7-years ago.....July 24th, 2005....

Hi all...That was the day I found it...showering for a day at the beach...Never made it outside that day as I knew without a doubt that what I felt was the real deal, and was absolutely paralized with fear.  My official dx came later in August, but that was merely verification of what I knew...Interesting side-notes, back in 2005, MSK only allowed 4AC for Stage 1 women...Even triple neg or not so tiny (1.7cm) stage 1 like myself was not being offered taxanes....So for those of you who did not have 8 or so infusions....here I am after only the 4 (albeit dose-dense)...Also I would like to offer myself up as one of those unfortunate rare cases of women who almost died from treatment...Spent a couple of weeks on life support and many more in rehab...I mention this as I hope I took a bullet for all of you and I hope this will be a cautionary lesson...Newbies please be strong advocates on your own behalf...if chemo feels wrong, if you develop fever, be an annoying squeaky wheel and check yourself into the hospital...I thought I was being a "good sport" by not complaining...jeez, what a knucklehead!  Anyway...it was in the 90s in NYC yesterday and did make it to the beach this time...just past the pier in Coney Island...The sky was clear and the water was warm and calm....I love sharing this day with all of you.....