MY PERSONAL STORY

Both my mother and sister were breast cancer survivors. My mother lived more than 27 years beyond her prognosis of 6 months, and my sister continues to live more than 30+ years cancer-free.  In July 2012, I too was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer and underwent a bilateral mastectomy, DIEP abdominal flap surgery, chemotherapy, latissimus flap surgery and numerous plastic surgical procedures.  My full story can be read in my book below, “AT WAR WITH BREAST CANCER." What I had to come to terms with is that as a survivor, I not only suffered and struggled physically, but also mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. Some survivors often expressed feelings of being afraid, feeling alone, apprehensive about what the future holds. Others feel their cancer diagnosis means immediate, eminent death. Yet, there are others who simply feel shame, wondering what they did to invite this dis-ease into their lives and bodies.  By taking control of our health, researching, studying, remembering we are the head of our medical team, we are able to become more informed about cancer and its impact in our individual lives. We encourage survivors to investigate their own unique cases of cancer, and become more informed.  Together, we are able to release the fear, the shame and the silence, by sharing our stories.  Then we are not mere survivors, WE ARE THRIVERS!