.

I immediately called my surgeon who told me there must be some mistake because they had no report saying they needed to follow up with me. They recommended I come at my scheduled appointment time in about five weeks. Irritated by the mistake but delighted that it was a “mistake” I went about starting school again. Well I went to my follow up appointment and it wasn’t a mistake. There was some confusion, the radiologist had gone on vacation and the surgeon did not want to ruin my holidays until he was sure etc. etc. etc.

I was really upset, and told them I was not going to ruin another semester with surgery and was it possible to delay this until I was finished with school. They agreed. The spot was so small and it was probably more DCIS. I got a second opinion and decided to stay with my local provider.

I had a great semester and kept it at the back of my mind. However, I did notice what I thought was scar tissue building up at the scar from my lumpectomy. A biopsy at the end of the semester revealed a small tumor starting which was now invasive cancer. We were all surprised.

The pathologist and the surgeon had never seen DCIS move to invasive cancer so quickly. Why was I so lucky? Well I graduated with my RN, had a mastectomy, took my RN Board exam and passed, and started chemotherapy a few weeks later. My pathology report showed two positive lymph nodes which puts me in stage 2 breast cancer. I just received treatment #four of six of my chemotherapy, a three drug cocktail administered every three weeks.

After this I will possibly have a full year of monthly treatments with a single drug. I just began working two half days a week during the two weeks I am not receiving treatment. I was working per diem while in school so was not eligible for any disability money through work. I am lucky enough to have Medicaid coverage which has covered my medical expenses.

It is the living expenses that are the problem. I have food stamps and am applying for welfare money at this point. I am living on borrowed money and trying to balance all my debt. The good new is that my son is doing well. I have made him my priority through this and he is handling things well. He will be eight years old in a few weeks.

I am hoping to be working more in about two months so my financial recovery can begin again. Any assistance I could receive would be welcome.

Brattleboro, Vermont

Christina's Story from Utah

In May 2007 I was diagnosed with Stage IIB Breast Cancer. I found a lump while doing a self breast exam. I could not believe what I was feeling..." How had I not felt it before"?

After a mammogram, ultrasound and needle biopsy I was given the news. There was no family history, and I was only 35 years old. How was this possible? Once the genetic test came back we knew,I had the mutation for the BRCA1 gene.

Now comes the hard part, I am an identical twin, would this affect her? Of course, and now she too knows she has the gene. What is harder, knowing you have breast cancer, or knowing you have a 87% chance of getting it? What about my three children, do they have it, could I have passed this to them? 50/50 chance is what we are told.

I am still battling every day through chemo and will under go double mastectomy and reconstruction afterwards. I am taking life one day at a time now, you never know when you will hear those words. I never thought I would, no one does.

All I can do is be strong and look forward to the day I can say, "I am a survivor."

Layton, Utah

Sondra's Story from Illinois

Sondra is my sister. At age 32 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a mastectomy and was pronounced cured. At age 45, she was diagnosed with cancer in her other breast. She had a second mastectomy, radiation and chemo.

After five years, she was told she was cancer free. Last December 26 she was diagnosed with metastasis from the first cancer to her lymph nodes. She is receiving chemo. She never complains. Her body has been through more than one person should have to accept. She is the best wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister. Winning anything to make things easier for her and her husband would be great. We love her. We pray for her. She is simply, my baby sister and the best sister ever!

Springfield, Illinois

My Mother's Story from Illinois

Where do I begin? This story is about my mother, my wonderful loving mother. My mom was a single mom to my sister and I. We never went without and had no idea we were poor. She gave us values, a sense of humor and let’s not forget plenty of love.

When my sister was about 14 years old, she started to change, little things at first, then there was no denying that she had something going on that none of us understood. She was diagnosed with schizophrenia. My mother researched the disease, kept on the doctors for all of the up-to-date medications, made so many sacrifices and never ever gave up on her, though some doctors suggested putting her in an institution, probably for the rest of her life.

She went through electrotherapy (those days shock treatments), experimenting with different medications and anything that might help. Lo and behold FINALLY she was stable and after a few years she went on to have a relatively normal life, keeping up with her meds, her doctor appointments, etc. and was stable for about 10 years.

She married and had a beautiful baby boy, who is now three. When she was pregnant, her doctor told her that she couldn't be on her medication, and somehow through the pregnancy, God watched over her, her mental state was fine. Once she had the baby, however, we started to notice her paranoia, which we denied at first, but then, we could deny it no longer. Her husband had only heard of her "episodes" and thought my mom and I were NUTS and didn't believe us, UNTIL he saw for his own eyes. My sister had to go into the psych ward for the first three months of Joey's life, my mom took care of him 24/7 at 59 years old, day and night, and again, not giving up until my sister got better. It took awhile before my sister could care for him; thank God she is doing well today.

