Debbie

Joan, first of all, Thank You for keeping it real. Telling your story when it is so recent has allowed you to put the focus on the disease, not the hair(or lack thereof), not the color pink -- all too often the more superficial part of the story.

I am a metastatic breast cancer patient, living with the cancer in my spine and ribs. It has been 13 years since my lumpectomy and radiation. Four years later, they discovered the cancer had metasticized and was in a vertebra. I required a spinal fusion, chemotherapy and radiation. A second spine surgery three years later left me in chronic pain. However, I am truly lucky to be alive, so many years into this journey. I truly believe the biggest reason so many women get breast cancer is because of stress. My cancer is ER positive so I've been through many different forms of endocrine therapy. I have a wonderful team of doctors.

Does attitude make a difference? Absolutely!

I wish you the very best as you continue your journey. Please know that you have truly made a difference by shining a spotlight on this disease and the courageous people who are dealing with it.