Debbie

My story began on Mother's Day 2006, when I discovered a lump on the side of my right breast....It was shocking to discover this when I had just had a mammo 10 months before. Everything was like a whirlwind and needless to say, I walked around like a zombie and so overwhelmed I could barely speak. I found a wonderful surgeon who said "we need to just take it out" and 2 days later I was in surgery. Unfortunately, it was TNBC Stage II (due to the size and 1 node being involved). The good news was my margins were clear. I took the time to find the right doctor for chemo which was Dr. N with the Mayo Clinic....I remember him hugging me telling me I didn't fit the mold, as I was a young, skinny women! After completing 5 of the 6 chemo's, the Doc said it was time to stop (neuropathy setting in with my feet & toes) and the next step would be 35 rounds of radiation. I remember after completing the radiation, my team & I had a sparkling cider toast to the end of my treatment....that was a memory I will never forget. My team of docs were the best, and I am so grateful to them for everything they did for me.

That was eight years ago and to this day, I have to admit thinking about it all seems surreal to me...did it really happen? I give thanks to God above for sparing my life and live each day with a humbled spirit.

Joan unlike me, I could not talk about my experience for a long time...I guess it was SHOCK, but I commend you for speaking out and sharing your journey with so many women who are alone and scared. I was shocked to see your pic on the front of a magazine and didn't realize that you were in this fight. God Bless you and I am praying for your healing and all that you do for others...you are an inspiration to so many.....My prayer is we need to find a CURE