After watching a two year battle my mom lost at the age of 30 (I was 10), when I received that report, my first thoughts were "I won't see my daughters marry and I won't see my grandson turn 5. Mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsies, pet scans, mri's, and immunology testing showed not only that I had cancer but that I had Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Feb 24, 2010, I had a bi-lateral mastectomy, followed by 4 rounds of taxol and cytoxin. What an emotional roller coaster this past year has been. So far there is no re-occurence, even though my year check up is Feb. 21st. I help deliver my granddaughter on March 1 (five days after surgery and with six drains and 150+ staples). I was at my oldest daughter's wedding in November 2010. My grandson will be 4 this March. A year ago, I would not have imagined that I would be back teaching school, working in the library at church, singing in choir, and working on my master's degree. God is so good and life can be good even with cancer.
Karon, you've been dealt a tough blow, but what a great attitude! You're coming up on your first anniversary of survivorship - things should just continue to get better and better. How wonderful all the milestones you've reached in this past year - thngs that I'm sure you were questioning during those first dark days after diagnosis. Congratulations on how far you've come - and best of luck as you continue the journey. PJH
Karen, when you put all your things in the right order and you look into the eyes of your children and grandchildren, like I did with my 10 year old, you fight, you work, you pray and you survive!!!! GOOD FOR YOU!