In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month I would like to share my friend Melissas story. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Please read Melissas touching words below about her journey. In Oct of 2011, I heard the life altering words we got your results and its the cancer. My world shattered....cancer? Me? How...I am only 37! I am healthy. Everything came to a standstill and I felt the fear of the word. It was Stage 1 Breast Cancer - DCIS or Ductal Carcinoma In Situ in my right breast. It was the best kind to get as it was Non-Invasive, but nevertheless, it was cancer. I chose to have a double mastectomy to reduce my chances of reoccurrence down to roughly 8%. The surgery was tough but the tissue stretching done after a mastectomy was the hardest. There were many lonely tearful night, but I made it through 4 surgical procedures and continued with my life. Fast forward 2 years - I had just celebrated 2 years of being cancer free and 8 days later, I felt a tiny lump and immediately I called my breast surgeon to have her check it out and a new roller coaster begin. This time it was Invasive Breast Cancer and my spirit was crushed as I thought not again. This was precisely why I chose a double mastectomy to significantly reduce the chances of this happening. This required a lumpectomy surgery (that makes 5) as well an Axillary Node Dissection which tested positive for cancer cells. That meant this time treatment would include chemo and radiation. I have struggled most with the weight gain during this second bout as it has been roughly physically to endure. Steroids are used to boost your immune system and that has meant that I have gained weight. Due to the fatigue induced by chemo, I havent been able to work out as i would like. The baldness is temporary and I pray the weight gain is too, but at the moment, I can focus on getting better. As of now, I know that I am strong and courageous! I also know in my heart that my true beauty has nothing to do with a thin body or beautiful hair. My true essence lies in my courage and that makes me beautiful. Hope that gives you some insight. Mel nationalbreastcancer.org
Posted on: Sat, 18 Oct 2014 07:27:52 +0000
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