In May of this year, we got the horrible news that my mom has breast cancer, stage 3 and it went to the lymph nodes. She has just completed 12 weeks of chemo and is awaiting her mastectomy.

To see such a strong woman become so sick and weak and lose so much of her spirit, the same spirit that has seen our family through all these years is something I cannot describe. She is in so much pain and looks so sick and is unable to work most of the time, which as you know, not good when you have a mortgage, bills, etc. It is devastating. This woman has been through so much in her lifetime (I can't possibly put it all in this letter), if anyone deserves this honor, its my mother, Camille Galasso, the best mother and woman on the planet.

Lombard, Illinois

Bea's Story from California

My friend Bea Ochoa was diagnosed with breast cancer several months ago. She underwent surgery and she is doing just fine.

We (friends) all think she is very brave and she gives us all hope, that if any of us get cancer, we have to stay positive and accept the day to day challenges whatever they may be.

All of us (friends) and also relatives, did the Revlon 5K walk in May in Los Angeles. We were the B (Bea/A (Aurora, her mom)/Angels. We all had a good time and we know that this is for a good cause. I do hope that a cure will be found in my lifetime and hurrah to all survivors. Stay positive.

Rancho Cucamonga, California

Linda's Story from Florida

Linda was involved in a messy divorce and during this she found a lump in her breast. When diagnosed she was rushed into surgery and had a radical mastectomy. The cancer had already spread to her muscle and lymph nodes. Her "air bags" would not heal and has several more surgeries to correct. Finally removing the "air bags" completely.

Chemo was suspended due to the healing of the surgical sites. Additional skin removed and is currently is living with her boyfriend who works full time and tries to pay all the bills, medication etc.. on his own. Today is her birthday and recently I took a collection for grocery money for her birthday. Linda is a co-worker who has now been out of work for six months. This woman is a strong and very kind lady! Her support system is not encouraging and is now isolating herself, this is not good for her healing process.

Loxahatchee, Florida

Kelly's Story from Arizona

When Kelly found a lump in her right breast, three different doctors told her not to worry about it, that at 27 she was too young to have breast cancer.


This despite the fact that she had Hodgkin's disease, a cancer of the lymphatic system, at 17 and that her mother had died from an aggressive form of breast cancer.

"One gynecologist laughed me out of her office because I was too young. She said, 'People your age don't get breast cancer' " said Kelly. "I guess she was wrong."

Kelly, who had never before performed a breast self-examination, found the lump when she did an exam one night when she couldn't sleep. At her husband's urging, she kept seeking medical care and had a mammogram, a sonogram and a biopsy to check if the lump was cancerous. It was.

At the advice of her oncologist, Marilyn Croghan, who Kelly calls an angel, Kelly had a mastectomy to remove the cancerous lump. Earlier radiation treatment for Hodgkin's disease prevented her from having more radiation, so she followed the surgery with chemotherapy.
During treatment, Kelly attended a breast cancer support group but stopped going because her age made her feel out of place.

"Everyone kept saying, 'Oh, you're just a baby,' " she said.

After her mastectomy and chemotherapy, Kelly started wearing a prosthesis and a wig to teach her second-grade class at Erickson Elementary School.

"It was like Halloween every day," she said. Her Jell-O-like fake breast came in a box, and artificial hair had to be placed atop her bald head. "It's like getting up and putting on a costume every day to be a normal person."

Now, almost five years later, Kelly looks the picture of health, with flowing locks and pink skin that no longer bears a sallow hue from chemotherapy.

After taking about a year and a half break from hospitals, Kelly had a mastectomy on her healthy breast, to remove further risk, and saline implants to eliminate the need for the awkward prosthesis.

Now, the 32-year-old has beaten her second go-round with cancer and jokes that she has already scheduled an appointment with her oncologist for when she turns 37.

Kelly thanks Croghan and her husband, Burr, for helping her survive.

"People always ask me, "How did you get through this?" she said. "You just do. You have to take it one day at a time. You have to look at each day as its own little victory."

Kelly maintains a Web site (www.azstarnet.com/~pud) with her twin sister, Tricia Marrapodi, where breast cancer survivors can read information and post messages about hope and fear, death and survival.

