Breast Cancer Survivor Thriver

Moe1978

I am an 11 year Breast Cancer Survivor or as Olivia Newton-John says I am a Breast Cancer "Thriver".  Olivia Newton-John has been my inspiration in surviving Breast Cancer with her music and positive attitude.   I found the lump myself in June 1997 at the age of 37 years old I was diagnosed with DCIS ER+ Stage 1 Breast Cancer.  I had a lumpectomy to the right breast followed with FAC Chemo from August 1997 through December 1997 and then Radiation December 1997 through February 1998.  During my treatment I listened to Olivia's music and it kept my spirits up and it helped me keep a positive outlook on surviving. 

In September 2005, I used the LivKit that Olivia Newton-John endorsed I felt a "fatty mass" on my left breast went to my doctor biopsy it was pre-cancer not a malignancy.   I elected to have a double mastectomy so I would not have to go through chemo and radiation again.  I had expander implants put in after the double mastectomy surgery.  Two weeks later the implants were removed because my body rejected them because the stitches were leaking and I developed a serious infection.  I had a second opinion and it turns out I am one of the few people that do not like something "foreign" in my body.  So I am fine with the way I am and so it my husband Tim.  Listening to Olivia's CD Stronger Than Before helped me get through this.   

My father passed away suddenly in April 2006, and we do miss him so much!  In August 2006, the Only Olivia Fan Club Board Members were kind enough to be able to get me backstage passes to meet Olivia Newton-John in Lake Tahoe after her concert.  That is a day I will never forget meeting my inspiration to survive Breast Cancer.  When Olivia Newton-John sings Instrument of Peace it calms my fears. 

Recently, in August 2008 I had to have a hysterectomy but luckily it was not cancer.  In September 2008 we had to board up our house due to Hurricane Ike.  Luckily our house has not damaged. 

I can truly say I am a Breast Cancer Survivor Thriver! 

ailenroc

Moe: Kudos to you for keeping on going forward despite it all!

MJLToday

Good for you!