Acknowledging Our Members Around the World!

Moderators

Our Community is made up of a diverse group of members, logging in from
around the world. We wanted to know what it's like to experience breast
cancer from diagnosis to treatment through recovery in different
countries. Some members have graciously offered to share their stories
from different corners of the globe. Read their stories...

ndgirl

I was diagnosed March 31, 2013 (Good Friday). I was about 2 weeks short of being a year from last mammogram and my husband had been in the hospital with issues and the drs thought he needed a nuerologist exam, so we took off for Mayo Clinic, long story short, he was fine, but while there I decided to check to see if I could get my mammo done as we are a few hours away and I always get them there. Yes, I got in the next day and their policy is you call a number in 2-3 hours later and a recording informs you if your mammo is complete or if you need further testing.. well it said I needed more checking, so called back and got a closer look about 1pm, that still didnt look good so they said an ultra sound was in order, so off to get that done. While on the table the radiologist said she really felt a sterotactic biopsy would be in order and I said when can we get this done? Would you believe they said in about 10 minutes across the hall!! Wow, I so love Mayo, no waiting because that is the worst. It was done and my hubby and I left to go to our son's which was only about an hour away. Dr. said she doubted that the results would be in the next day but if they were did I want her to call me or did I need an appointment? I replied I wanted to be called and know what to do next. I have been through call backs, ultra sounds and biopsys before so I really wasnt worried. Actually 20 years before I had been misdiagnosed when I was told I had breast cancer and my son lived in Texas at the time and insisted I come to MD Anderson for a second opinion, I had one already, but we did have a trip planned anyway so I agreed and turned out it was NOT cancer but a beneign breast disease... whew, thought I dodged the bullet! But here I was 20 years later (but not the same breast). I was actually set up for surgery then. I received the dreaded call from doctor and set up an appointment the next week and I decided to have a single mastectomy with no reconstruction. I chose that because the grade was 3 and I did not want more surgery for reconstruction.. not a fan of surgeries! I also did not want radiation if I didnt have too. I am taking the anti-hormonal arimidex, so far not too many side effects.

My mother had breast cancer at age of 57 and I was 64. She suffered from the effects of radiation and surgery. The rads destroyed her heart muscle and arm muscles and she died of congestive heart failure, not cancer, 11 years later. Another reason I chose mastectomy was my daughter in law had just died of this horrible disease 3 years before leaving our son and 4 young boys, so I wanted to get rid of everything I could. I had calcifcations that were very small and not even 1 cent. invasive from the duct but I wanted it gone! I spent only one night in hospital and went home to heal and am doing great. I found BC. org while researching before surgery, did not post at that time. This organization has been nothing short of a God send for me, such support and I feel these great ladies are my best friends now. My best friend has just been diagnosed with bc and I have urged her to join Breastcancer.org! These boards are lifesavers in many ways, so much good advice from someone who has walked the walk. I want to help anyone who is just diagnosed or wondering how surgery is, I sure did that as this was my first surgery and I was scared too. If my story helps anyone it is all worth it.

Some will say cancer is a gift... well that is not my opinion and if it is I hope whoever gifted it to me kept the receipt because I want to return it! But the blessing of life are a gift. Included in these blessing are: the amazing friendship of the gals on bc.org, support and love poured over you from family and friends. I am learning the value of giving.. every card, package, note, call, the list goes on teaches us to love generously. Sometimes miracles are hidden in bumps in our road, changing us as a person and I thank God for that gift! 

NDgirl from North Dakota

picture of me and my wonderful grandson (one of four) love them to the moon and back.