As a preventive measure, Marrapodi had her healthy breast tissue removed with a prophylactic mastectomy. While Marrapodi did not have cancer, she said the procedure has saved her a lifetime of worry. "It just lifted the weight of the world off my shoulders," she said. "And my chest."

Kelly hopes the Web site and speaking out on the subject will inspire young women to trust their instincts and get a second, third or fourth opinion if they think a lump may be cancerous.

"Everything happens for a reason," she said. "Maybe my reason was to raise cancer awareness among young people - and that's OK."

Tucson, Arizona

Terry's Story from South Carolina

Hi. I am a breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed in 1997. I was 26 years old when I was diagnosed. I will be 10 years cancer free this year.

I found my lump on breast exam. Lucky for me, I am a mammographer. If I did not work in the field, I would have not been taken seriously due to my age. I had to tell the doctor to order a mammogram, and he argued that it was probably nothing. I told him what I did for a living and I already knew it was breast cancer. Fortunately, I caught it in time. It was stage one with no lymph node involvement.

The disease has changed my life. I no longer take things for granted. I am truly an “alive for the day” person. Every day is a gift from God. I don't believe in saving because you might not live long enough to spend it, and every moment is precious, so enjoy life.

Swansea, South Carolina

Jody's Story from Maine

"I thought I did everything right!" That was the thought I had when I received my diagnosis of stage II Invasive Breast Cancer on Halloween 2006.

Four days prior, I found a lump on my breast while I was pumping breast milk for my 15 month old daughter. She was taking a nap on a beautiful fall day. I immediately started rubbing it hoping it was a clogged milk duct and that it would just go away. I showed my husband who agreed with me that we should call our family doctor.

My doctor was able to see me that day. He assured me that it was likely a clogged milk duct but recommended that I have an ultrasound done just to be sure. That night I just knew it was more serious. I insisted to have the ultrasound done the next day.

Last year I was watching an ultrasound under much different circumstances; seeing my baby girl for the first time. Ultrasounds had always been such a joyous occasion, but not this time.

The Radiologist informed me that I needed a mammogram and a biopsy immediately. The afternoon was a blur filled with these events. At 32 years old I didn't expect to have a mammogram for another eight years.

As a registered dietitian, I always tried to be a role model of how to assure good health. We ate right, exercised, avoided carcinogens and I breast fed both of my two children. Every moment until I received the diagnosis that Halloween night was full of anxiety.

It was hard to stay strong for my soon to be four-year-old son so he wouldn't be worried about Mommy. I tried to enjoy a night of trick or treating with my children. Later, my Husband and I picked up the phone to call my surgeon to find out what we were dealing with. I didn't hear much for the first few minutes after hearing the diagnosis. My husband was franticly writing every detail down. Something I do remember hearing was my Surgeon saying, "Jody, we are going to be aggressive with this. Be strong. We are going to grow old together."

That's when we went into FIGHT mode. We were aggressive. We went through chemotherapy and decided to undergo bilateral mastectomies just two weeks ago. I have started the first stage of reconstruction and will be starting physical therapy and radiation treatments soon. My children have been angelic. They know Mommy had bo bo's and they have been loving me so gently.

I have been blessed to have found an amazing group of breast cancer survivors and other women like myself that are young for support and just to sit back and enjoy each others company. My husband has gone through every step right by my side. When this is over he will be a Survivor too!

I have learned through this experience how loved and cared for I am. I have been amazed by the generosity and compassion from the people around me. Even people who had never been close to me have surprised me with support. So many new friendships have blossomed. I would never pick to have breast cancer and go through the treatment, but I have to say the experience has been a blessing in so many ways.

I am a better person than I was last year. I am a stronger person and I cherish every moment of life more tenderly. Life is a gift!!!! My pathology report from my surgery came back recently and told us that I had a complete response with the chemotherapy. The doctors tell me the cancer is gone and that we should likely not have to go through this again however there are no guarantees. I will continue with IV treatment for the remainder of the year with an antigen that is expected to reduce my chance of reoccurrence my 50%. I believe in my heart that this has been a bump in my wellness road. I have a zest for life and will continue to live life to its fullest. Thank you for reading my story. I hope it helps other women to know they are not alone and that there is HOPE! Live strong!!!!

Sanford, Maine

Kimberly's Story from Connecticut

Greetings! This is off the top of my head....a free write essay I guess you could say!

First, some basics: I am 36 (37 on September 23, 2007), married, work out fanatic, former teacher and gymnastics coach, and a mom to three daughters-ages 7,6, and 4.

