SHARE YOUR STORY to win a "Cancer Vixen" memoir and "Ann Tenna"

Moderators

Breast cancer.org and Marisa Acocella Marchetto, author of "Cancer Vixen" and "Ann Tenna", have come together to bring you our #Vixens4Vixens giveaway.

Vixens are not victims; they're courageous in the face of cancer.

Are you a vixen or is there a vixen that inspires you?

If so, please share your story with us, and the thousands of other members of our community.

By sharing your story in this thread, or private messaging your story to the mods, you'll win Marisa's graphic memoir, "Cancer Vixen", her graphic novel "Ann Tenna", and a bonus Ann Tenna nail art set from Espionage Cosmetics.

In addition to you receiving these gifts, we receive the gift of your inspirational story that will be able to encourage others just entering this confusing and difficult journey. Your story will be featured here, along with the other courageous, heart-felt stories: Community Member Stories

Thank you for sharing with us, and we sincerely hope you enjoy the books and gift. Please do let us know, and spread the word!

With gentle hugs, and much gratitude,

Your Mods, Marisa Marchetto, and the BCO Team

Mary12611

My name is Mary. I am from central Ohio. I love riding my motorcycle. My husband and I both ride our own bikes.

One night my husband found a lump in my left breast. I didn't worry too much, I've had cysts, just thought, oh an other one. With my husbands persisting, I made an appointment.

Testing was done and Yes I was told I had cancer in one breast. My husband and I talked a lot about how I might want to proceed. I let a few friends and fellow lady riders know what I was up against.

I could not have fathomed how many lady riders would be my personal support group. Wow, I was floored. I had known some of these lovely ladies for a few years, to a couple of years. And had no idea what they had been through. Two women's support really got me through some worrisome times. My final decision was to have a double mastectomy. My husband was supportive of my decision. My husband went with me for my appointment with the surgeon. The surgeon was asking me question about my health. "Any cancer in your family? NO". Then he asks me ..."Do you still have your cycle? YES, my Honda Valkyrie is in my garage." I'm thinking, why is he asking about my motorcycle? My husband is trying to stifle his laughter. The surgeon is looking at me strangely. It took me a few more seconds to figure out he is not asking about my motorcycle, he is asking if I still have my period. Oh !, Oh NO.

My husband loves to tell this story. I'm still a little embarrassed by it.

TaRenee

Hi all. When I was in college we did a Christmas show and I was cast as Vixen. It kinda stuck. So I’d say I’m a pretty experienced Vixen, lol.

My story is nothing special. I was in bed one night and I found a lump. But I had found lumps before (2) so I tried not to worry. But this felt different. It was painful and was just behind the nipple. I called my PCP as soon as they opened and he worked me in the next morning. When he and the PA were checking me the PA said, oh I see it. What? Oh yeah, it was poking up. But don’t worry, they said. Go for a mammo and ultrasound. So across town I go a few days later. Mammo never shows anything ( at my last MRI guided biopsy we BENT the needle. Twice. Boobs of Steel.) and this was no different. But ultrasound, I had never seen anything so scary. There’s was a black hole. I asked the radiologist if that was what’s we we’re looking at. Well, around that, yes. I must admit, I was terrified. I knew, somehow, this was only the beginning.

Two weeks later I have my first consult with my BS. She’s amazing. I asked questions about the US and she showed me and explained it all. I expressed my concerns and she said that we needed to do a needle biopsy and I was fine with that. So we did. 4 samples. And then the waiting game. (Because, of course, everything happens on Thursday or Friday and I have to wait till Monday for the results). Imagine my surprise when she tells me it came back all clear. I was relieved, but unconvinced. And it still hurt. Then she says, “That’s not the result I expected”. Uh oh. Actually, me either. So let’s take it out. Great. Lumpectomy scheduled for two weeks later.

I go in for my pre-op and asked what happens when she gets in there and it doesn’t look right. Let’s deal with what we have and we will worry about results when we get them. But when I wake up in recovery she is there by my side and says, “ It didn’t look right to me so we did a stat path and it came back Cancer.” I wasn’t surprised. I almost said “I told you so!” But I didn’t. I turned to my friend and said, “She just said the C word. I knew it!” The poor recovery nurse was scrambling for tissues and I was like, what’s that for? I knew. Deep down, I already knew.

After the weekend (I told you everything happens on Thursday or Friday) I get a call with official diagnosis and we will have more tests run and more waiting. I went back about a week later for full pathology and more blood work. When she said “mastectomy”, I said “double”. Done, no discussion, we were already in agreement.

Five years ago when I found my last lump I wasn’t ready to make that kind of decision. But I was ready now. My family history is rich with survivors. And now, I am one too. It hasn’t been easy. Surgery and recovery is no fun. But in the words of my favorite movie series, “The Force is Strong in this one.”