Christine
‘I was diagnosed with cancer on March 30, and am now on my second round of chemo. So far, my most effective lifestyle change has been juicing. ‘
‘One day I was standing at my sink and in front of me was, OLIVE OIL!!!! I thought I would give it a shot, literally, didn’t taste great alone, but guess what, it eased the burning in my throat, so I use that now, just about 1/2 tsp. , it really works and I hope this helps other women as well.’
Patricia
‘I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer January 2014; i remember that phone call like it was yesterday. It’s funny how a few words can turn your life upside down. I didn’t change much beside my love of a great dirty martini.’
‘My advice to others would be, “relax and don’t worry it will all work itself out in the end…I really encourage the newbies to take one day at a time and stay positive and stay strong because we are strong.’
‘Thank you BCCA for offering an outlet for us to share our stories, because breast cancer is NOT just a pink ribbon.’
April
‘I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 29. I found a lump in my left breast and before I knew it I received a phone call from the Dr. telling me I had cancer. Soon after that I also found out that I was BRAC 1 positive. I found out how serious it is for A LOT of women and men in this world. I’m 32 and I’m still dealing with complications from my breast cancer. I had 7 major OR surgeries. I also have what is called fibrosis now so I actually have a lot of lumps in my breasts and will for the rest of my life.’
‘…Honestly I think it’s different with every single person. So many factors vary in every person. I would love to take the time to talk to all different types of women and tell them how this will change your life forever, but it doesn’t mean your life is over.’
Cath
‘I was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago and I have decided to share my survivor story hoping that the steps I took to get better and to remain well will help other women who may make my journey through breast cancer.’
‘One of my greatest joys has been overcoming my fear of cancer, knowing that I have a responsibility to help myself get better and discovering how to do this. Really appreciating my loved ones and life and not sweating the small stuff!’
Jennifer
‘I was diagnosed June 6th, 2014. I am currently going through treatment for my breast cancer. I have invasive ductal Carcinoma, stage one, grade 3. I was going for a follow up mammogram for my left breast when the technician found a lump on my right side. I had just had a mammogram 3 months prior to this one. They did an ultrasound right then, and decided to do a biopsy the next day. That following Friday the doctor informed me of the bad news.’
‘One thing I would say to other women going through this is that it is not a death sentence! We have come so far in just the last ten years; so many more of us are seeing that 5 year+ anniversary.’
Julie
‘In January 2014 I finished the last step of my reconstruction. Since being diagnosed, the lifestyle changes I’ve made include: being overall healthier, eating better, and being more active.’
‘My greatest joy is my children. Making it through my journey with breast cancer and knowing I will get to see my children grow up. That is my ultimate joy. Even if the cancer were to come back, every day I have is a joy.’
Nikki
‘I was diagnosed with breast cancer on June 18, 2013. What has helped me throughout this period is the support from my family and church. I am now motivated to help share and tell my story to others and to get more involved in this fight for others.’
‘One of the things that has brought me joy throughout this journey, is when my friends take me riding on their motorcycles.’
Susan
‘During Thanksgiving, Jenna, my 21 year old niece was complaining about a sore spot in her breast’, said Susan Mack, owner of Exit Lone Star Realty and breast cancer support person. After a biopsy was done, the doctor said “There must have been an angel pinching you, because it’s breast cancer.”
‘My grandmother had passed away from breast cancer, so hearing this news was scary but Jenna stayed strong’ said Mack. By Jenna’s 22nd birthday, she had gone through chemo and had a double mastectomy. She did all of this while continuing to go to school. She also took opportunities to go to fundraisers and fashion shows to speak to women about the disease. ‘She had amazing strength and I think her faith got her through it’ recalls Susan, who was there as Jenna’s supporter and cheerleader through it all.
Regina
My name is Regina and I have been dealing with lumps on my breasts for 30 years. Finally on January 19, 2013 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I heard about The Breast Cancer Charities of America through a friend who is also a cancer patient. I feel blessed that my rent was paid for so I could focus on my treatments and my emotional well being. The stress of my finances has been tough. I remain hopeful and look forward to seeing more days thanks to God, my family, my friends, great doctors, and The Breast Cancer Charities of America.
Kelly
My name is Kelly Fleming, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer on Dec 27, 2012. I had surgery to remove the lump on my right breast on Jan 4th of 2013. After surgery I started with 8 chemo treatments on Feb 14t. I also had radiation everyday for six weeks and finished on August 5th of 2013.
I am not able to do much like I used to, like taking long walks, my body aches due to chemo side effects. But I am proud of myself that I am able to go to work for couple of days a week then rest during the treatments.
Elaine
I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 which reoccurred in 2013, then I decided to have a mastectomy. The Breast Cancer Charities of America was there for me, eliminating the worry of paying my living expenses so I could focus on getting well. I feel blessed to have had their support as well as the support of my family.
I want to be an encouragement to anyone living with breast cancer. Breast Cancer today is not a death sentence, I know because I’ve celebrated my five year CANCERversary.
Sheila
My name is Sheila Rusk and I had been quite confident that cancer would never affect me for no one in my family had ever had cancer. We are “heart attack” people! And what made me so sure of this? Misinformation. My retention about Cancer has always been that it is inherited. I had a bought will basal cell carcinoma on my skin in the past, but I felt that was due to my natural red hair, light complexion and my love for the tanning booth in my twenties! When I was called by the radiology department to come back for a biopsy of my breast, I was shocked. After a second biopsy I was panicking. I by chance was in the presence of my new acquaintance Kari with iGoPink.
Theresa
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in the beginning of January 2013. I completed chemo December 2013. I am a survivor!
During my treatments I encountered so many changes and challenges. One of the hardest things was losing my hair and being hospitalized for a blood clot. Paying bills became harder on my husband and Ias I could not work. I had almost given up hope and then my social worker informed me of The Breast Cancer Charities of America. I received help and was able to go forward.
Tonya
In January 2012 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Two weeks later, my baby brother who had been in the Army for almost 16 years committed suicide. This was an extremely devastating time for me and my family. I was always one to donate to breast cancer awareness programs but, never truly understood what these people were going through until now. Immediately I expected the worst but, was due to the support of organizations like The Breast Cancer Charities of America I made it through! I am now two years cancer free and counting. I am so very blessed.