I went for my annual appt. on May 7, 2007. My GYN said all was good and that she liked to have her patients get a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35-39. I was cool with that as was Blue Cross/Blue Shield!

May 23, 2007 I went for my first ever mammogram....I was a little amused wondering how they were going to find any kind of tissue to squeeze within that vice like machine! Lisa-the tech. (who was AWESOME!!) told me not to be surprised if I got a call back-totally normal-especially for baseline mammogram patients.

I didn't give it another thought....went on my way and had a great Memorial Day Weekend! Tuesday, May 29, 2007 I got a call from Lisa to come back in. I was able to get in on May 30. My mom stayed in the waiting room with my girls while I went in.

The radiologist sat with me and said she recommended I get a biopsy. "It's probably nothing. There is less than 20% chance this is anything to worry about." Again, I left not in panic mode. My mother was a bit taken aback because I had three kids to worry about with school and sports schedules!

I went on June 12, 2007 to Hartford Hospital for the stereotactic biopsy. Dr. Cronin and his assistant, Michelle, were fabulous! It didn’t take that long....uncomfortable as hell of a position to be in, but my dose of Ativan helped with nerves!!!! Dr. Cronin said he would call me within 24 hours with the results.

1:15pm, Wednesday, June 13, 2007. I was sitting at the kitchen table and two of my three kids were watching TV when "the call" came. Dr. Cronin’s aid the preliminary findings showed DCIS.

I was writing furiously every word he said on paper. From this point, I jumped into survival-"get this taken care of " mode.

The friends/family who knew I was going for the biopsy were owed an explanation- they were as anxious as I was to know the result.....every one of them believed I would be fine.....ME, from the time I was told I needed a biopsy, I was not convinced everything was OK. Call it intuition, pessimistic, whatever you want!

My husband came home from work and I started the phone calls. Throughout the remainder of the afternoon and evening I couldn't believe I was uttering the words to people "I have breast cancer."

I talked with the school psychologist, principal, kid's teachers....I needed to take care of my kids was my first thought! I had an idea of how I would handle telling them, but wanted confirmation from the experts.

If there has ever been a time I am grateful for my assertive, get it done, look out for #1 (and #1 is me when it comes to my health), and decisive nature....now was that time!

Close friends of ours are in-laws with Dr. Carolyn Kaelin-Director of the Breast Center at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA. I had the privilege of connecting with her over the phone the night of my diagnosis....I learned more about breast cancer/treatment options/magnets on an MRI machine, etc....then I ever thought I would need to know!

My husband and I made the decision to seek treatment up in Boston. Russ, my husband summed it up very well.....treatment here in Hartford was like eating at a good restaurant in town-getting treatment in Boston at Brigham and Women's/Dana Farber was like a meal in New York City.....WORLD CLASS.

I elected to go for a bilateral mastectomy. Dr. Mehra Golshan is my breast surgeon and Dr.Charles Hergrueter is my reconstruction surgeon. I did not think twice about the bilateral mastectomy.

Dr. Golshan talked about a lumpectomy as an option. I point blank looked at him and said "Get this S*** out of me. I want the lowest possible risk of it ever coming back." He knew right then he was dealing with a straight shooter, no pussy footin' around kinda girl!

My two month anniversary of being cancer free is coming up on September 18, 2007. I have never had a woe is me, why me type attitude. Have I been mad...you bet! My life as I knew it has changed. Aspects of my "old" life are there....family, friends, the gym, volunteering at school, baking for the homeless, being too neat and organized...but my life is forever changed.

I am still trying to wrap my head around how it has changed...how I want to reach out and help other. I have contacted Oprah, Parents Magazine, our town paper, The Hartford Courant and Parenting Magazine and still have yet to hear a response from any of them.

When that tragedy in Chesier, CT happened over the summer with the four family members who were killed from the home invasion I have remembered the words of Dr. Petit. At the memorial service he said to reach out and help your neighbor and fight for a cause.

I know there have got to be young women like myself who are going through breast cancer, reconstruction, and the slew of emotions that go along with having the "C" word.

If you saw me on the street, you would never know anything had happened to me...one week post op I started walking to the mailbox and back to get the blood going again....the four drains came out six days post op so I began to feel a bit more human again. I started a series of crazy standing leg exercises to gain some strength and stamina again. Two weeks post op I made my debut to the gym...slow going to start and I am still SO WEAK in the chest area, but I am there every day! One step at a time-one sweat bead at a time!

My husband is a hero....the patience, support; involvement, commitment, and compassion are admirable. And the way I described him is how he is most all the time. He is a gem-thank you, Russ.

