Patti

My journey began in November 1995 when I heard those words, you have breast cancer. It was devastating as I was the first in my family - both sides - to be afflicted with this ugly disease. I remember sitting in my kitchen with my husband after the diagnosis and saying that I wanted to see my son graduate from High School - he was a senior at the time - and to hold my grandchildren. Well, I was one of the lucky ones as I did have a mastectomy with reconstruction but did not require radiation OR chemotherapy!

My son graduated not only from High School but also the U.S. Naval Academy AND Dartmouth Tuck Business School. I have a beautiful grandson and a granddaughter on the way. I am truly blessed and could not have done this well without the support of a wonderful medical team, my husband, family, friends and my church family!

Joan, you will beat this! Have faith, my sister!! (Our birthdays are a mere 3 months apart as mine is June 9, 1950 so I feel we are kindred spirits!) God Bless you for your bold statement and your courage. Much love, Patti