My friend has been walking carefully through life, since her first encounter with breast cancer.  Here is her story, told in her words. Her surgery was yesterday.

The Other Shoe Fell, But, It Landed Gently!                                                                                                 

Breast Cancer–two words every woman never wants to hear.  When you do hear it, you pray to never hear two more words–It’s Back!

I heard all these words.  The first in 2000– breast cancer of the right breast, triple negative, as there are different types of breast cancer.  When you are diagnosed with this cancer, it means it is not estrogen-fed.  Therefore, chemo is a must, followed by radiation, but no after pill as that is only for estrogen-fed tumors.

Both Shoes Have Fallen

Nine years, eleven months later (911), the other shoe fell, something you live in fear about from the moment you are diagnosed.  This time, it was in the left breast and estrogen-fed.

Soooo, chemo again, but in ten years this treatment has been humanized–no sickness, no nausea, no bed time.

Now What To Do?

Radiation was recommended for the second breast.  After much thought, discussions, opinions, I am opting for a double mastectomy.  Since both breasts have had cancer now, and the first was radiated in 2000.  I was told that once radiated, the breasts cannot be radiated again.  Why so, after 38 radiation treatments?

If the shoe drops yet again, the only choice would be a mastectomy.  So, I’m doing it now!

Take Charge

The radiation scatters and hits other parts of the body.  My lungs were compromised after my first go around with radiation.  I don’t want to chance more lung damage.

Sooooo, double mastectomy and life moves on!

Don’t be afraid of the word cancer–research treatments and do what is best for you.  Take care of you, take charge, get a positive attitude, and life moves on.