I have been told I am an inspiration to women for having a positive outlook and being back at the gym....thank you to all for your kind words, cheering, hugs, and listening! I am blessed with so many wonderful family members and friends.

Survivorship as Lance Armstrong calls it in "It's Not About the Bike" is a strange place to be.....I do not need chemotherapy or radiation. The two invasive parts were very small. I was "only" a stage 1 cancer patient. I am on Tomoxifen for five years. I understand that the sentinel node and one other were negative, I understand that the invasive parts are gone.....but still, I don’t have cancer and I don't not have cancer.

I'd be lying if I said I don't wonder if it's circulating around in my blood slowly getting ready to attack again. I don't live in fear, and I long for the day I feel comfortable in my own skin again and don’t think about cancer or recovery most of the day.

I beieve I will prevail. This sucks, and I will get through it. When the practical/sense of humor part of me kicks in I am so glad it was caught early......kudos to my GYN, Dr. Patricia Fagan for suggesting the baseline....never would have thought to do that on my own at this point!!!!

Cancer came knocking at my body and took parts of it. It will not get my spirit.

In Good Health, Kimberly Malz

South Glastonbury, Connecticut

Allison's Story from California

In January 2006 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was 35 years old and 28 weeks pregnant. I underwent a mastectomy at the 34th week of my pregnancy, which was a risk since I could have gone into labor during the surgery.

The doctors told me when I came out of surgery that the cancer had not spread to my lymph nodes, but one week later at my follow up visit, they gave me the results of my final pathology report, which said that the cancer had reached one lymph node, and that I needed to undergo chemotherapy.

By waiting six weeks from my diagnosis until the 34th week, when the baby was considered 100% viable, the cancer had the chance to spread into my lymph nodes and therefore become life-threatening.

It turned out that I had the most aggressive type of breast cancer - her2/neu positive. My tumor was over four cm in diameter, and had grown from not being palpable at all to the size of a golf ball in only about seven weeks. The tumor was also progesterone positive, meaning that the pregnancy had actually fueled its growth.

I needed to have my baby three weeks later, delivered by c-section. Luckily he was born healthy and we had a month to rest before I started chemo. I underwent eight rounds of chemo in over five months. They put me on the most intense regimen possible. I was receiving "dose dense" treatment every two weeks. I chose to have a portacath implanted in my chest so I could receive the chemo without having an IV inserted each time.

All of my hair fell out, including my eyebrows and eyelashes, and I was very tired. I threw up after the treatments, despite the anti-nausea medication. Later, I developed numbness in my fingers and toes and I was puffy and bloated from the drugs, so they changed the frequency of the treatments from every two weeks to every three weeks. I was always the youngest person in the treatment room, by far. And of course, I had to take care of the newborn baby and my other 2 1/2 year-old son during all of this. Friends and family rallied around, but it was still an incredibly trying time.

I finished the most difficult part of my treatments in August 2006, but continued to receive chemo (with no side effects) until July 2007. My hair has grown back, I've lost the chemo weight and I feel very well. I tried to have as much fun as possible during the whole thing by using different wigs: a brunette, a blonde and even a pink one! Now, you would never know I was a cancer patient because I look and feel perfectly normal. We had a party in May 2007 to celebrate my recovery and to thank everyone for their support. And my baby, Ethan, is now 17 months old and doing fantastic!

I recently completed another set of scans and the doctor found questionable spots on my liver and lung. She didn't seem too concerned, but I'm waiting for follow up tests. Of course there is always the possibility of the cancer returning, and this news makes it seem more real, but I am constantly reminded that life is by no means guaranteed - cancer or no cancer. I take it one day at a time and live life to the fullest!

Hollywood, California

Polly's Story from New York

My mother died of breast cancer 30 years ago. Now I am a breast cancer survivor of six years.

Six years ago I had my left breast removed. There was no need for chemo or radiation as the sential node was negative & the minute tumor removed was a stage 0. After interviewing with different doctors, I was able to have a beautiful left breast reconstructed from my tummy tissue. I was given a clean bill of health, just do my yearly mammograms.

Three years ago I had a reoccurrence; four of the lymph nodes that were in the left arm pit were cancerous. Highly unusual for the type of breast cancer I had. I had 18 lymph nodes further removed from that area, all were positive with cancer.

So that began four months of chemo & followed by six weeks of radiation as well I am now on daily Tamoxafin. I continued teaching pre-k during that year. I am so thankful for living in the city of Buffalo and having Roswell Park Cancer Institute to attend for my treatments and my continued visits. It is only five minute drive from my home.

