2 Diagnosis and doing GREAT!!

I was first diagnosed with breast cancer (DCIS) a couple of week after my father died in 2001. I knew my mother was distraught and upset at losing her husband so I chose not to reveal my diagnosis to her; I wanted to spare her the worry. Then, as I'm trying to get my father's affairs in order, and after being diagnosed with breast cancer, my mother suddenly and unexpectedly died-10 weeks to the day of my father's death. We buried her on a Monday; I had my first of three lumpectomies on the following Friday. The emotional ups and downs of "we think we got it all" followed by a "no we didn't get it all" followed by another "we think we got it all" followed by another "no, you need another lumpectomy" wore me out. Then, on September 11, 2001 , my surgeon called me and said that the edges of my third lumpectomy were not clean and that I needed to have a mastectomy. On that day, we spoke briefly about my cancer because both my doctor and I were more concerned about what was going on in New York . But I do remember telling him that if he had called me with that news the day before, I believe that my reaction would have been very, very different.

My second diagnosis (ILC, IIb) came in late October of 2008. After a clean mammogram in June, I was quite surprised when all of a sudden I felt this large mass in my remaining breast. After numerous tests, scans, and biopsies, it was determined that I did indeed have cancer again. Because the mass was so large, my doctor insisted that I start chemotherapy the following week--what a great doctor I have for making that all happen! He even hand walked my biopsy to pathology.

After only 3 chemo treatments (I have the best Oncologist ever!!), the mass was down to 1/2 of its original size and my prognosis was said to be very good. I had my second mastectomy on May 11th.

I have about a week of radiation left and then in 6 to 12 months will get my new boobie! Every 3 week (until Feb. '10) I get Herceptin (Her2+). After that, I'll take Femara for 5+ years.

My "girls" will never sag as I grow old. How cool is that! I also learned that in my case, bald was not beautiful--it was a scary thing. And I got "way-used" to not having to shave my legs when I was hairless. What a roller coaster and range of emotions I experienced.

I Just wanted to share my story for those just starting their journey. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Make it funny, make it silly, and own it all the way.