How do the words breast cancer make you feel? Have you ever actually thought about that question before? Chances are you have. According to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure website, an estimated 207,090 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States in 2010.
These numbers are the reason that thousands of people will walk this year to help find a cure. I am sure that most of us have someone we love or know that has been touched by breast cancer. I personally have two aunts that have faced this battle. It is amazing how strong they are!
Recently, I met a woman through twitter who should be an inspiration to all of us. She is not only a breast cancer survivor, but a two-time survivor. After talking on the phone with her, I knew she had to share her story with you guys. I hope you will enjoy the strength she displays in the words she writes.
Visit Barbara’s blog at www.letlifehappen.com
This was a real stunner for me. I never thought that I would have breast cancer let alone become a two-time survivor. When I first discovered the mass in my breast, I called my doctor the next day. From there, things happened so quickly over the next couple of weeks that I was out of surgery before the shock of having cancer had time to even settle in. That was a true blessing.
Just four months later, cancer was again discovered in the same breast. I don’t believe that it was “new” cancer but rather two small spots that had been masked by the first large mass. Nevertheless, in no time at all, I was back in the cancer surgeon’s office with the recommendation that we do a double mastectomy with reconstruction. I was on board with this in a matter of seconds as it truly felt right to me and we were off and running in getting everything scheduled to do the removal of both breasts followed by the start of the reconstruction in one surgery. What a wonderful solution so that two separate surgeries would not be necessary and I wouldn’t have to go under anesthesia an extra time!
In retrospect, I realized that I never, at any time, even considered the possibility that my outcome would be anything but a complete success. I had wonderful doctors along the way except for one and I trusted my instincts when I was told by that doctor some things with regard to my treatment that didn’t “feel right” to me. So I requested a different doctor in that field and am so very grateful for being directed to someone else who took the time and did the testing needed in order to do exactly what was right for me.
I believe that the second surgery was truly the beginning of a whole new life for me. With the cancer gone and the physical changes that resulted from the breast being reconstructed, I am living a life that I would never have otherwise imagined – and that is just the beginning of the changes on a physical basis. However, something so much bigger occurred after the second diagnosis. My husband convinced me that what I should do was to write a weekly blog about anything that I felt like expressing and he would build the website. That has resulted in my finding a direction and a mission that would never have manifested itself in any other manner. I have never felt better, or have been happier, or as grateful for each and every day of my life as I am now.
This post was written by Barbara Jacoby with Let Life Happen.
* I am walking in the Susan G. Komen for the Cure as a Keep Going Blogger.
CANCER SUCKS! My Gramma had breast cancer…um maybe almost 5 yrs ago. She had her breast removed.
Now she is fighting Stage 1 ovarian cancer. She is in her 4th week of radiation. She has one more week to go. AND THEN, they will deal with the mass they found in her kidney (which was found when she got ovarian cancer).
again…CANCER SUCKS and is taking our loved ones.
You made my heart stop with that title.
Hope all is going well with your walking! I'm so proud of you!
I am fighting like a girl all of the way. I was diagnosed at the age of 30 in 2008 as a Stage 3. I don't have a family history of cancer so it was completely shocking. We need a cure now.
Everyone needs to know that young women can and do get breast cancer. It is often more aggressive and diagnosed at a later stage. If nothing else, women need to remember to do their monthly exams. If anything is out of the ordinary, GO see your doctor. If your doctor blows you off because of your age (like mine did) demand a mammogram.
Keep on rockin' it Barbara!
What a strong woman. My favorite aunt of all time was diagnosed about four months ago. She is in stage 4 which is not looking good. I love hearing these stories and really admire the wemen that show such strength. Thanks for this post!
Cancer is horrible and it completely sucks. My mom is a two time cancer survivor as well. She is now going into her 5th year of being breast cancer free. The Tamoxifin she is taking is almost over so we worry it's going to come back…we hope not. It's extremely scary. When she was 22 she had a hysterectomy due to ovarian cancer. Here I am now 30 and have had a breast cancer scare(turned out to be only tissue) and ovarian cancer(all testing came back normal after 2 years of abnormal paps. Nobody should have to go through this. I've watched too many loving and caring people in my life pass from some type of cancer, it breaks my heart. I've also followed many blog with children who have passed from cancer….so sad. We need a cure! So proud of you for walking, you're amazing!
I've read of few similar blogs and I am always amazed at the strength of these women living with cancer. I think we've all known people affected by this horrid disease.
I'm going to check out her site.
This campaign is doing such a service in personalizing cancer for everyone.
It was always the cool, cute, trendy thing to support. I mean good brands on board making things that I WANTED to wear!
Until my mom was diagnosed. Became less cute and more how to FIX this? So more into the actual money raising and doing things to help these days than just toting an adorable pink ribbon keychain (though I still have that too)
You are absolutely right the woman was really an inspirational personalty and amazing thing was she survived two times. My granny had the Brest cancer and unfortunately she couldn't survive from the disease..
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God Bless You Barbara, and all of you that have posted. Your stories touch my heart and are a reminder of the stuggles going on in womens lives everyday. Please remember a young woman named Michele in your prayers. She has a seven year old son and she is stuggling every day with this cancer. We so desperately need a cure!!!