I feel healthy at this point. I see my doctors every four months at RPCI. When I was first diagnosed six years ago I felt it was for me to understand the awesome power of God's healing. When the cancer returned I felt it was for others to see how there is victory in Christ over illness.

I knew people prayed for me the first time, but the second time I have learned hundreds more were praying. I had been teaching in a Catholic school and the children would pray every day for me. Once I lost my hair to chemo the kids in school would rub my head as I told them it was as soft as a puppy's belly. Even in my own class of 4 year olds' the little boys got buzz cuts to match my hairstyle. In the last three years I have found many ways to share the wholeness that I experience right now with other breast cancer patients.

This past June, after a total of 27 years of teaching I left to be a part time chaplain in a Christian medical practice in the city of Buffalo. I am thankful that God has brought me through this experience of breast cancer. I will encourage others who now will walk in it. And for my daughter's generation, it will be different.

Buffalo, New York

Sue's Story from Ohio

My name is Sue, and I'm 50 years old. I went for a routine mammogram on August 22 of 2006, I didn't have any lumps or any suspicions. They called me in for an ultrasound and spot compression August 30th. Then on August 31 I had a MRI done. I went to see a surgeon a week later.

She suggested a MRI guided biopsy, so on September 13th I had this done. I got the call from the doctor stating that it was malignant. A couple of weeks later I went back to the surgeon to discuss my options. The tumor was large and up against my breast bone. It was invasive ductal carcinoma, and was the fastest growing type.

We decided that the best thing to do was a double mastectomy. On October 16th I had my life altering surgery. A couple days later I was released. I was in the emergency room twice the next week with infection. A week later the infection was so bad that when I bent over the infection would run down my side. I was hospitalized for a week.

After that, I was directed to start my Chemo in November. I had Chemo until February 21th. During this time I was hospitalized twice for extremely low red and white blood counts.

I started radiation on March 1st and continued it every day until April 5th. I was hospitalized for a 3rd degree burn from the radiation. If this wasn't enough I was also diagnosis with a brain tumor during this time frame. I had to get a pet scan and then they found a spot in my lung to!

My mom died of lung and brain cancer at the age of 50, the same age as I was. As if this wasn’t enough I was in an abusive marriage and had a couple kids still at home. One was a senior and one a junior. I kept leaving and staying with my cousin or my best friend to get my strength up. They took care of me.

When I went back home, I’d didn’t receive any support. The church brought food to me three days a week. This helped me get through this time because I knew I'd eat on those days. I also was "saved" during this ordeal. I know that helped me to fight and survive even though everything was going against me.

I was on disability from work and had hardly any money coming in. My soon to be ex-husband wasn’t working and we sometimes didn’t even have lunch money for the kids. Christmas was coming up and I was really concerned that I couldn’t give the kids anything for Christmas.

One day, a representative from the American Cancer Society contacted me because an anonymous person told them about me. They sent me a form to fill out about my income and situation, and it went up in front of a board to choose who they felt needed the help. To my surprise they called me and told me that my family and I were chosen to be sponsored. I cried when they came with the basket of items. I couldn’t believe how nice they were to me.

When you have cancer you really become part of a family of patients, survivors, and generous people who really care. I was given information about going to a cancer shelter and was able to get food for the family. I was also given a coupon from the Women’s Health Center to purchase a free wig!

Also, the Girl Scout Troop 1011 of Westerville Ohio made up a care package for me with all kinds of Breast Cancer items. Lastly, I need to mention that my best friend (who helped take care of me), and I had planned on walking in the RACE FOR THE CURE. I wasn’t able to walk due to my illness. So her husband and daughter put my name on their shirts and walked for me.

We hope that next year I can walk for myself. God Willing… I was never aware of all the special organizations and people out there until I was affected by breast cancer myself. It’s too bad that everyone out there can’t be aware and participates in support for the cure. You never know when it can hit you or someone you love. I want to personally thank all of them for helping me out during the fight of my life.

Well here's the good news, I'm coming up on my one year survivor anniversary! I found out that my tumor in the brain is a benign meningioma, and I can put off the brain surgery for now. The lung spot is just a nodule that they plan on checking on a regular basis. Lastly, I filed for divorce, and I'm living in my own apartment. I love my new found freedom! I feel like a new person for so many reasons! I guess the moral of my story is: If I can overcome all these obstacles and actually look forward to getting up everyday... You can too! Good Luck and may God bless you.

Tammy's Story from Virginia

My name is Tammy. I am 44-years-old. I am married to a wonderful man and have two very special little boys, 6 and 7 years old.

In early February, 2007, I was having some pain and swelling in my left breast. I was already scheduled to see my OB/GYN within a couple of weeks for my annual physical but I decided to call the doctor's office to let them know how I was feeling. They scheduled an appointment for me the next day. As soon as the doctor looked at me, he told me that he was fairly sure I had breast cancer, wanted me to have my mammogram done and see a surgeon to have a biopsy done.

On February 20th I was told I have Stage IIIC Inflammatory Breast Cancer. I was told the tumor was too big for them to operate and still have skin to be able to close the area without doing skin graphs so they decided to start chemo to try and shrink the tumor first. I went through four months of chemo and then had a radical mastectomy in August. They removed 10 lymph nodes from under my arm and 6 out of the 10 had cancerous tumors attached. I will be going for scans on October 1st to find out if the cancer has spread to other areas. I am scheduled to start 6-1/2 weeks of radiation this month and will continue with low dose chemo (Herceptin) for the next year.

I am trying my best to continue on with life as normal as possible. I have continued working through it all when possible. I am so very lucky to have employers (friends) that are willing to work with my crazy schedule and/or to let me work from home when needed. I have tried to keep my kids busy with the help of my family so that they do not get upset over what is happening. They were very concerned when I lost my hair...my 6 year old says he likes my "pretend hair" that I wear now.

My husband, kids, family and friends have been wonderfully supportive through this very difficult time. I am very blessed to have an unknown number of people that are willing to pray for me on a daily basis. I have received cards from people I do not even know to let me know that they are praying for me. What a blessing to know that so many people care about what you are going through and are so willing to help.

I don't know what is going to happen next but I am ready for it thanks to the support of my family and friends. I am going to continue to pray and fight every day with the hopes of hearing the news that I am cancer free at some point in the future. Until then, I am going to thank God for each and every day that he gives me to be with my family and to watch my kids grow into the very special loving boys that I know they will be.

Chesapeake, Virginia

Michelle's Story from Wisconsin

My story is about my daughter, Michelle. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2006 at the young age of 27. She had called off her wedding which was planned for 9/23/06 due to growing tension and stress. Then, just two weeks after making that very emotional decision, she found a lump near her armpit. With much reassurance that it probably was a cyst, she did pursue it further with her doctor. She underwent a mammogram, ultrasound, MRI and biopsy and with each passing test the results kept getting worse. She had a bilateral mastectomy on 9/13/06.

I am so proud of my daughter for the strength and wisdom she demonstrated to make very difficult decisions which will impact the rest of her life. She underwent chemotherapy with amazing courage. Rarely did she complain. Through this all she continued to work and tried to maintain a normal lifestyle. In the midst of all this she did rebuild her relationship with her fiancé. They were married at the courthouse in January, after she completed her last round of chemo. They are planning a celebration of their marriage on 9/23/07, one year later.

Michelle continues to struggle with the fear of reoccurrence. She is currently taking tamoxifen with hopes of decreasing her risks; unfortunately this also leaves her unable to even consider children for the next five years. I wish to nominate her because I am so proud of her for the strength and courage she has demonstrated. We have grown much closer through this all. I thank God daily for letting me continue to have her in my life and pray for the chance to have many years ahead to enjoy with her.

Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Carolyn's Story from Tennessee

I'm Carolyn and I’m 55 years of age. In August, 1997 I was told I had breast cancer. After six months of chemotherapy and one month of radiation, I lived five, yes five, wonderful years to find out again in 2003 that it returned. Having only to take four months of chemotherapy again, I was told in the 5th month, the chemo was the reason I now see a doctor for congestive heart failure.

After going through all of these health problems, I think many would have given up. I have had many wonderful people in my life because of GOD. Several had told me that I'm an angel to them, just seeing me enjoying life after 10, yes 10 years. I love life because I'm a much stronger woman. It's said, "what won't kill you will make you stronger." I'm a stronger woman that you can call "Storm Proof."

Jackson, Tennessee

Michelle's Story from Utah

My name is Michelle and I never thought I would have breast cancer. Like everyone else, I thought it would never happen to me but maybe to people I knew. I felt my lump in Nov. 2005 and went in for my mammogram like I should. It came back fine, which I thought meant it was a fibrous cyst. Then one year later, the lump changed and I went back for another mammogram. This time it showed there was something abnormal, so more testing was needed. This is when my life changed.

On March 26, 2007 I received the diagnosis that I had breast cancer! Wow, what a shock. I was lucky to have some very good doctors who wanted to do half the chemo treatments first so they could reduce the size of the tumor. This worked and in June we went in for a lumpectomy thinking we could get it all. We did not and on July 2 we went back in for a mastectomy. This time we were able to remove the entire tumor. I just finished my last chemo treatment on August 31 and will start radiation in October.

Cedar Fort, Utah

I have been very blessed through out all of this. I have a great husband who has been so supportive through all the doctor visits, surgeries and treatments. He would only allow me one chore a day while I underwent the chemo. He did not want me to get too tired as I am still working through all of this. We have learned so much about ourselves and life and what is really important and also how to help those around us. I feel very fortunate to have had this experience and all that we have learned and been blessed with. I could have done without the cancer and all that comes with it. Hopefully by Christmas we will be back on our feet and cancer free.

LaDonna's Story from Oklahoma

I want everyone to know about my aunt, LaDonna. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. She is a beautiful lady, with whom I've always shared a special closeness. She had found a lump in her breast and went to her family physician a year prior to being diagnosed. Her doctor sent her for a mammogram and told her that everything was fine. But, it wasn't.

The lump continued to grow and she returned to the doctor a year later only to learn that the mammogram she'd had a year earlier showed that the lump should have been biopsied. precious year had passed. Her prognosis was not good. She refused to give up. She underwent a mastectomy with removal of lymph nodes and was told that her cancer was very invasive and that she would have to undergo chemotherapy and radiation.

Her positive attitude continued, through chemotherapy, the loss of her hair, fatigue and sickness. She was still trying to live her life as normally as possible, so that her family wouldn't worry about her. She's an inspiration to everyone she knows.

My Aunt LaDonna completed her treatment and was told that she was cancer free. However, that was short lived. She had been having trouble breathing and underwent a PET scan only to find that she had tumors in her lungs. Her doctor here in Oklahoma told her she had about 6 months to live. Again, my Aunt LaDonna would not accept defeat. She decided to go to the MD Anderson Cancer treatment center in Texas. She underwent more tests and giving up has never been an option.

She is not undergoing treatment, however, her tumors are shrinking and no more have been found. Through it all, she has been a comfort and strength to many other women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. She visits them, encourages them, and gives them hope. She is truly a hero, in every sense of the word. I love her and want everyone to know what a truly remarkable woman she is.

McLoud, Oklahoma

Linda's Story from Michigan

This is a very short story about a wonderful lady I went to school with back in the day. Here is her webpage with some of her information: http://www.myspace.com/bluyz1966. She is in her forties and a breast cancer survivor.

While she was fighting breast cancer, her son was fighting Leukemia, a survivor at only 18 months old. She has been the glue for our 1984 graduating class. She has also been the most supportive lady, always sharing a kind word, encouragement or praise. She recently helped raise money for a classmate's family who passed away. She is graceful and kind, with a big heart for all, especially others who are cancer survivors.

Dolezan, Michigan

To learn more about Linda visit http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007709040301.

A Note from Linda:

GOOD NEWS! Well, I sure wish I had known this for the past two weeks, my goodness I have been through some emotions lately. The Univ. of MI doctors say that my Mom does not have leukemia afterall. She still has the Myelodysplastic Syndrome which can sometimes turn into leukemia and can "mimic" leukemia (*My son Ryan had that and his turned into Leukemia)- Anyway, we are consulting with U of M on alternate chemotherapy treatments to help her with the MDS. Many people have lived with that disease for years. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. Linda

Shannon's Story from Florida

My daughter Shannon had breast cancer at age 26 in 2004. They did a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation, and then she was on the tamifoxen pill until she got pregnant. She wasn't supposed to get pregnant, her doctor advised her not to, but she did. They wanted her to abort my grandson because the cancer could come back for her or there could be big problems medically or birth defects with the baby. He is beautiful and healthy with no problems.

Because Shannon’s cancer was hormone induced, they did total hysterectomy to keep the cancer from returning. This past July 2007 she would have been 3 years cancer free. But, they found a lump in the same breast and did a double mastectomy on July 20, 2007. She is cancer free again.

Because Shannon was 26 the first time she was diagnosed and we had no family history of breast cancer, the doctors really didn't want to do anything and kept putting her off until we insisted. They felt they caught it in time, but then it came back, so now we are praying it won’t come back after the mastectomy.

Shannon has been through a lot trying to work and take care of her son who is 18 months old now. They won't be able to do reconstruction until next year to make sure they have clear scans and blood work up until then. She is a teacher and did get to go back to work last week.

Ft Myers, Florida